Groundforce Shorco has delivered a tailored temporary works solution for a challenging basement excavation as part of a major care home redevelopment in north London, highlighting the critical role of specialist engineering in constrained urban sites. The company supplied nine modular hydraulic props to support excavation works at the Clore Manor site in Hendon, where social care provider Care Concern Group has appointed main contractor Farrans to deliver a replacement facility. The scheme will see the existing 72-room care home demolished and replaced with a new six-storey building providing 108 bedrooms, alongside a basement car park. Located on a tight plot off the Great North Way and surrounded by residential properties and a busy road, the project presents significant logistical and engineering constraints. The basement excavation extends to a depth of 4m and spans প্রায় 50m by 40m, covering the majority of the site footprint. A secant piled retaining wall has been installed around the excavation perimeter, with Groundforce Shorco’s raking props used to brace the structure. These props transfer lateral loads from the capping beam to concrete thrust blocks positioned within the excavation, ensuring stability down to formation level. Groundworks and civils contractor Marney Construction is delivering the bulk earthworks package. Along the northern elevation, six MP150 props ranging from 7.3m to 10.3m in length have been installed to support the exposed retaining wall. On the eastern boundary, adjacent to the main road, three higher-capacity MP375 props are in place to stabilise the wall above a deeper secondary excavation. This section will accommodate an attenuation tank designed to manage rainwater runoff as part of the development’s sustainable drainage strategy. While the MP375 system is capable of handling loads of up to 375 tonnes, its selection on this scheme was driven primarily by stiffness rather than load capacity. Strict deflection limits were imposed due to the proximity of neighbouring structures and infrastructure, requiring movement to be controlled within a tolerance of plus or minus 10mm. Groundforce Shorco worked closely with the project team, including retaining wall specialist Franki Piling, to refine the design and ensure compliance with these tight performance criteria. Farrans project manager Gerard Fennell described the scheme as particularly complex due to the confined site conditions and the need to minimise disruption to surrounding residents. He noted that collaboration between contractor, designer and specialist supplier had been key to delivering a robust and practical solution. The project demonstrates the growing importance of advanced temporary works systems in supporting high-density urban development, particularly where basement construction intersects with sensitive environments and stringent engineering requirements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Brogan Group has expanded its scaffolding operations across the Midlands and North of England, extending coverage to support projects nationwide, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle. Continued investment in local infrastructure, people, and operational capacity supports this expansion, enabling skilled regional teams to deliver scaffolding, powered access and common tower services on major projects. Industry expert Jon Cooke provides guidance, ensuring operations scale efficiently across the region. Jon commented: “I’m excited to be joining Brogan Group at such an important time for the business, as we continue to expand the business and scaffolding operations across the North. Brogan has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, safety and reliable delivery, and I look forward to working with our teams and clients to provide combined access solutions that support the successful delivery of projects throughout the region.” This strengthened presence enhances Brogan’s ability to deliver large-scale and complex scaffolding packages, bringing greater scale, technical capability, and delivery assurance, supported by robust resourcing, engineering input, and site management. Regional projects may also be supported by the Group’s wider national and international resources. The expansion follows last year’s strengthening of Brogan’s powered access capability in the Midlands and North, particularly construction hoists. Alongside scaffolding and powered access (hoists and mast climbers), the company’s access services include common towers, Atlas loading gantries, and crane decks. This multi-discipline offering allows solutions to be planned and delivered in a coordinated way, helping principal contractors reduce interface risks and simplify management on large or complex projects. Currently in a phase of rapid growth, Brogan has strengthened its nationwide delivery capability through investment in depots, equipment, and specialist personnel. The expansion of scaffolding operations reflects the Group’s focus on reinforcing core disciplines and meeting regional demand with technically led well-resourced teams and a proven delivery model. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

With the construction of the new Storstrøm Bridge, Denmark is modernizing a key section of the Scandinavian road and rail network. To ensure safe and stable progress under complex geometrical and environmental conditions, Doka is supporting the project with an integrated formwork and shoring concept designed to deliver predictable workflows across all critical execution stages. With a total length of approximately 3.8 kilometers, the Storstrøm Bridge will become Denmark’s third-longest bridge. Beyond its size, the project plays a strategic role within a high-capacity north–south transport corridor. Together with the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, it forms part of a continuous connection between Scandinavia and Central Europe, supporting cross-border passenger and freight transport by road and rail.   “The Storstrøm Bridge project demanded a concept that could adapt precisely and easily to changing geometries while withstanding high wind loads. Doka’s engineering approach provided the stability and flexibility required to maintain a reliable construction sequence under continuously changing geometric conditions, particularly in the onshore environment”, explains Aurelia Penza, Technical Manager, Itinera. Strengthening a key Scandinavian–European transport corridor  Doka has been contributing to the Storstrøm Bridge project since 2019 across multiple phases. The scope included solutions for the approximately 80-meter-long approach bridges on both sides, onshore prefabricated pierheads, cantilever structures connecting the precast bridge segments to the pylon, as well as formwork for the pylon itself. To complete the overall setup, a tailor-made working platform was implemented to support the closing structural works of the cable-stayed bridge.  “For Denmark, the Storstrøm Bridge represents a significant step in enhancing the national transport network and its cross-border connectivity. Our involvement since 2019 reflects our close collaboration with the client and our ability to support technically demanding bridge construction projects. As a reliable partner, we at Doka make it work — delivering high-performance solutions for complex infrastructure projects,”  adds Martin Overgaard Skovsege, Managing Director, Doka Denmark. Engineering Excellence for Demanding Requirements As the central supporting structure of this cable-stayed bridge, the 102 m pylon not only transfers all forces into the foundation but also features a highly complex design with variable geometry, integrated recesses, prefabricated boxouts, and casing pipes for the stay cables. The pylon works marked a critical point within the overall sequence. By combining SKE100 plus platforms for high loads and multi-level working areas with flexible SKE50 plus platforms on the space-restricted sides, a cost-effective and efficient system was realized.  Tailor-Made Working Platform for the Final Structural Operations The closing stage of the cable-stayed bridge was supported by a tailor-made working platform that enabled the final operations of the project. Erected level by level using the Staxo 100 load-bearing tower, it rested on four stationary SKE100 plus and SKE50 plus climbing brackets, reusing the proven anchorage points from the pylon construction.  Two integrated stair towers ensured safe and comfortable access throughout all operations. Firmly connected to the pylon, the platform provided stable and reliable working conditions even under demanding wind and load requirements, successfully completing the pylon works and marking a key milestone in the overall construction sequence.  Doka’s contribution to the Storstrøm Bridge project demonstrates how engineering-driven formwork and shoring solutions can support complex infrastructure projects across multiple, independent stages, from early works through to key structural milestones. The bridge is expected to open to road traffic in 2026, with rail services scheduled to follow.  Project facts: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), provided a comprehensive temporary works solution for Salford Rise, a new 220-metre pedestrian link delivered by Kilmartin Ltd in partnership with Wright Civil Engineering Ltd. As part of Salford’s wider regeneration programme, the bridge improves connectivity across the area. Project overview Salford Rise comprises a central span formed from precast U-beams supported on three reinforced concrete piers reaching up to 7.5 meters high. The bridge’s 27-degree skew and varying deck profile required careful temporary works planning to ensure accurate positioning of pre-cast units, safe access for installation and ongoing structural stability during construction. Altrad RMDK was tasked with designing and supplying all the temporary works systems for both the primary U-beams and the precast edge string courses. Close coordination with the contractor, Kilmartin Ltd, was essential to align the temporary works with the construction sequence and programme.    The challenge The bridges angled alignment introduced a risk of lateral movement during installation, particularly before the stitch pours achieved continuity between beams. The variable deck heights required the temporary support to adapt along the length of the bridge, providing consistent working platforms and maintaining precise tolerances for both alignment and level. Additional challenges included supporting heavy precast units at varying heights while maintaining overall stability, providing safe and efficient access for lifting and installation operations, and ensuring that the temporary works could accommodate programme constraints without compromising construction safety or increasing project risk. The solution Altrad RMDK engineered a two-phase temporary works solution that combined high load capacity with adaptability for the bridge’s complex geometry. Megashor towers were used in the first phase to support the precast U-beams; their modular design, adjustable head arrangements, and high load capacity allowed them to accommodate the varying deck heights and skewed alignment. To address the 27-degree skew of the bridge, rubber pads were installed between the beam supports, to prevent any slippage under load pressure and to ensure the precast units remained secure during the installation and subsequent stitch pours. Once the stitch pours had fully cured, the second phase involved Megashor being stripped out and replaced with Rapidshor to support the precast string courses along the edge of the bridge. Rapidshor’s modular design enabled the upper sections to remain consistent while the lower sections were extended to match the required height variations. This configuration simplified assembly and improved efficiency whilst maintaining precise alignment along the full length of the bridge. Throughout the project, Altrad RMDK maintained close communication with Kilmartin Ltd and Wright Civil Engineering Ltd’s engineers and site teams. Regular design reviews planned site inspections and open communication ensured that the temporary works were installed safely and in line with the construction programme. Early engagement and the existing relationship ensured that the teams had clear understanding of processes and quality expectations, and this mutual trust helped to streamline operations and maintain efficiency. Dermot Donelon, Senior Sales Representative at Altrad RMD Kwikform said: “The 27-degree incline and changing bridge level made this an engineering challenge, but the modular design of our equipment allowed us to adapt quickly and aid the construction of this new transport link.” Liam Kilmartin, Managing Director at Kilmartin Ltd, said: “Having worked with Altrad RMDK before, we already had a lot of trust there. We know what their kit can do and put trust into the engineering excellence of the team. The collaboration between our teams made this project successful as open communication allowed for a smoother and more efficient delivery of the project.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Groundforce Shorco has supplied a variety of specialised props and beams to support a complex deep excavation in the centre of London. Specialist contractor Ground Construction Ltd was employed by main contractor Ardmore to carry out extensive basement works for a new life science campus in the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter. Designed by architects Bennett Associates for developer the Reef Group, the Tribeca development will ultimately provide a million square feet of life sciences, office, retail, leisure and residential space. Phase One was completed in July 2024 and Ardmore’s £240m contract for Phase Two – comprising three multi-storey buildings totalling 540,000 sq ft – is due for completion in 2026. Ground Construction Ltd used Groundforce temporary propping equipment to support the main basement excavation for Blocks C2 and C3 as well as multiple smaller excavations within the main excavation area. Due to the complexity of excavation, a variety of propping equipment was required, ranging from light-duty MP30 mechanical struts to the MP375, one of the largest in the Groundforce Shorco range of modular hydraulic struts, capable of supporting a load of 375 tonnes. Groundforce Mega and Super Mega Brace waling beams were employed to transfer the lateral loads to the contiguous bore piles and steel sheet piles lining the sides of the excavations. The excavations ranged in depth from about 8.5m in Block C2 to as much as 15m in the main excavation area, and ranged in width from about 2.5m to 44m. A total of 28 Groundforce Shorco props have been installed on the project. Nine MP250s and the one MP375 were installed within the main excavation; four MP150s were installed to support the retaining wall in the southwest excavation; 13 MP150s, two MP30s and one MP250 support the excavation for the attenuation tank, and four MP250s were located in the core cap excavation. Groundforce Shorco’s ability to mix-and-match components from its range of modular components was essential to providing a tailored solution to this complex task. In addition to the four different sizes of prop, they also supplied extension tubes in diameters of 508mm, 610mm, 813mm and 1,220mm (the largest in the range) to ensure the optimum combination of strength, stiffness and compactness. The largest tubes – the 1,220mm Super Tube – were used in combination with MP250 hydraulic rams to span the 44m width of the main excavation at two levels. The site’s location in a densely populated urban area provided an additional challenge for the site team. “The site has roads on two sides and a canal along a third,” says Ground Construction Ltd Temporary Works Director Keith O’Connor. Load monitoring has been used for some of the props in the main excavation along the run to ensure that loadings are closely monitored for any increases beyond the design limits. The excavation is complicated and has been tricky, admits Keith. “But the biggest challenge has been managing the sequence of the works and the release of areas on site,” he says. “There were a number of Interacting excavations which required careful management across the site but we worked with GCL to ensure safe, efficient and adaptable solutions. Contributing to such a landmark London development and seeing our designs perform on site has been highly rewarding,” says Hussein Koussan, Design Engineer at Groundforce Shorco. Ground Construction Ltd and Groundforce Shorco have worked together on several previous projects and teamwork has been crucial on this site, says Keith O’Connor: “This has been a challenging project but progress has been quite straightforward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

On the banks of the River Clyde, a significant urban regeneration project, Central Quay, is rapidly taking shape. Main contractor GRAHAM is leading the development, which includes four student accommodation buildings for UNITE Students that will redefine this part of the Glasgow cityscape. The current phase of the UNITE Students development includes a 21-storey tower, which will stand as one of the city’s tallest structures. Handling the complex concrete package for this landmark project is specialist contractor 4D Structures. The firm is responsible for delivering seven structural cores with walls typically 300 mm thick, and thousands of square metres of slab work across a logistically challenging site, adjacent to the busy Clydeside Expressway. To meet the project’s demanding schedule, 4D is leveraging a combination of modern formwork technology and a long-standing partnership with supplier PERI UK. “From the early engagement during the design phase, right through to the ordering of materials, the level of communication from every member of the PERI team has been excellent,” said Paul McMenamin, contracts manager at 4D Structures. A coordinated climb For the seven primary cores, 4D Structures is using a PERI RCS Rail Climbing System, integrated with TRIO Panel Formwork and BR Access Platforms. This combination creates a self-contained, safer working environment that climbs with the core structure, cycle by cycle. The choice of a crane-lifted system over a hydraulic one was deemed the most cost-effective solution for the project schedule, while the BR Access Platforms promote a safer working area inside the core cells as they climb. For the vast horizontal slab work, the 4D team is using the SKYDECK Panelised Slab Formwork system. Its lightweight, aluminium components are a key advantage on a busy site. “The efficiencies in the SKYDECK system are significant here,” explained Scott MacIntrye, field sales manager at PERI UK. “Every component is manhandleable, so no machinery is needed for assembly. Once the team sets up one area, it becomes a highly repetitive and fast process as the structure goes up.” An investment built to last While 4D’s operatives are highly experienced with the systems, the partnership extends to on-site support to maintain best practices. “We still assist on site,” McIntyre added. “A site demonstrator will go out to give a refresher, making sure all the correct assembly procedures are being followed.” The long-term nature of the relationship is also evident in the equipment itself. Some of the PERI formwork panels in 4D’s own stock, currently in use at Central Quay, have been reused on many different projects – a testament to the contractor’s initial capital investment and the equipment’s durability. Trust as the foundation The relationship between the two companies, which spans more than a decade, has proved to be a critical factor in the project’s smooth execution. “When you have a project with this many active work areas, things can get complex. But for us and 4D, it’s a run of the mill job,” Scott explained. “We have worked on so many projects together that we implicitly understand what they want, how they like the designs, and how their teams work on site. That level of understanding is priceless.” This established trust streamlines the entire procurement and design process. Over a number of projects, the two companies have built up a set of shared design guidelines, making the requirements clear and familiar to both teams from the outset. “Thanks to the PERI design team’s thorough understanding of our requirements, built over more than a decade of working closely with us, the collaboration on this project has been seamless,” Paul McMenamin from 4D Structures concluded. As the concrete frame at Central Quay continues its steady climb, the project stands as a case study of how technical solutions and trusted, long-term partnerships are the essential ingredients for delivering complex structures efficiently and safely. Learn more about PERI UK products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals