Major refurbishment for iconic concrete structure

CRL has over the years carried out various repair and rehabilitation works for Brunel University London, including the Halsbury Building, the Howell Building and the Heinz Wolf building; so it was no surprise that in February 2014, CRL was awarded the contract to carry out the repairs and rehabilitation of the Central Lecture Building (a Grade II listed). The project commenced in April to give a brief lead in period as well as coinciding with the summer break.

First trials had to be carried out and approved by the local Conservation Officer from English Heritage. Once these were approved CRL was given the go-ahead to commence the main works and the access scaffolding was erected. The defective areas as identified in the 2009 CRL Surveys report were marked up, and a further visual survey carried out to detect any additional areas which had spalled since then. All the exposed concrete areas were cleaned down with a combination of steam and high pressure cleaning, the defective areas broken out and re-instated as per BS EN 1504. A clear anti-carbonation coating was then applied to all exposed concrete surfaces of the structure.

There was a tight programme duration of just 8 weeks to minimise the inconvenience to the students, and CRL is happy to report this programme was met despite the works being carried out whilst the University was in full use. The buildings were fully occupied and we were working in close proximity to students and visitors alike. Health and safety was paramount at all times. Our safe system of work enabled the project to be delivered without incident.

“We have worked with CRL for a number of years during which time they've always provided an excellent and professional service and we would not hesitate to recommend them.”

Stuart Bonney | Senior Projects Officer | Brunel University London

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