KIERS, a national construction services provider, appointed Hercules Nationwide as the main scaffolding contractor to provide the access for major refurbishment to the exterior of the high level steels, signage and telecommunication scaffolding for the high level masts.
The RAC building is hard to miss – sitting at the junction of the M4 and M5 motorways, just outside Bristol. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, it is an impressive, energy efficient, technologically advanced headquarter building, standing 120m at its’ highest point.
Scope Of Works:
Scaffolding to provide access for major steel works refurbishment & access to upgrade signage.
Telecommunications scaffolding for access to high level masts.
Provide Structural Engineer surveys & Scaffold Design Engineer drawings & full loading calculations.
Access to mezzanine floor control centre.
Walkway across fragile roof.
Access equipment to high level steels & signage via use of industrial hoist.
Install working platforms to all areas for high level works.
Challenges:
The RAC Control centre is a very complicated structure to access with scaffolding due to its’ intricate architecture and height.
The Control Centre remained open and fully operational during the works.
The high level works would need to be installed directly above a glass panoramic roof, covering the main refectory & meeting rooms.
Provide a lifting solution to lift the access equipment to high level steels & signage. Working at 120m height.
With winter approaching, the installation, refurbishment & dismantle had to be completed on time.
Strategy:
Before the works began, we held a pre-contract meeting with the client to ensure that the scope of the project was fully detailed and understood. Prior to commencing and going on site, we carried out our own internal pre-start meeting to fully brief all teams as well as review risk assessments, method statements and the programme of works.
Scaffold Design Engineer drawings with full calculations were provided. Safety pedestrian fans & crash decks over cash point machines & entrances.
Liaison with Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames Council re Traffic Management & licensing.
Liaison with adjoining retailers.
Out of hours working & exclusion zones to eliminate the risk of working above pedestrians.
Emergency escape routes from roof via installed Haki staircases.
Supervised by Gold Card Supervisors / SMSTS throughout.
Result:
Hercules Nationwides’ experience in major scaffolding contracting meant that we understood the clients requirements and had the skills and attitude to deliver the project on time and to a very high standard.
There was minimal disruption to pedestrians, bank customers & the adjoining retailers.
Following the installation, the Hercules team fully commissioned the installation and provided the client with Handing Over Certificates & 7 day inspections.
During the installation, refurbishment & dismantle the Bank remained in operation.
The project was delivered 2 weeks ahead of schedule and within budget.