Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

CONSTRUCTIONMAGUK.CO.UK

Fibrelite Provides Bespoke

Dyer & Butler Completes Runway Improvements at Gatwick Airport

Covering Solution To Multi-Event Stadia Without Disrupting Operations

WILLMOTT DIXON LANDS LATEST BLUE-LIGHT FACILITY

SCHÖCK THERMAL BREAKS FOR WEMBLEY’S LARGEST SINGLE DEVELOPMENT

SOUND ZERO: ENHANCING ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC DESIGN

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Contents September 2020

06

Luton DART skills programme provides training to over 720 local people

07

Fibrelite Provides Bespoke Covering Solution To Multi-Event Stadia Without Disrupting Operations

10

Construction begins for new £14m care home

12

Three quarters of tradespeople want the industry to hire more apprentices

15

Sound Zero: Enhancing Architectural Acoustic Design

17

Schöck thermal breaks for Wembley’s largest single development

18

Avoiding Disputes – The Importance of Construction Contracts

22

New research report from Uponor highlights the expectations versus reality of high-rise construction

22

Morson Group Directors react to HS2 commencing construction works

28

Royal Borough of Greenwich announces £300m contract for New Build Council homes

29

Willmott Dixon lands latest blue-light facility

32

Dyer & Butler Completes Runway Improvements at Gatwick Airport

06

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Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 03

Company News

Mott MacDonald launches digital solution to supercharge survey, stakeholder and land management against traditional methods Mott MacDonald has launched Moata Land Management, a digital solution that enhances the management of surveys, stakeholder relationships and land access on infrastructure projects.

Developed in response to the increasingly disparate processes and sources that can undermine good stakeholder engagement and intelligence, Moata Land Management acts as a single source of truth, helping clients improve their land referencing, customer relationships, survey management and land access instantly.

STORA ENSO INVESTS IN CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) PRODUCTION IN CZECH REPUBLIC Stora Enso has decided to invest approximately EUR 79 million in a new production line for cross laminated timber (CLT) at its Ždírec sawmill in the Czech Republic. The investment will further enhance Stora Enso’s position as a global provider of high-quality engineered wooden elements and as a market leader in CLT. Production is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2022. The estimated annual production capacity will be approximately 120 000 m³ after ramp-up. The investment is expected to generate annual sales of approximately EUR 70 million when run at full capacity and to meet the Wood Products division’s profitability target of 20% operational return on operating capital (ROOC).

Construction is expected to start during the first quarter of 2021. Stora Enso invests in the latest technology, which, together with fully integrated production at the Ždírec sawmill, will provide customers with costefficient solutions and premium products.

Integration with the existing sawmill will also add benefits in, for example, raw material and energy supply, and logistics.

The Ždírec sawmill is favourably located close to the European markets of Stora Enso.

The investment is estimated to increase the number of employees at the mill by approximately 110 FTEs. Stora Enso has received all required permits for the project.

Currently, Stora Enso has three CLT production units with a total capacity of 270 000 m3: Gruvön in Sweden and Ybbs and Bad St. Leonhard in Austria.

It allows data to be visualised through both geographic information system (GIS) or tabular views, creating efficiencies and reducing risks by building a comprehensive single repository of intelligence for all engagements in a secure, intuitive and easily assessable digital solution.

Moata Land Management provides full control over land stakeholder management duties, where landowner records can be analysed and managed, with notices, drawings and visualisations generated in real-time. Parcels of land can be selected and interrogated, to schedule or action any land access, referencing or surveying activities. It is currently in use on major projects including HS2 where the successful production and serving of high volumes of statutory notices has drastically accelerated programme completion and reduced risks to future stages of the project.

All land referencing data is captured in a clear and transparent audit trail, allowing the history of a piece of land to be understood, from initial title capture, through landowner contact and consultation, to the final acquisition of the land.

The benefits of Moata Land Management include up to an 80% saving of overhead costs associated with land interest questionnaires, automated production including GIS plans, and improved site visit planning and prioritisation capabilities. It can reduce by 30% the cost associated with land management, and increase accuracy of surveys by up to 50%, driving significant cost and programme efficiencies on projects.

Brian Heller, head of Moata Land Management said: “We are able to reduce repetitive work to speed up delivery, reducing the number of abortive surveys by up to 20%, with less project waste and better results. It also delivers a better customer experience by improving stakeholder relationships throughout a project’s lifecycle, which is increasingly important to clients such as Highways England and Anglian Water. Through clever data management we can improve data accuracy and reduce the time it takes to complete results from months to weeks, speeding up project delivery.”

Find out more at www.augmenteddelivery.com

04 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

Company News SCAFFOLDING SPECIALISTS TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITMENT, DEMONSTRATED

BY ACHIEVING SAFECONTRACTOR ACCREDITATION Speed Scaffolding Ltd provide scaffold services and solutions to a range of large and domestic clients. They offer skilled advice, technical assistance and proficient service to all client contracts, and have recently gained SafeContractor accreditation to help professionalise their business and win more work.

“Speed Scaffolding Ltd provide a full end to end service including the design, build, management and dismantlement of scaffolding at project end. We are dedicated to delivering unrivalled customer service, safety and quality, and strive to continuously deliver a safe, professional and qualified Scaffolding workforce for our clients’ projects.” commented Lukas Krawczyk, Director at Speed Scaffolding Ltd.

“We pride ourselves on our record and commitment to health and safety and quality on all projects we undertake. We joined SafeContractor to demonstrate our uniform standard to health and safety compliance to new and existing clients. Having passed the rigorous audit process and gained a UK-leading accreditation, we can proudly evidence how seriously we take the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers.” Continued Lukas.

SafeContractor, the UK’s leading health and safety accreditation, verifies an organisation’s health and safety compliance and connects contractors to leading organisations through an online portal. This showcases their profile to hundreds of companies that only work with SafeContractor members, saves time and money when bidding on new tenders and gives them the peace of mind that their health and safety practices are complaint with the law.

Gemma Archibald, Managing Director of Alcumus SafeContractor, said: “No-one goes to work to get injured. Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.

SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process. During the current economic impact of COVID-19 its more important than ever that contractors enhance their reputation and win work. Achieving our UKleading accreditation demonstrates their commitment to delivering the highest standards of health and safety.”

Winvic on-site at IM Properties’ Mercia Park Having Successfully Won Significant Civils and Infrastructure Contract Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by IM Properties to construct Mercia Park. The 238-acre employment park is located in north west Leicestershire, adjacent to junction 11 of the M42, and will be home to leading international businesses Jaguar Land Rover and DSV Group.

Winvic’s £21 million civils and infrastructure contract comprises an extensive earthworks programme, where over 1 million m3 of material will be excavated and remodelled to accommodate the development plateaux and 3000m of screening bunds.

The earthworks have been designed to transport as little excavated earth from the site to reduce HGV traffic in the local community and highways network.

Additionally, 7,500m of underground drainage will be installed also by Winvic, three areas of highway improvements and footpaths throughout the park will be constructed and extensive landscaping works – including up to 30 acres of new woodland – will be undertaken. The civils and infrastructure works began on 2 June and are due be complete in December 2021.

Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, commented:

Having completed some vast earthworks programmes in the last few years, Winvic’s reputation in this area is becoming ever more robust.

“Our clients understand that we deliver schemes of any scale in a safe, expeditious and commercially viable way. Having worked with IM Properties on many other projects, it’s rewarding to know their team have confidence in everything we deliver; utilising the specialist trimble based machines and remodelling the plateaux intelligently to avoid disposing of excesses of material off-site illustrates our strategic outlook to design, regardless of the sector or size.”

Jason Jasper UK Project Director, from IM Properties, added: “When developing a scheme of this scale, it’s important to partner with trusted suppliers who not only have the resources and skills to deliver the project, but share in our commitment to create a best in class scheme, working with the local community and creating a positive lasting legacy we can all be proud of.”

Currently, a Volvo EC950 Crawler Excavator is being utilised on site to carry out a large proportion of the vast earth moving task; it is the very first of its kind and the largest crawler excavator to be used in the UK. The 90-tonne machine is capable of excavating 7m3 of material – and lift up to 39,900kg – in each bucketload, facilitating fast and efficient movement of earth.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 05

Company News

LUTON DART SKILLS PROGRAMME PROVIDES TRAINING TO OVER 720 LOCAL PEOPLE The Luton DART Construction Skills Hub has come to an end, after providing over 720 local people with the skills needed to help them enter the construction industry.

The joint venture programme, between VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier (VFK), Luton Council and its airport company London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL), was created in November 2018 and included a threeday course which encompassed training in Level 1 Health and Safety Awareness, Manual Handling/Working at Height or Fire Warden, Careers in Construction and Emergency First Aid. All trainees were also able to take their Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) test at the end of the three-day course.

More than 300 attendees were from traditionally under-represented groups and as part of the programme, VFK created over 80 permanent new jobs on the DART for local apprentices, graduates and other new entrants. One of these jobs has been filled by Glen, who before being referred to the academy was being supported by the Luton homelessness charity NOAH and has now been employed by one of VFK’s subcontractors working on the project.

Cllr Aslam Khan, Luton Council’s portfolio holder for skills and employability, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been so successful with this programme which has provided genuine life-changing opportunities and a route to prosperity for hundreds of local people.

Luton is enjoying massive transformation, with major regeneration and housing schemes offering a wide range of jobs in the construction industry, and we are on an important journey aimed at ensuring noone in the town is living in poverty by 2040.

“Our commitment has been to ensure that local people get the right support and skills to benefit from the opportunities, and align training with the needs of local construction employers. Stories such as Glen’s are an inspiration to us all.”

Olivia Perkins, VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier senior project manager, said: “It has been a privilege for our joint venture to invest in Luton and at the same time help with recruiting the 400,000 people a year the construction industry needs.

“We have exceptionally talented people working in our business who have helped deliver large infrastructure projects across the country, and it has been fantastic to be able to pass these skills on to others wanting to enter the profession.”

Cllr Andy Malcolm, chair of LLAL, said the scheme’s focus is now switching to supporting even more of the trainees into permanent positions.

06 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

He said: “Improving people’s lives in Luton is our main aim in our stewardship of London Luton Airport. In all of our development schemes across the town we look for innovative ways to make sure that our communities directly benefit. Our hope is that the iconic Luton DART continues to inspire people to actively consider a career in construction in Luton.”

A spokesman for CITB said: “One of the factors in choosing Luton as one of the original CSF learning hubs was because the town boasts a huge range of significant construction work, including infrastructure and housing, and clearly has a need for skilled construction workers. This has been an exciting opportunity for local people seeking opportunities to join the sector and employers who are benefiting from an increase in skilled workers produced by this initiative.”

The Luton DART (direct air-rail transit) is a major infrastructure project that will take passengers from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal of London Luton Airport in under four minutes. The scheme will be a double-shuttle, fully-automated people-mover, based on the latest system technology and design innovation, capable of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Case Study

Fibrelite Provides Bespoke Covering Solution To Multi-Event Stadia Without Disrupting Operations This London stadium approached Fibrelite to replace their damaged trench covers with a retrofit solution. The London stadium primarily hosts football matches; however it is a multi-event stadium also hosting music concerts, American football (NFL) and athletics. The client needed a lightweight and durable solution to replace the damaged trench covers. A solution that incurred minimal upheaval to the functionality of the site was also required, so cover dimensions needed to be customised to suit the existing trenches.

A retrofit solution was needed to replace the damaged existing trench covers

Problem Key issues surrounding the existing trench covers and requirements for a replacement: • Existing trench covers were in poor condition causing a potential trip hazard and manual handling issues • The trench must be accessed every time the stadium hosts an event, meaning heavy duty equipment had to be hired to remove the heavy existing covers and trench covers each time resulting in higher costs • Whilst replacement of the covers was essential, the client also sought a solution that would not disrupt the day to day running of the facility – any replacement covers had to fit directly into the existing trenches Solution Key features of the Fibrelite’s retrofit installation once it was accepted by the London stadium’s Head of Technical Services: • Fibrelite’s site team attended to install and walkthrough the new ‘fit and forget’ covering arrangement • The composite trench access covers provided can be easily removed by two people using the ergonomically designed and Fibrelite supplied FL7’s • Thanks to the coordination and planning between the client and the Fibrelite technical team – the new covering arrangement was installed and fully operational within 2 days

Previous trip hazard eliminated by Fibrelite covers that fit perfectly in the trench Results Following this successful installation, we hope to gain further replacement cover work on the numerous pits and trenches located around the stadium.

The customer has now achieved an aesthetically pleasing finish as well as getting the technical benefits of Fibrelite’s GRP trench access covers.

The trench must be accessed every time the stadium hosts an event

Covers can be removed manually using the FL7 lifting handles supplied by Fibrelite

Fibrelite covers are chemically inert so will not corrode over time For more case studies, click here to visit the Fibrelite website

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 07

Project News

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS FOR NEW £14M CARE HOME

Work has begun on the construction of a second, ground-breaking 76 bed Hallmark care home within one month which will be construction company Savista’s fifth project.

Midford Manor, which follows in the footsteps of their luxury Eastbourne development, will will be owned by Savista Development’s sister company, Hallmark Care Homes and built at a total project cost of £14 million across a 1.6acre site at Frome Road.

BRIGGS & FORRESTER SPECIAL PROJECTS COMPLETE RENOVATION WORKS AT UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Briggs & Forrester Special Projects have recently completed the basement refurbishment at the Robert Hooke Building, University of Oxford.

Special Projects were appointed as a Principal Contractor and delivered the full MEP services installation along with all builders works. The main works undertaken included the internal refurbishment of the existing basement, converting the space into a high quality laboratory facility with 4No. rooms, each with their own requirements.

Working with our in house build team, the extensive build packages included creation of new door apertures, complete joinery packages, new partition walls, specialised ceiling installations, secondary glazing, vinyl flooring and plastering and decorating throughout.

The site’s construction team were recently joined by Savista Developments Managing Director and Chair of Hallmark Care Homes Avnish Goyal, Hallmark’s Managing Director Ram Goyal, Deputy Mayor Gerry Curran and Head Teacher Claire Parfitt from St Martin’s Garden Primary School, to officially mark the start of the build.

The services included the strip-out, incoming supply, main switch panel, sub main cabling, distribution boards, DX refrigerant air conditioning, domestic water, laboratory water services, fume extract, mechanical supply ventilation, natural and specialist gas, oxygen depletion/enrichment alarm and above ground drainage.

The care home will feature a café, ice cream parlour, a state-of-the-art cinema and a luxurious hairdressers and therapy room.

The home will have a specialist dementia community as well as an abundance of outdoor space on all floors, including terraces, a roof garden and orangery where residents will be encouraged to take part in gardening and enjoy the sun all year round.

Tim Cunningham, Managing Director said: “We are proud to have delivered this high quality facility for the University.

The site team also plan to work closely with neigbours and students at St Martin’s Garden Primary School including creating a unique sculpture for the home.

The project demonstrates our capabilities working as Principal Contractor and our team are commended for their collaborative approach, working to demanding deadlines and overcoming the challenges of a highly constrained site location.

Managing Director of Savista Developments, and Chair of Hallmark Care Homes, Avnish Goyal said: “We are so excited to have started our fifth care home project with Savista since launching in September last year. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience building award-winning care homes and we cannot wait to create this luxurious care home for the community of Bath and deliver exceptional care in award winning designs for the benefit of future residents to be supported to lived active and fulfilled lives.”

Midford Manor, Bath is scheduled to open its doors to its first residents in Spring 2022.

10 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

WHEN A CONTINUOUS ACCESS PANEL MATTERS Connect is a new continuous rigid hinge Access Panel launched by Ceildoor Products for environments where a standard Access Panel isn’t suitable.

The new Connect Access Panel uses a continuous rigid hinge system which means there are no frames separating the door sections. This makes it ideal for when continuous access to ceilings or walls is required, such as in hotel or hospital corridors and when access to services is not in one specified location along a corridor.

The Connect Access Panel incorporates unique hinge features, utilising elements of Ceildoor’s patented Unihatch® solution.

However, unlike other panels on the market which use piano hinges, the hinges on the Connect Access Panel blend in with the doors and are not seen when the doors are in their closed position.

Manufactured in the UK from 1mm zintec steel with a welded door and frame and painted with a full polyester powder coating, the Connect Access Panel is typically available in sizes 1000mm and above (subject to manufacturing constraints). They are supplied with metal faced doors only with the option of picture or bead frame, and a range of lock options are available.

Ceildoor Products are renowned for thinking outside the box and creating innovative yet simple solutions, such as their patented UniHatch® reversible Access Panel door & 360o hinge system and Cap-lessTM lock hole cover.

For more information about the Connect Access Panel visit: https://www.ceildoorproducts.co.uk/ products/connect-access-panels-forwalls-and-ceilings/

GREEN LIGHT FOR 147 NEW HOMES IN HAMPTON MAGNA Work is set to start on a new housing development in Hampton Magna near Warwick after detailed plans were approved by the local authority.

Bellway has been given the green light by Warwick District Council to build 147 new homes on the 17-acre site off Daly Avenue, on the south-eastern edge of the village.

The development, which will be known as Hampton Trove, will include a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses and bungalows, alongside public open space, a children’s play area and allotments. A total of 59 of the houses, along with two of the bungalows, will be provided as affordable housing for local people available through shared ownership or rent.

Elaine Brown, Head of Sales for Bellway South Midlands, said: “Our new development in Hampton Magna will help meet the growing demand for new housing in the Warwick area.

We’re providing a wide variety of house types from our new artisan range to cater for the needs of local buyers, whether they’re first-time buyers, growing families or downsizers.

“We’re also going to be investing heavily in the local area through the planning agreement for the development, with more than £1 million in financial contributions towards education, health, sports and other facilities nearby. This is a sustainable location for new housing, within walking distance of a primary school, medical centre, post office and convenience store. It’s also less than a mile from Warwick Parkway railway station, which has direct trains to Birmingham and London Marylebone.

“We’re already seeing a great deal of interest in this development and I would encourage anyone hoping to find their new home here to visit our website and register to receive the latest updates as they become available.”

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 11

Latest News

THREE QUARTERS OF TRADESPEOPLE WANT THE INDUSTRY TO HIRE MORE APPRENTICES In a recent survey it was revealed that over 3/4 (78%) of tradespeople think it’s crucial the industry recruits more apprentices with 57% believing they are currently underutilised.

These findings come from a new survey by Dakea, a leading manufacturer of highquality, affordable roof windows that are built for the trade, which questioned 500 roofers, installers and local contractors around the country about attitudes and opinions surrounding apprentices in the construction industry.

74 per cent of respondents said that they believe there needs to be more support for apprentices and the skilled workforce of tomorrow. In 2011, it was estimated that

one in every five UK-born construction workers were aged 55 or older meaning that by next year, those people will be near retirement age causing a significant skills gap, something that can be remedied by apprentices.

However, the recruitment of apprentices can have significant benefits outside of the traditional construction job role. As the world looks to adopt more digital practices in the wake of COVID-19, ensuring those working in construction are adopting technology can have a significant impact on the success of a business. Despite this, only three quarters of the industry admitted they are fully comfortable with using technology compared with 100% of those that have been working in the industry for

The construction industry has been facing a skills gap for years, something that needs remedying to ensure we have enough skilled workers to meet industry demands in the near future: Having grown up around technology and social media, apprentices are digital natives making them best placed to help businesses adopt emerging technologies and futureproof businesses. Apprentices can offer a fresh perspective on potentially exhausted working practices and at Dakea, we believe that the more businesses invest in apprentices, the great reward they will see.

UCEM CONTINUES BUILDING PEOPLE SUPPORT WITH £50,000 DONATION University College of Estate Management (UCEM) has pledged support of £50,000 to enable Building People to work towards its aim of a more diverse and better connected built environment.

Building People was founded in 2017 and secured initial donations of £50,000 from UCEM, The Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT) and The Chartered Surveyors’ Company (TCSC) in 2018. Both UCEM and TCSC have committed to giving a further £50,000 in 2020.

learning and training opportunities, and an events directory; plus work vacancies (from work experience, to apprenticeships, internships, placements and jobs). This model will be white-labelled so that other organisations can benefit from the aggregating and connecting technology at a fraction of the price they would have to pay for independent development, creating a ‘network of networks’ using the same technology and all enabled by Building People.

Phase one of the Building People launch has seen the aggregation of 1,000+ organisations and initiatives that provide work, learning or support opportunities across the built environment, as well as the bringing together of relevant information and resources from across the surveying profession.

Building People is also bringing together disparate providers that work with diverse audiences through the creation of communities, focused initially on young people, women, LGBTQ+, BAME, exmilitary and ex-offenders.

Phase two sees the development of the connecting capabilities of the platform, as Building People provides technology to connect people to people (mentors/ advice and guidance); a directory of

Ashley Wheaton, UCEM Principal, explains why UCEM is keen to support Building People: “UCEM is proud to be a founding partner and continued supporter of Building People. Connecting the multitude of opportunities across the built environment is key to widening participation in industry.”

12 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

less than two years, who are most likely recently qualified tradespeople, highlighting the positive impact apprentices and digital natives can have on a business.

Undertaken as part of Dakea’s ‘Trade Matters’ campaign, the survey identifies the areas where the trade industry needs the most support in order to help the everyday life and businesses of roof window installers in the UK. To make sure that tradespeople can help grow their business via the recruitment of apprentices, Dakea has created a selection of free guides that includes: • How to hire your apprentices • How to develop your apprentice • Index of training collateral provided by Dakea Mhairi McDougall, Country Manager UK and Ireland at Dakea, said: “The construction industry has been facing a skills gap for years, something that needs remedying to ensure we have enough skilled workers to meet industry demands in the near future: Having grown up around technology and social media, apprentices are digital natives making them best placed to help businesses adopt emerging technologies and futureproof businesses.

Apprentices can offer a fresh perspective on potentially exhausted working practices and at Dakea, we believe that the more businesses invest in apprentices, the great reward they will see.”

You can find out more about the survey and download Dakea’s free guides here.

If people from all backgrounds can more easily find work, learning and/or support that is available from existing providers, then our industry will become more diverse and more innovative. It’s win-win all round.

Rebecca Lovelace, Founder of Building People shares the impact that such support has had: “The visionary leadership and truly collaborative approach of our three founding partners has made the world of difference to Building People. We have a simple aim - to create connections across the built environment to address the industry challenges of skills, diversity and social value - and it has been the investment, passion and commitment from UCEM, the CSTT and TCSC that has enabled us to move from vision to reality, and from planning to delivery. We have over 60 industry supporters, but Building People would have remained a bright idea without the significant input from these three organisations that have all brought a holistic and inclusive approach to enabling change.”

Visit www.ucem.ac.uk to find out more about UCEM and www.buildingpeople. org.uk to find out more about Building People.

GET THE COVERAGE AND IMPACT PROTECTION YOU NEED WITH THE NEW PREMIUM RANGE OF EVOGUARD® INDUSTRIAL HELMET VISORS JSP’s new premium range of high-performance EVOGuard® Industrial Helmet Visors offer ‘A rated’ high energy impact protection (190m/s) when fitted to JSP’s Evolution® range of Safety Helmets. The visors will also provide a useful covering to the face against coughs and sneezes and prevent workers from touching their eyes and face to help work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

EXCEL INTRODUCES ENBEAM BLOWN FIBRE Excel, the copper and optical fibre cabling infrastructure provider, has announced the launch of its Enbeam blown fibre solution with immediate effect.

The system includes a range of microducts suitable for internal or external applications, complemented with Enhanced Fibre Performance Units (EPFU) of 4 through to 12 fibre in both single and multimode.

The internal Enbeam microducts will be offered in the distinctive Excel ice blue jacket colour, whilst the external ducts have black high-density polyethylene outer sheath with aluminium foil inserted between the jacket and microducts to provide moisture protection.

Designed with a host of features by the JSP in house Research and Development team, this range of high-performance visors are very easy to fit, provide maximum comfort and protection with simple, effortless maintenance. Offering a panoramic Optical Class 1 view, the EVOguard® range of Helmet Visors, models C1, C2, C4 and C5 will also filter harmful UV radiation to protect the eyes whilst also offering high light transmission and enhanced colour recognition.

The EVOguard® C1 and C2 visors provide comprehensive facial coverage with a visor length of 185mm and the C4 MAX and C5 MAX option offer enhanced coverage of 215mm visor length with integral chinguard protection. All the EVOguard® Industrial Helmet visors are fully compatible with JSP half masks, disposable respirators, prescription glasses and the Sonis® helmet mounted ear defender range. For Electric Arc Protection, choose the EVOGuard® C5 MAX which meets the requirements of GS-ET-29, providing eye and face protection against a risk of a fault arc: GS-ET-29 Class 1, 4kA (155KJ/ m² or 3.7 cal/cm²). EN Website: www.jspsafety.com

Ross McLetchie, Mayflex Sales Director comments, “As bandwidth demand continues to grow, we are experiencing increased demand across our Enbeam fibre offering, so the introduction of the blown fibre solution could not come at a better time.”

For further details call the Excel sales team on 0121 326 7557 or visit the Excel website to read the full press release: https://www.excel-networking.com/news

SNICKERS’ NEW 4-WAY STRETCH 07/09/2020 CM92000710:34:32 JSP Limited- QP.indd TROUSERS GIVE MAXIMUM MOBILITY

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24/08/2020 14:27:37

These NEW slim-fit stretch trousers deliver extreme working comfort all day, every day.

Hi-tech fabrics and bodymapping designs in the NEW multi-purpose ALLROUNDWork 4-Way Stretch Trousers from Snickers Workwear ensure maximum working mobility wherever you are on site.

The 4-way stretch fabrics integrated into these Work Trousers deliver maximum freedom of movement for all kinds of work all year round as well as improved ventilation and overall comfort.

With great fit and superb value for money they have a slimmer tailored fit for better all-round looks and protection against snagging. Plus reinforced stretch Cordura in the certified KneeGuard System for greater flexibility, comfort and durability. They’re specially designed to take the new D30 ERGO Craftsman Kneepad.

Check out all the Stretch Garments from Snickers Workwear – the optimal choice for craftsmen and women who need to get every job done comfortably and efficiently on site.

Getting information on the Snickers’ new Stretch Trousers is easy.

You can call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

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Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 13

24/08/2020 14:48:56

Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

greenblue.com 0800 018 7797

Proud to support the design and installation of award winning Urban Tree Planting projects

SOUND ZERO:

ENHANCING ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC DESIGN London-based acoustic solutions provider, Sound Zero, outlines its philosophy, approach and how it is paving the way for design-led acoustic innovation.

“Acoustics and design is about balance,” notes Sound Zero’s director, Gavin Brightman.

“Quite often, we have to combine client aspirations, architectural and aesthetic constraints, the laws of acoustics and current guidance in order to provide a complete solution”.

Sound Zero’s aims are clear: Blending acoustics and design to create a better environment for all.

The team’s areas of expertise include: • Office and retail spaces • Educational environments • Healthcare facilities • Music studios • Mixed-use developments • Gyms • Hotels • High-end residential projects • Performance spaces Led in part by acoustics expert, Luke Warwick, Sound Zero’s approach aims to combine the ever changing and more demanding requirements of modern construction, with a design philosophy that places the client’s personality and imagination at the forefront of everything Sound-Zero creates.

Acoustics and design is about balance. Quite often, we have to combine client aspirations, architectural and aesthetic constraints, the laws of acoustics and current guidance in order to provide a complete solution.

Their client-winning design philosophy stems from a combination of different experience, with Luke working in various technical roles within and around the acoustics industry and Gavin’s many years of design and branding background.

This has led to a wide variety of commissions where the team has transformed spaces for some of the world’s most prestigious brands, from Facebook to Universal Music. The team’s creative prowess can be seen most recently in The Kernel Brewery’s converted railway archcome taproom in South East London, right through to the Natural History Museum in the Nation’s capital.

Sound Zero aims to not only change the image of the acoustics industry but also set out a clear path to reduce its impact on the environment.

With a forward thinking outlook towards new materials and manufacturing techniques, Sound Zero prides itself on its green credentials. The team recently led talks about the construction world’s impact on the environment for two consecutive years at some of the UK’s leading environmental seminars, due to their facility being one of the only manufacturers in the South East of England to house its very own recycling facility. This facility is also used by many organisations in the surrounding area, converting hundreds of tons of waste a year into usable acoustic products which would otherwise have gone to landfill.

The team also champions the use of recycled materials within the manufacture of their products, utilising Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – recycled plastic bottles – as one of their main product offerings. This - combined with their unique acoustic wall panel options - establishes the team as innovators within their space.

Offering surveys, advice, designs, products and technical support throughout, Sound Zero is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all your architectural acoustics needs. For more information, head over to www.sound-zero.com or email info@sound-zero.com.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 15

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SCHÖCK THERMAL BREAKS FOR WEMBLEY’S LARGEST SINGLE DEVELOPMENT Canada Gardens is the largest single development site that Quintain, the developer behind the regeneration of Wembley Park, is undertaking in the area.

Set around a landscaped courtyard and podium-level communal gardens, Canada Gardens comprises seven stepped height buildings, ranging from 12 to 26 storeys, which provide 743 residential apartments.

The tallest unit being a landmark building to the northern end of Wembley Park. It conceals an energy centre, which feeds other developments within the vicinity and at rooftop level features a residents lounge and a rooftop garden with exceptional views across London. A number of the buildings at Canada Gardens have in fact been angled at 45 degrees to optimise general views throughout the whole of the site. The concrete frame buildings have façades predominantly of brick and glass – and a notable feature throughout the development is the number of generous steel balconies. The structural and long– term thermal insulation performance of these balconies is critical and as with many of the other major projects at Wembley Park, Schöck Isokorb load-bearing thermal insulation elements are the preferred solution.

Hundreds of cantilevered steel balconies Local heat loss is the immediate effect of poor insulation at cantilever connection points and this results in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building. In addition, low internal surface temperatures in the area of the thermal bridge can cause condensation, leading not only to structural integrity problems with absorbent materials such as insulation products or plasterboard, but also mould growth. This has serious health implications for residents in the form of asthma and allergies. So for any project involving balcony detailing, the prevention of thermal bridging is a critical issue. There are hundreds of balconies

installed at Canada Gardens and the Schöck Isokorb type used throughout is a load-bearing thermal insulation element with 80mm insulation thickness, for connecting cantilevered steel balconies to a reinforced concrete slab. The units are ideal in resolving any technical, thermal and structural issues involved in the design of modern steel balconies and guarantee there is no risk of condensation, mould or corrosion. Other applications for the product include steel canopy roofs, façade substructures and brise soleil systems.

Enormous freedom of design As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks, Schöck is able to offer planners complete construction dependability and total freedom of design, with the almost limitless variants available in its main Isokorb range. The comprehensive Schöck Isokorb range offers solutions for concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel, steel-to-steel, a thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls – and even a

maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. The temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) which must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings, is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb. All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and the NHBC. They also offer LABC Registration and have independent BBA Certification.

For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide; the Schöck Specifiers Guide or to view the range of downloadable software, contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 or visit the website at www.schoeck.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 17

Feature

AVOIDING DISPUTES – THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS Contracts are an important part of the process of any construction project. A construction contract such as a JCT or NEC Contract provides important protection for Main Contractors, Subcontractors and Building Employers and is vital in preventing disputes.

Primarily the contract safeguards against payments and guaranteeing adequate work, but if a dispute arises, construction contracts can also dictate how the parties move forward to resolve the issue. Simon Dunkling, Director at Arbicon ADR Ltd, Construction Dispute Experts, explains the importance of using a properly drafted written contract for construction projects and the negative impact if the correct terms are not included.

The Issues with Verbal Contracts A construction contract does not have to be in writing. A contract simply requires an offer, acceptance, consideration and intent. Quite simply if there is no written contract then once the parties agree for the construction work to be undertaken and the contractor commences that work then a contract is formed on the basis of the verbal agreements and subsequent performance.

However, with verbal contracts the question then arises as to what terms apply to that contract, for example: • Is there an agreed lump sum price or any agreed price at all? Is the price subject to remeasure or fluctuations? Can the contractor legitimately ask for more money if they take longer on site or the price of materials changes?

• Is there an agreed programme? Who is liable if the works are delayed?

• • • •

Is there an agreed scope? Can the employer change the scope and what happens to the prices, programme, and terms if the scope changes?

What are the payment terms? How often are payments made? Can the contractor ask for money up front? Are deposits refundable or not?

What if the parties fall out, how is the dispute resolved?

What if one of the parties walks away or terminates the contract? Can they legitimately do this and what process must be followed?

Without any written terms the answers are defined by the applicable law and the parties’ verbal agreement. In practice, these questions usually arise after the problem has already manifested, leading to the parties being in dispute as to what terms apply and what rights each party has.

Care must be taken to ensure that the construction contract is well written and incorporates all the necessary content. A badly written contract is of little use or can itself be harmful if the terms are unclear.

No Written Contract Terms In the absence of written terms, one of the biggest problems with verbal contracts is therefore accurately defining the content of those verbal discussions to establish the party’s true rights and legal remedies.

As you would expect when the parties are in dispute, they typically have differing recollections of the verbal agreements, especially when the discussions may have taken place many months prior.

Furthermore, in some instances, one party may simply be dishonest about what was discussed when the evidence is limited to “your word against mine”.

A Robust Written Construction Contract The above issues can be avoided by simply having a written construction contract that properly records the agreement reached between the parties and each party’s rights and obligations.

Simon Dunkling, Director at Arbicon ADR Ltd

18 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

As well as recording the basic agreement as to price, scope and time, the contract should also set out defined procedures for how the parties will manage the works, including how to manage changes to the works, payment provisions, dispute resolution and so forth. A robust document, such as standard industry form, will even record how risk should be allocated for other potential issues that may not have

Feature even crossed the parties minds had they opted for a verbal agreement, for example: • Which party takes on the risk if materials and labour prices change, • Who is responsible for the design of the works, • What damages will be payable if the project is delayed, • The type and level of insurance each party will hold, • The warranties that will be provided by the contractor or their subcontractors, and

•

Confirming who carries the risk of delays and cost changes if the working conditions differ to what was expected (Covid-19 being a prime example).

By formally recording such matters in writing the assumptions and ambiguity are removed. This in turn aids the management of the works, reduces the likelihood of problems occurring later down the line and avoids dispute as to what terms apply, unlike in the verbal contract.

Ask the Experts Care must be taken to ensure that the construction contract is well written and incorporates all the necessary content. A badly written contract is of little use or can itself be harmful if the terms are unclear. To ensure that a contract is robust it is typical to make use of a standard industry form such as one of the many forms available from the JCT contract or NEC contract suites, ensuing to select the form that best suits your construction project and procurement route. The correct content and appendices must be included to capture the agreement, and the form should only be amended to include any bespoke risk allocation agreed between the parties.

At Arbicon we provide a full contract selection and drafting services for Main Contractors, Subcontractors and Building Employers. We advise on the most suitable contract form to be used, advising on any bespoke content required, and undertake the full preparation, issuing, and negotiation of contract terms. Construction disputes can be costly, risky and potentially damaging to relationships between Main Contractors, Subcontractors and Building Employers.

Ensuring the correct contract is in place from the start can help construction projects run smoothly and aid dispute avoidance.

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Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 19

BT1 - GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGY IN RESISTING E. COLI AND MRSA In times of heightened health risks and being cautious of what we put into our homes, it is now the time take a more in depth look at BT1, the latest technology from CT1 and making sure we always use the healthiest choice in our homes and new builds.

In an era of uncertainty and high tension due to COVID-19, we are concerned about the health of our nation and home dwellers. Not only that, but those in clinics, schools, and hospitals where the most vulnerable are.

CT1 which is the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive, is the healthiest choice for the home. Boasting over 25 accreditations, this makes CT1 the healthiest choice for your home.

CT1 has an EC1 certification for the lowest emissions, A+ Green, which is awarded for lowest indoor emissions green rated, Green ISO standard and the most unique accreditation and highly accredited, is The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association.

The NAAF logo is highly sought after and one of the hardest accreditations to receive.

The association test and awards products on their ability to reduce asthma and allergy attacks in the home, and CT1 The Snag List Eliminator has been awarded this. CT1 is the only sealant and adhesive globally to achieve this – a label recognised globally as the highest in its authority for advising and testing of products that reduce asthma and allergy in the home.

CT1 with a unique TRIBRID® formulation has no solvents and is also the most user-friendly sealant and adhesive to use with no odour. CT1 also has an ISEGA food certificate.

But never to rest on their laurels, CT1 who lead the way in research and development for the building industry, realised a massive gap in the market for a unique product for the bathroom only. One which creates a clinically clean bathroom! On testing and developing the product, the lab tests came back with some unique results.

BT1 Bathroom Sealant Number 1, which has been created to completely fight off bacteria, fungus, and all pesticides. This ground-breaking technology was formulated

20 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

over a 4-year period and vigorous testing has created the highest spec sealant on the market to date.

BT1 has a guarantee of colour retention, for up to 25 years. It has been scientifically formulated in a manner in which bacteria/ microbes cannot survive, making it easier to maintain a more hygienic surface free from solvents and isocyanates. This makes it the ideal sanitaryware product and a product for all public health institutions and clinics.

The real breakthrough that is most prevalent at such a time of the spread of infections and high-risk level contagious disease, is that BT1 has also been proven to resist microbes such as MRSA, E. coli and Campylobacter.

This has changed the way in which clinics and hospitals will now protect their surface areas and indeed for the construction of new builds!

Hospitals such as Solihull Hospital in Birmingham, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton amongst a few other institutions are now using BT1 for facility repair and maintenance work, for creating a healthier environment.

Many factories in food processing and handling are also now using this groundbreaking product.

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Latest News

NEW RESEARCH REPORT FROM UPONOR HIGHLIGHTS THE EXPECTATIONS VERSUS REALITY OF HIGH-RISE CONSTRUCTION A new report from Uponor, the total solutions provider of systems for the safe transportation of water around a building, has revealed that the industry does not feel equipped enough to deal with the current demands of high-rise construction. With a record number (60) of tall buildings completed in London alone last year and over 500 more in the pipeline, there is no doubt that the trend for high-rise construction is continuing, but according to the new research, it appears those responsible for the design and delivery of these buildings are being presented with significant challenges.

Uponor’s report, ‘High-Rise and Net-Zero Buildings of Tomorrow: Is the Construction Industry Ready?’ draws on the findings of a survey of over 200 construction professionals, which examined the expectations facing the sector with regards to the delivery of suitable highrise buildings in relation to three key themes: healthy buildings, technology in construction and net-zero buildings, and how realistic these expectations really are.

Emerging from the research was the view that buildings shape our health and wellbeing on a daily basis with 89% of those surveyed agreeing. However, almost two thirds of those surveyed said that in the current climate, creating a truly healthy building simply isn’t possible without compromise. The report, produced by Uponor in conjunction with mechanical and electric (M&E) consultants

from across the UK, also reveals expert opinion on net-zero buildings and the use of technology in construction, with debate on how the evolving nature of the industry is affecting their work and how the sector can overcome the challenges exposed.

James Griffiths, Project Development Director at Uponor, said: “Uponor has worked in the high-rise sector for many years and has played a crucial role in the delivery of safe and fit-for-purpose water delivery systems in some of the best-known buildings in the UK. Now however, it is time for us to look forward and to gain insight into the future of the sector and see how the industry needs to respond in order to meet current and future expectations, particularly where water management in high-rise is concerned.

Our tall buildings are no longer feats of engineering in themselves; demands require them to be net-zero, support the health and wellbeing of their inhabitants and utilise the latest in modern technology in their construction. It seems the sky is the limit for the future of high-rise in the UK and this report looks into how feasible this is for our industry.”

High-Rise and Net-Zero Buildings of Tomorrow: Is the Construction Industry Ready?’ report can be downloaded in full here: www.uponor.co.uk/specification/ whitepaper

For more information on Uponor and the solutions it offers, please visit: https://www.uponor.co.uk/

22 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

MORSON GROUP DIRECTORS REACT TO HS2 OFFICIALLY COMMENCING CONSTRUCTION WORKS Comments from Gary Hardaker, executive director at Vital Human Resources and Gary Smithson, associate director at Morson International. Vital Human Resources and Morson International are both part of the Morson Group.

“HS2 is badged as one of Britain’s biggest catalysts for growth and today’s announcement that spades have officially broken ground is a landmark moment in the infrastructure project’s schedule.

HS2 provides a unique opportunity to all; from those entering the market at a junior level, those already within the industry who wish to upskill and those with the transferable skills to reskill and transition into the sector. At the Morson Group, we are focused on redeploying workers from struggling sectors to flourishing ones to preserve jobs, protect livelihoods and rebuild businesses, whilst also supporting our supply chain partners to achieve their SEE Outputs and ED&I targets that go beyond just gender diversity.

Latest News HOMES BOOST FOR BRADFORD AND KEIGHLEY AS MANNINGHAM HOUSING ASSOCIATION SEALS £50.5 MILLION FUNDING DEAL Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has secured a £50.5 million financial package to provide affordable homes in Bradford and Keighley.

The deal, which is made up of £36.05 million of new cash from Royal Bank of Scotland and £14.45 million of existing funds, will enable MHA to increase its housing stock by more than 100 properties over the next five years.

Shendi Keshet

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said the agreement would add another chapter to the association’s growing success story less than four years after it received poor performance ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing.

“In late 2016, MHA had its governance rating downgraded from G1 to a non-compliant G3, followed shortly afterwards by a financial viability reduction from V1 to V2,” he explained.

“This led to a major organisational review, resulting in the recruitment of a new Chair in Barrington Billings, new board members and my own appointment as Chief Executive in January 2018. Later that year, following rigorous inspections, the Regulator restored MHA’s financial viability rating to V1.

“Governance was also improved to G2 before being raised to G1 in March 2020, meaning the association now holds the highest gradings available. The team has gelled incredibly well throughout this period and expanded further, including the arrival of Shendi Keshet as Director of Finance and Resources to lead negotiations on the funding deal.

“Whilst the project has been underway for several years, this marks the start of construction and will provide a key confidence boost in its delivery with the public now able to see the high speed line physically come to life for the first time.

“This news couldn’t come at a more poignant time – the UK is firmly focused on rebuilding a healthy and resilient economy against the backdrop of COVID-19. Yet out of adversity comes opportunity, with the HS2 project requiring a workforce that is set to reach more than 22,000 people at its peak. From apprenticeships through to skilled blue and white collar disciplines, HS2 will create thousands of rewarding careers, and our efforts to support the project’s supply chain partners in sourcing and retaining the best talent is well underway, having supported the first phases of delivery to provide talent to fill numerous commercial, design, ground investigation and geotechnical study roles, to name but a few.

“HS2 provides a unique opportunity to all; from those entering the market at a junior level, those already within the industry who wish to upskill and those with the transferable skills to reskill and transition into the sector.

“At the Morson Group, we are focused on redeploying workers from struggling sectors to flourishing ones to preserve jobs, protect livelihoods and rebuild businesses, whilst also supporting our supply chain partners to achieve their SEE Outputs and ED&I targets that go beyond just gender diversity. Such objectives

are mandated by HS2 Ltd to ensure the project provides a lasting legacy beyond the build, and we are committed to working collaboratively with our partners and peers to lead by example, share best practice including our core safety values, together with using fresh innovation to work smarter and achieve ongoing efficiencies in every area of what we do.

“Today’s focus is on sourcing the blue collar talent needed to deliver the civils and construction phases, from labourers through to concrete operatives, and our understanding and expertise in infrastructure, as the rail sector’s number one recruiter, positions us as a go-to talent partner. We are committed to ensuring the infrastructure programme achieves its objectives and wider social value agenda, from prioritising local talent to delivering trained apprentices that can help plug skills gaps during future peaks.

“Looking beyond the clear employment and workforce mobility advantages, HS2 will provide fresh benefits for the communities and areas it passes through, whilst respecting the people it impacts and remaining sensitive to their needs. As the spine of the UK’s transport network, the high speed line will bring more destinations within easy reach, as it unlocks new focal points for regeneration and the opportunity for more areas – particularly those within the North – to establish themselves as key retail, leisure and cultural destinations, with the project’s wider regeneration benefits set to also create c.100,000 new homes and up to half a million new jobs.”

“Having been unable to add to our housing stock for a considerable period, we aim to grow our property portfolio by around 10% over the next five years – taking the total number of units to more than 1,500.

These are exciting times for MHA, particularly in the wake of the changes made to improve what we do and how we do it. We can now concentrate fully on our core mission of providing high quality affordable homes to individuals and families in Bradford and Keighley who really need them.

Shendi Keshet, MHA Director of Finance and Resources, said the growth in housing stock would be achieved by a combination of new build properties, acquisitions on the open market and a programme of bringing empty homes back into use.

“A Unit Growth Strategy was finalised well in advance of the funding package being agreed,” she continued.

“It equips us with a coherent roadmap to invest in the purchase and refurbishment of existing properties, as well as the construction of new affordable homes.

“This carefully considered approach will help us to reduce any risk to the resources we are putting in and allow MHA to address local housing needs in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, praised the level of professionalism across the staff team and pledged the board’s full support in delivering the association’s ambitious plans for the future.

He said: “There is a national shortage of affordable homes and it is vital that MHA steps forward to deliver as many as we can.

“On average, we receive over 50 bids within a week of one of our properties being advertised with larger family homes attracting even greater interest.

“The vast majority of MHA homes are in the most deprived areas of Bradford and Keighley with high BME populations.

“We will always be committed to these neighbourhoods and, guided by our Unit Growth Strategy, are firmly focussed on ensuring the new funds are used to greatest effect.”

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 23

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Feature

AN INVASION OF HORSETAIL CAN BE A REAL HEADACHE ON BUILDING SITES, BUT THERE ARE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTALLY-SOUND WAYS TO DEAL WITH IT

By Keith Gallacher The pernicious and invasive native weed commonly called Horsetail has been around since the Palaeozoic era, which lasted from 541 to 252 million years ago. That means it was thriving before dinosaurs, and it used to grow to 98 feet tall.

So, I think it is fair to say that there is no quick fix if you want to control it. But it can be done.

Deep-rooted, spore-spreading Equisetum arvense is the bane of many a gardener’s life, spreading quickly to form a dense carpet of foliage up to 20 inches high and crowding out many less vigorous plants in beds and borders.

However, if it is discovered on a construction site, it can cause a major headache for developers, who then have to prove to the satisfaction of planning, building control and certification bodies that it has been properly dealt with.

Sometimes called a living fossil, Horsetail is related to ferns. It is easily recognised by its upright, fir tree-like shoots. The problem is that its creeping rhizomes can reach down to seven feet under the surface and, even if it is laboriously dug out, small remnants can quickly re-establish the invasion.

The spoil containing the weed can only go to landfill and, as every builder knows, landfill taxes are increasingly onerous. There are also the costs of transporting it in a safe and compliant manner. These costs can sometimes be enough to make a site commercially unviable.

It is not notifiable, but it is classed as problematic and can grow up through tarmac. It is not anything like as scary as Japanese Knotweed but its presence on a building site creates real problems which can be time-consuming and costly to resolve.

The most common response is to dig the intruder out and remove it – this is the tack most usually taken by council inspectors – but this course of action can create its own issues.

The spoil containing the weed can only go to landfill and, as every builder knows, landfill taxes are increasingly onerous.

There are also the costs of transporting it in a safe and compliant manner. These costs can sometimes be enough to make a site commercially unviable.

But the reality is that dig-and-remove should be the last, rather than the first, option. There are much more economical and environmentally sensitive ways to reduce the infestation and keep it under control.

The key is to have a sustainable Horsetail management plan and to engage closely with the relevant local authority personnel in order to persuade them of its efficiency and to demonstrate that the plan will stand both the test of time and the plant’s determined nature.

The next element of the plan may seem counterintuitive, but it involves retaining the Horsetail-contaminated material on site.

This has the immediate benefit of stripping out the major costs in dig-and-remove.

The obvious question is: what do you do with it on-site? The answer is two-fold.

Firstly, the material can be stock-piled and used for landscaping, protected by a suitable geo-textile membrane barrier to prevent spread or obtrusion.

Secondly, knowing that the weed will spread where it can, the strategy is to direct it towards grassed areas where it can be mown regularly. Frequent cutting exhausts the spore-bearing first shoots and allows it to be kept in check and even wholly eradicated over a number of years.

Infestations can also be weakened with proprietary herbicides, though the waxy cuticles which prevent penetration must be compromised first. This can be done by bruising the plant before application or by use of appropriate adjuvents to enhance the efficacy of the herbicides.

In the end it is all about management on site and developing a dialogue with local authority officials to convince them that the plan is viable and sustainable.

To achieve this expert advice is indispensable – Horsetail is a cunning and resourceful enemy and it needs to be taken on by professionals who not only know how to beat it but also how to save their clients from the most expensive and unnecessarily complex options.

Keith Gallacher is Director of Complete Weed Control Scotland.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 25

Structures

LONG-TERM VALUE FROM MODULAR STAINLESS STEEL BRIDGE Andy Backhouse, technical manager for stainless steel manufacturer Outokumpu, explains how structural engineers and architects have turned to stainless steel as a durable and visually striking material for bridges.

Councils and government agencies that are responsible for building and maintaining most of the UK’s bridges have a close eye on their budgets. So it’s no surprise that many agencies want bridges and steel structures that minimise the Life Cycle Cost (LCC).

LCC is the sum of all the costs associated with a structure, including feasibility studies, engineering design and construction, as well as regular inspection, maintenance, repair and eventual decommissioning.

Many bridge owners find that there are significant costs in maintenance and repair of bridges. A high profile example is the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. It was built in 1883 for $15 million at the time, but has cost $600 million to repair since 2006 alone. Corrosion has taken its toll, with loss of structural integrity due to rust in many places Happily, since 1883, steel alloys have come a long way. Today’s duplex stainless steels provide a combination of high strength and corrosion resistance that can provide a 120 year lifetime for a bridge, even in coastal locations, where salt increases the likelihood of corrosion sites forming on a steel structure.

Duplex stainless steels were developed in the 1930s and are widely used in the North Sea offshore industries. They are dual phase steels containing chromium and a careful balance of other alloying elements with the result that they have excellent corrosion resistance and higher mechanical strength than standard stainless steels.

As a result, structural engineers have an opportunity during the design process to slim down beams and trusses, creating structures that are lightweight and lower cost.

Stainless steel modular bridge The municipality of Södertälje, near Stockholm in Sweden, is one council that

26 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

Structures

is convinced that duplex stainless steels offer the best long term value. When a wooden pedestrian and cycle bridge over the E4 motorway was coming to the end of its life after only 20 years, the council wanted a replacement in steel that did not require extensive maintenance, repair and re-painting.

It opted for a modular bridge from Swedish fabricator Stål & Rörmontage that was designed to optimise LCC. The bridge was manufactured off-site and delivered to site in sections, which were craned into place, requiring only a short closure of the strategic E4 highway. In fact, the installation of the new bridge was achieve faster than dismantling the old one.

The bridge is based on a patented modular design that includes polycarbonate panels that protect pedestrians from the weather, as well as LED lighting for the long winter nights.

Peter Månsson, Quality Manager of Stål & Rörmontage, said: “The bridge is made of two pieces, one of them is 36 metres long and the other one 24 metres. Our special, protected design was developed to make the most of the material and also to cut the bridge’s LCC.

This bridge has a lifespan of 120 years, with no need for maintenance. In our thinking, the total life cycle costs have to be taken into account, not only the immediate investment costs. The initial cost of a stainless bridge is higher. But at first maintenance check, at approximately 30 years, when a carbon steel bridge has to be repainted and a wooden bridge replaced, stainless pays itself back.

“Outokumpu’s Lean Duplex Forta LDX 2101 was our first hand choice for this project. Long lifespan of the bridge was very important for the municipality as well. Our calculations indicate that, over a reference period of 120 years, wooden bridges and steel bridge costs are significantly higher than a stainless steel bridge.”

White paper - analysis of Life Cycle Costs Recognising that many bridge owners will want a breakdown of the LCC of bridges in different steels, a white paper based on a study carried out with engineering consultancy Arup is available, ‘Stainless steel composite bridge study – a summary of Arup reports’, which is available on Outokumpu’s website.

required due to the higher strength. As a result, the lean duplex LDX2101 bridge has comparable overall construction costs to the carbon steel beamed bridge.

However, because the stainless steel has high durability thanks to excellent corrosion resistance, the beams would not require regular re-painting or repair. In turn, they have the lowest cost of maintenance – and the lowest overall LCC.

The lifetime costs were compared for four composite steel-concrete road bridges made with different steel beam materials – painted S355 carbon steel, unpainted weathering steel and two of Outokumpu’s duplex stainless steels.

It was found that it was possible to optimise the structural design with the duplex steels such that less material was

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 27

Project News Designed to exemplar standards with sustainability at their heart, the homes will feature exceptional space standards, large expanses of glazing and robust facing materials.

“This Joint Venture will see that beautifully designed high-quality homes can be delivered in half the time that traditional methods would.”

Designing the homes for the project, shedkm, is a collective of pragmatic architects who believe in a responsibility to deliver value to their clients through design with integrity.

Alex Flint Director at shedkm said: “shedkm is very excited to be involved in this important and innovative project with Greenwich Council. Working closely with our partners, we aspire to bring the highest quality of homes to the borough.

ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH ANNOUNCES £300M CONTRACT FOR NEW BUILD COUNCIL HOMES USING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION The Royal Borough of Greenwich announces A&E Elkins as the winners of the biggest contract for new build council homes using modular construction to date. The form of contract is the ACA TAC-1 Term Alliance contract. A&E Elkins has formed an alliance with Ideal Modular Homes and shedkm to deliver up to 750 affordable rent council homes across 60 sites.

The project will run across five years with the possible extension of a further five years. A&E Elkins is appointed as the provider, shedkm is the architect with Ideal Modular Homes as the off-site manufacturer delivering the modular homes.

All the homes delivered through the Alliance will be carbon positive, meaning the operational energy of the homes will be not only better for the environment but also more affordable for the tenants helping to address the fuel poverty gap.

Established in 1963, A&E Elkins is a highly respected new build, refurbishment, planned maintenance, and roofing construction company with over 55

years’ experience in providing high quality construction solutions across various trades and sectors.

Managing Director at A&E Elkins, Ray Elkins, said: “A&E Elkins is delighted to be part of the alliance to support the Royal Borough of Greenwich in their quest to provide high quality, affordable homes that exceed carbon zero standards and reduce fuel poverty for local communities. A&E Elkins believes the council is setting a precedent that should be the standard for all new build homes.”

Delivering the future of housing, Ideal aims to deliver beautiful, sustainable homes in a cost-efficient way, while significantly improving the quality of new build homes.

The modular homes can be manufactured in just four days and installed on site in just eight hours, minimising disruption to the surrounding residents and cutting the delivery programme time by up to 50%.

Founder Luke Barnes said: “Ideal is delighted to be a part of such an exciting project and alliance. Councils are under constant pressure to deliver affordable housing at a reduced cost, while still delivering on quality.

28 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

“Designed to exemplar standards with sustainability at their heart, the homes will feature exceptional space standards, large expanses of glazing and robust facing materials.

“The new homes look to change the perception towards off-site manufacturing, through carefully crafted and long-lasting materials, and considered internal layouts.

In addition, we will work alongside the landscape architects to ensure that we create new neighbourhoods with identity and a sense of place, providing the residents with a sense of belonging.”

Royal Greenwich Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Anthony Okereke comments: “Employing modular techniques as part of our Greenwich Builds programme is allowing us to quickly deliver the high quality and sustainable council homes so badly needed in our borough.

“With plans for construction on 750 new homes to be underway by 2022, we’re excited to be at the forefront of delivering innovative zero-carbon council properties, making good on Royal Greenwich’s commitments to tackling both the housing crisis and climate change.”

The Project Team have been working hard through the coronavirus crisis using virtual resources.This has enabled seamless design and Virtual Consultation events with stakeholders and the public.

Project News

WILLMOTT DIXON LANDS LATEST BLUE -LIGHT FACILITY Willmott Dixon is increasing its track-record in building modern accommodation for police forces across the country after being chosen to deliver a new £18 million custody suite for Bedfordshire Police.

Procured through Major Works England and Northern Ireland, part of the Scape National Construction framework, the new facility will include a 22-cell custody block, offices for police and staff, as well as parking and associated external works. Located at their Kempston headquarters, the new custody suite will replace a temporary variant and is the first major building commissioned at the site since 2005.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holoway, said, “Since the old Greyfriars station in Bedford closed down because its custody suite was not fit for purpose, its replacement has been being planned. This has been a priority for me and I’m absolutely delighted to get this build underway on my watch. This is essential as our detention staff and officers deserve to have the best working environment we can provide and we need to remember that those in police custody have not yet gone before a court and are innocent until proven guilty.”

Chris Tredget, managing director of Willmott Dixon in London and the East said “We are delighted to build on our strong pedigree in the blue light sector to deliver a new state of the art custody suite for Bedfordshire Police. Having built similar facilities in the region, we are collaborating closely Bedfordshire Police to ensure that the facility will meet all of their requirements and needs, providing a state-of-the-art building and better environment for all.”

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “Ensuring continued investment in our police services is vital to help support communities right across the UK. As the government aims to reach its target of recruiting 20,000 new officers by 2022, projects like this will go a long way to support the additional resources required.

HOMES TAKE SHAPE AT NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN CORSHAM Building work on 88 homes at a new housing development in Corsham is well underway.

The Dickens Gate development, by Bellway, will provide a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, as well as open space and a children’s play area, off Bradford Road.

Work on the much-needed new homes started last year and since then 17 of the homes have been reserved. This the second development to be built by Bellway in the village.

Two four-bedroom showhomes – the Wilcot and the Wroughton – are available to view at the development to give house-hunters the chance to gain an insight into what life could be like in one of the homes.

Christel Hawkins, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said:

“We have a long-standing commitment to meeting the demand for new homes in Corsham, and we are really pleased we can continue to do so at Dickens Gate.

“The development has been carefully designed to provide a great selection of three and four-bedroom homes, making it the perfect choice for local families or buyers looking to take their first step onto the property ladder.

“Our customers have been particularly drawn to the location of the new homes.

Corsham is a desirable village, which sits on the border of the Cotswolds, and is surrounded by plenty of open green space to enjoy.

“The village itself has a wide range of amenities, including a primary school which is less than a ten-minute walk from the development. Residents needing to commute to Bath, Bristol, Swindon, or Chippenham, will have access to strong transport links.”

“We have already received a great deal of interest in the new homes at Dickens Gate. Anyone interested in moving to the development can book an appointment.

“The Government Help to Buy scheme is available and many homes will be ready to occupy before the stamp duty holiday ends next year.”

“This new facility will enable Bedfordshire Police to build upon its existing ability to deliver efficient and effective local services. I have no doubt that the completed facility will reflect the high-quality work Willmott Dixon is delivered for police forces across the UK. We take great pride in performance managing projects like this through our framework and I look forward to seeing the array of community benefits it will bring.”

Willmott Dixon’s experience of building facilities for the emergency services includes recently handing over a custody centre and operational hub in Exeter for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and a combined campus for Lincolnshire Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Projects currently being built include the delivery of a £20m control centre in Hull for Humberside Police and the £37m new headquarters for Merseyside Police in Liverpool.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 29

RINNAI INNOVATION MOBILE HAND WASH & HOT WATER HYGIENE STATION Latest product development from Rinnai is a complete mobile hand wash and hygiene station geared up to supply unlimited amounts of continuous flow hot water for any and every site needing instant access to this facility - anywhere that needs instant handwashing - any queue outside a supermarket, shopping area, car park, building sites, temporary accommodation blocks or toilet blocks for essential services.

The station consists of a Rinnai 17e hot water delivery unit, mounted on a mobile hand wash pod, complete with water connections and secured cage. The unit is easily connected to the water supply and gas is via LPG. The hand wash station delivers temperature accurate hot water at a pre-set temperature to facilitate, with soap, the quick breakdown of any COVID-19 bacteria. This pre-set temperature of 37 degrees C is not too hot but hot enough for breaking down lipid fat layers that surround the protein-based bacteria nucleus. According to trusted information sources on Covid-19, the ideal temperature for water used in hand washing, together with soap, is over 25 degrees C. Heat melts fat therefore use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands. Hot water helps makes more foam and that makes it even more effective.

Hands should be frequently washed - for a minimum of 20 seconds – after touching any surface or food, locks, knobs, switches, remote controllers, mobile phones, computers, keyboards, desks, TV, etc. And, of course, when using the toilet.

The proprietary Rinnai technology will deliver temperature accurate hot water without any fluctuations to ensure constant supplies of hot water.

As the hand station is purpose designed to be outside so any possible contact with the virus can be minimised as users do not have to go into toilets or wash rooms, where there is potential to come in contact with surfaces or poor ventilation.

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating real advantages for users. Rinnai’s multipoint ErP A-rated 17e needs no flue as the unit is placed outside and so waste gas gases safely escape. The unit can be pre-set with a fixed temperature which is tamper-proof.

The Rinnai 17e external internal model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 14.5kg - a one-man lift. The unit has a temperature range of 37°C to 65°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas input ranges between 4.53kW – 36kW. A single unit is readily capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise and has full frost protection.

Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 17ltr per minute max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 2-3 bar however it can operate at pressures lower than 1 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 80W. Rinnai is also offering full services for essential works support to NHS facilities, care homes, schools, and supermarkets during the lockdown.

• Out of hours and weekend technical

support – installers, site manager and end-users simply call 01928 531870 select technical and if the call isn’t answered immediately leave a voicemail.

Response will be within one hour between 0800 – 22:30 / 7 days a week.

• Rinnai’s Runcorn UK HQ emergency

weekend opening and sales support open for emergency / essential equipment provision of new units and for spares.

• Collection of new units/spares from

Runcorn HQ for Saturday and Sunday. All will adopt ‘safe distancing’ in any contact for this or deliveries.

• Weekend operational support help line

- simply call 01928 531870 and select ‘sales’ and if the call isn’t answered immediately leave a voicemail and we will be back within the hour.

• Emergency delivery weekends / out

of hours - under “essential works” circumstances and, where possible, Rinnai will readily offer a delivery service to site.

Available within 24hrs from Rinnai is a range of units giving instant and constant flows of hot water for hygiene and cleaning use in all healthcare, care homes and mobile hygiene units, including any new or planned sites.

If there is a constant supply of gas and water the units are guaranteed to supply

30 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

temperature accurate hot water in unlimited quantities for all hygiene regimes in all types of healthcare sites or temporary accommodation.

Rinnai’s complete range of hot water heating units are available for next day delivery on orders placed before the previous mid-day.

Rinnai UK is continuing to be open for business throughout the current situation

with staff able to take any orders or enquiries via telephone or online and the company has excellent stock levels of all units in the range plus spares and accessories.

Installers can contact the company direct in gaining access to the supply of units.

Call 01928 531 870 or email sales@rinnaiuk.com – ‘alternatively use the smart online contact points “Help Me Choose” or “Ask Us a Question”, all held on the website homepage at www.rinnaiuk.com.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

Construction UK Magazine - September 2020 31

Project News LAND & WATER WIN CONTRACT FOR WORKS AT THURROCK ON THE RIVER THAMES Leading wet civil engineering specialists, Land & Water, is celebrating winning a contract to carry out dredging works at Thurrock on the River Thames.

The project which is due to commence this week, for a period of four weeks on behalf of the client Navigation Terminals, will see Land & Water remove contaminated materials

DYER & BUTLER COMPLETES RUNWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT GATWICK AIRPORT

from the berth of the marine terminal in order to enable deeper ships to enter.

Land & Water will be using its ZX690 long reach excavator, the largest in its fleet, to dredge down to -18 cd, the deepest limit the civil engineering firm can be contracted to carry out.

Andy McBride, Project Manager at Land & Water says: “We are looking forward to getting started on these works and continuing our successful year of project deliveries.

The deep dredging that is involved in this project means that the works need to be carried out by a team with expertise, something that we pride ourselves on as we utilise innovative solutions to meet our clients’ needs.

“The dredge profile is not straightforward, mainly due to the position of Thurrock being at the end of the River Thames and the tide being fast flowing in that area which can make for a physically challenging environment. However, our team is looking forward to the challenge.”

Dyer & Butler, a multi-disciplined engineering services specialist focused on essential infrastructure including airports, railways and highways, and a part of M Group Services, has successfully completed resurfacing works on the Main and Northern runways at Gatwick Airport.

The programme of work included 6,500m2 of asphalt resurfacing as well as the removal and replacement of over 120 Aeronautical Ground Lights and runway line marking and re-painting works.

Gareth Bates, Dyer & Butler’s Operations Manager at Gatwick Airport, commented: “The recent period of reduced air traffic at the airport provided a window of opportunity for Dyer & Butler to deliver these improvements during daylight hours whilst arriving and departing traffic used the Airport’s Northern runway. The work was successfully delivered by small teams working under strict social distancing controls to ensure the safety of the workforce throughout.”

In addition, Dyer & Butler’s Gatwick Airport team is delivering civils and electrical works to support the replacement of the new Instrument Runway Visual Range system (IRVR).

Scheduled for completion in midAugust, the IRVR is being installed at three locations between the Main and Northern Runway.

AMEY COMPLETES ACCESS ROUTES TO MULTI-MILLION-POUND SHOPPING OUTLET Amey has completed works on a major highways project to create access to a multi-million-pound McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands site in Cannock.

Working on behalf of the client, Staffordshire County Council as their Highways provider, Amey has created new road infrastructure to allow access to the £160million designer shopping development, that is due to open in early 2021, as well as improve roads and the traffic flow around the site for those living in its vicinity.

David Williams, the council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This has been a huge project for our highways team and for Cannock and the surrounding areas. We are pleased to have played our part in ensuring the right road infrastructure was put in place ahead of the opening of the MacArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands.

This development will provide jobs for local people and bring in thousands of visitors each week, providing a great boost to the county economy.”

Amey’s highways operatives worked safely despite the Covid-19 pandemic, respecting

32 Construction UK Magazine - September 2020

social distancing and working in ‘bubbles’ to ensure that the project was completed on time.

Richard Harris, Account Director for Amey in Staffordshire, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team and the work that they have undertaken, during challenging circumstances to complete this major highway infrastructure project.

From design to delivery, we’ve worked in collaboration with our client to make sure that the enhancements and the new infrastructure would provide the best experience for those visiting the area and limiting any traffic impact for residents in the area.”

The project required the Amey team to implement a variety of features which included the installation of heavy-duty retaining walls, the construction of a 30-metre underpass that required a concrete roof slab, major earthworks and drainage as well as the fitting of traffic lights, surfacing the carriageway and the coordination of existing service diversions.

Work on the road infrastructure project started in October 2018 and completed last month. Construction work on the outlet is due to be completed in the Autumn with its doors opening to the public in early 2021.

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