groundworks


Laying the groundwork for successful modular builds


Declan Armour, Managing Director of Shanco, describes how early engagement was the key to two modular education projects in Oldham


construction costs and greater predictability of programme. However, there are also some potential


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pitfalls which can prevent these benefits from being fully realised, one being failure to properly consider the ground conditions and the various options for the foundations during the planning process. A good understanding of the ground conditions, and indeed the wider logistical and social considerations, is essential to ensure an efficient and robust modular project. Early engagement with a groundworks contractor experienced in modular construction can be critical to reducing risk throughout the programme. As part of a £37m school investment


programme, Oldham Council required a new solution for two schools to improve facilities and meet the growing demand for school places in the area. Oldham Academy North in Royton needed additional teaching facilities, which were to be located in a 1,850 sqm building on an unused area in the existing school grounds. Meanwhile, Greenfield Primary School, built in the early 20th century, no longer met the requirements of modern teaching so a new, larger 2,300 sqm school building was proposed on the school’s existing playing fields. Shanco was engaged early in the


ODULAR construction can offer increased quality, increased levels of energy efficiency, reduced


planning stages to investigate the ground conditions at the proposed sites and to assist in developing the most suitable foundation solution. Both projects involved significant


challenges. The proposal for Oldham Academy North involved constructing the modular building while the existing school remained operational and the new Greenfield School was to be constructed in a small residential village with high levels of school traffic passing through. The efficient modular installation


programmes would be highly beneficial for both projects because they involved significantly less construction activity on site, which in turn involved reduced deliveries and vehicle movements as compared to a traditional build. The modular design and layout of the two school buildings also meant that best use could be made of the available land, leveraging increased value from the project budgets. The designs for the buildings were modern and attractive, achieving the look and feel of traditionally built structures with the additional quality assurance that can be delivered by constructing modules offsite in a controlled and weathertight factory environment. Establishing the existing ground


conditions is an essential factor when determining the type and depth of foundations required to support the


modular building. The existing surveys suggested that the ground consisted of clay at both sites. Clay can be problematic as ground water tends to collect rather than drain away. Shanco undertook additional surveys to confirm these reports, taking samples from across the sites. The survey results influenced the measures needed to control surface water through the installation of a geocellular attenuation tank at the Greenfield site. Shanco worked with a specialist piling


contractor to develop piling solutions that would address the restricted load bearing capacity of the clay, whilst also avoiding the scheduling, health and safety and operational implications of deep excavations. As the new modular building at Oldham


Academy North was to be built within the existing school grounds, early planning meant that Shanco could help facilitate a solution before construction commenced to keep construction traffic away from the school during the project. It’s just one example of how the broad role of the groundworks contractor can contribute towards the safest site logistics strategy and an efficient planning process, further enhancing the benefits of the modular project for the customer.


www.shancocontracts.co.uk educationdab.co.uk 39


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