School Challenges
We have three school projects for the West Sussex Local Education Authority currently under construction, but one in particular has offered a few additional challenges. A 6m deep, 3m diameter foul water sewer and shallow culverted river conflicted with proposals for two school buildings. These difficulties were efficiently overcome through detailed investigations on and off site. The proposed buildings are now of a different form to the original concept, and offer an equivalent usable space. These unforeseeable constraints have driven a more interesting façade to the building, which now includes a cantilevered second floor.
An Expert Witness
Vincent Carpenter has an increasing portfolio of expert witness casework, predominately in disciplines of surface water flooding, foul water drainage systems, and highway design and maintenance. His extensive range of clients include private individuals, management companies, local authorities, the Government Ombudsman, and UK listed companies.
Structural Engineering Advice
Jon Lord has been advising on a showpiece development in the South East in order to resolve structural problems on completed properties. These issues required detailed and sensitive solution not only to correct the original poor design and construction, but also to avoid blighting the development.
Ministry Of Defence (MoD)
Both the Chichester and Newbury offices have recently completed 30 infrastructure reports for the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association [SERFCA]. Larry Jupp, who directed this exercise, will be reviewing these reports with a senior SERFCA officer in order to produce a schedule of remedial works for the South East region.
Co-operative Stores Expansion
Larry Jupp is directing structural engineering designs on an expansion of Co-operative stores throughout the South of England. The majority of these works include the conversion of former public houses.
Raising the flags in Chichester
As a board member of Chichester BID (Business Improvement District), Vincent Carpenter has developed a scheme for the erection of 50 flags throughout the city centre. The design is close to completion, with the goal of erecting and unfurling the flags in July 2015. The opening theme will be the commemoration of the First World War with flags of many nations, including Chichester’s 35th Regiment of Foot.
Historic
Neil Grinham has been investigating deflection of historic timber floors in an outstanding Grade 2 * listed mansion in Warwickshire. The first floor contained lime aggregate, a form of sound and temperature insulation found in high status buildings such as Gainsborough Old Hall, Lincolnshire.
This form of construction dates from the 15th century and often carried a lime ash mix placed on battens between floor joists to a depth of two inches. This was often used in such buildings to offer a degree of privacy. Unfortunately its construction is liable to creep and eventual collapse.
