Client: Private client. Timescale: 6-week programme.
Globe Civil Engineering Ltd were appointed by a private client to deliver the groundworks for the conversion of an existing agricultural building to a new residential dwelling. The contract was carefully planned and delivered to the agreed programme and budget, providing a finished concrete floor ready for the superstructure to commence.
Overview
Globe Civil Engineering were invited to tender for the groundworks package on the conversion of an agricultural building to a private dwelling. Following acceptance of our quotation, works commenced on site within a six-week programme. The scope covered the breaking out of existing foundations, the formation of a new raft foundation, placement of a hardcore sub-base, fixing of reinforcement steel and the pouring of the concrete floor slab, all delivered to a finished floor level ready for superstructure works to follow.
Site requirements
Globe Civil Engineering were required to undertake all groundworks for the conversion, working largely within the footprint of the existing agricultural building. The works needed to be delivered to the agreed programme and budget while protecting the surrounding aged structures and managing access through the existing site fabric.
Methodology
Works were carried out using mechanical plant, including an excavator and dumper, with all operations covered by site-specific RAMS and undertaken by trained, competent operatives. Existing foundations within the working area were cut and broken out to achieve the correct formation level for the new concrete raft. A 0.3m hardcore sub-base was then placed and compacted, reinforcement steel was fixed in accordance with the structural engineer’s design, and the concrete was pumped into position to complete the slab. The majority of works fell within the footprint of the existing buildings, requiring careful working alongside the retained structures.
Site challenges
The principal challenge was working immediately adjacent to existing structures of considerable age, which required care throughout the breaking out and excavation works to avoid disturbance. Globe Civil Engineering mitigated this through detailed forward planning, controlled mechanical breaking and close supervision throughout, ensuring the retained fabric was protected at every stage of the works.
Health, safety and environmental
All works were carried out in accordance with the project RAMS, with appropriate PPE worn at all times. The project was completed without incident or injury. As the site was located within a quiet residential area, works were restricted to permitted hours in line with planning requirements, and deliveries were planned to minimise disruption to neighbouring properties.
Outcome
The groundworks were completed to the agreed programme and budget, with the finished concrete raft handed over to the client ready for the superstructure to commence. The successful delivery enabled the client to maintain their wider conversion programme and reinforced our ability to deliver complex groundworks within sensitive existing structures.
Key learnings
Strong client engagement and clear site planning were key to delivering a smooth groundworks package. The deployment of the company’s largest concrete pump proved a defining decision, providing the reach and flexibility to guide the boom through existing trees and over the retained structures, eliminating any risk of damage and removing the need for additional handling on site.
