Risk of Disproportionate Collapse

The Problem

ASRS Ltd were contacted by the former Wiltshire Police HQ as the building is being converted into the new South Wiltshire University Technical College. Prior to being converted, the building had to undergo a full structural survey to determine whether any areas were considered being at risk of disproportionate collapse.

Four areas of the building were recognised as being possible areas of risk, due to significant load conditions affecting the external corners, the front elevation and internal load bearing walls.

The Solution

Our team of approved installers bonded three HeliBars in the mortar beds at two different levels between the windows; we continued this around the entire exterior or the four storey building, installing a total of 2,190 linear mtrs. The HeliBars reinforced the brickwork, creating continuous masonry beams, which helped to support and spread the structural loads.

Additional HeliBars were installed to secure the external elevations to the internal concrete floor slabs. First we created clearance holes in the masonry which we then inserted the HeliBars, bonding them into the channels cut into the concrete, with the outer ends bent and bonded into external mortar beds.

We installed SockFix heavy duty grouted anchors at the corners of the building, at a 45° angle to secure the panels and allow the corners to cantilever.

Completed Project

Once the building had met all requirements to avoid any risk of disproportionate collapse it became the new South Wiltshire UTC. All work was completed on time and within budget.