Aarsleff Ground Engineering has started its biggest ever UK project, installing piles for homeware retailer The Range’s new distribution centre in Avonmouth, Bristol.
The £100 million big shed is being constructed by McLaren Construction for developer Stoford Properties. Work commenced on the site in July this year and Aarsleff is installing more than 15,000 precast piles to support both the main slab and roof stanchions of the finished structure as well as several peripheral buildings, such as sprinkler tank bases.
Most piles for the project will be 250mm section DPC, with the rest being 300mm piles, with ground conditions anticipated to be a significant depth of tidal flat deposits. The piles will be bearing onto Mercian Mudstone, which is typical of the strata suitable for a DPC approach.
Aarsleff General Manager, Kevin Hague, commented: “This is the largest piling project that Aarsleff UK has ever undertaken in its 25-year history and is a tremendous vote of confidence in our precast piling solutions.
“It is also our first project for McLaren Construction and given the scope of works it highlights the high degree of trust they have put in us, the result of our previous dealings with them and our industry reputation.”
Aarsleff supported McLaren’s bid for the scheme to assess the potential cost implications of several loading scenarios for the formerly unconfirmed roof loadings.
Aarsleff also highlighted the twin issues of both negative skin friction and the cost implications of using various joint types, to inform client-contractor negotiations.
Earlier in the month, Aarsleff Ground Engineering took over A&J Geotechnical Services. Aarsleff managing director Chris Primett said: “The acquisition of A&J Geotechnical Services is a strategic move, which now allows Aarsleff to provide more diverse and comprehensive ground package solutions.
He added: “A&J is a perfect fit for Aarsleff. Both companies have a vision of providing clients with a multidisciplinary offer where the best service, techniques and commercial offering is delivered by vastly experienced teams.”
