Case Study: Propping enables new development in city centre

During development works to a Grade I listed building in the heart of Glasgow’s financial district, we used digital technology and our propping system to protect the original façade of the historic building.

Construction of new office space in Glasgow’s financial district

Façade retention scheme to hold up historic building’s listed façade

3D BIM model enables engineers to create accurate design

The challenge

The construction of a new 284,000 square foot office space in Glasgow’s financial district required our expertise to hold up the historic building’s listed façade. With the busy city centre location, it was essential that any full road closures were avoided.

Working in collaboration with BAM Construct UK for its clients BAM Properties and TCP Developments Limited, we developed a unique temporary propping system to not only retain the historic façade, but which would also allow the main city centre one-way road to remain open and running throughout the project.

Our solution

Our Mass 50 propping solution provided transitional support on the building’s outside face as construction was finalised and the permanent supports were put in place over the following year. We implemented a unique technique, which reduced the width of the propping system and used the weight of the façade to create a “seesaw” arrangement to avoid the need of excessive kentledge, which meant the road could remain open.

To aid this bespoke project, we used BIM to create a highly accurate 3D model of the 175-tonne façade retention system. Through this modelling software, we could test in advance how our Mass 50 solution would work, and monitor any potential clashes with the façade so measurements could be tweaked accordingly. Through the use of BIM, we were able to make virtual site visits using Virtual Reality (VR) to keep the customer up to date on a day-to-day basis.

“One of the key challenges of this development is the replacement of the existing façade support to release the development site area, and for this to be done without damaging the existing façade, which forms part of Glasgow’s unique history. Due to their experience in this area, MH International was able to provide a unique and quick solution which is enabling the development to progress without significant disruption to one of the city’s main road networks.
As one of the leading temporary works providers of BIM, MH International has worked with us collaboratively to develop and provide a solution which allows the main works to progress as planned. We are looking forward to expanding this partnership during the construction phases.”

Malcom Boyd / Construction Manager, BAM Construct UK

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Disclaimer: This project was completed by MH International’s parent company using shared personnel, under an intra group informal licence.