Unstable buildings can present many challenges for developers, whether they are to be regenerated or demolished. Before any work can commence on the site a risk assessment needs to be conducted to determine the stability and safety of the site. Following this, structural supports need to be installed to retain the stability of the structure and prevent uncontrolled collapses.
All temporary support systems should be designed and installed by trained specialists. The supports need to be capable of supporting the load placed on them so they don’t buckle and collapse. Both the weight of the construction materials and the additional loads placed on the supports by the wind need to be taken into account to maximise stability. The supports should never be overloaded or placed on an uneven or unstable surface.
Regardless of the scale and extent, support systems need to comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Part 4 Regulation 19 is particularly important because it sets out the rules for ensuring the stability of structures is accounted for.
One of the biggest challenges with installing supports in an unstable building is accessing it safely to carry out the installation. This needs to be done with the utmost care, ensuring safety is accounted for. The information in the risk assessment should be used to create a plan for gaining access and installing the supporting structure.
At Denon Construction we are highly experienced with propping up and retaining unstable buildings. We can provide a comprehensive service for clients in a variety of sectors and can tackle all kinds of unique challenges. We offer support throughout the whole project, from designing the temporary structures to installing them and offering ongoing assistance when it is needed.
One area we have extensive knowledge is installing temporary supports in buildings in built up areas. In these settings retention and stability is essential because of the danger of injuring members of the public and damaging neighbouring properties if a collapse occurs. We can provide a reliable solution and ensure the structure is stable so it can be worked on.
If you have any questions about your obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations or would like to discuss your structural refurbishment project, please contact us.