Link was appointed by AHR Architects and MAT Ltd. on behalf of the ultimate client, Summit Healthcare Ltd & the facilities managers at Russell’s Hall Hospital, on a variety of complex alteration and extension projects.

New bed store:

This project involved construction of a new build bed store on the ground floor in a confined internal courtyard.

The projects challenges included a host of existing services, including a main foul water sewer serving a main wing of the hospital, which had to remain in operation during the construction. Link Engineering devised a unique foundation and structure which cantilevered one side of the building to avoid services diversions, saving considerable time and cost and thus making the project feasible.

New Pheno Scanner Installation:

Following the success of the bed store project, Summit Healthcare recommended Link Engineering to the fit out contractors, MAT Ltd. who were making the necessary alterations to the existing hospital building to enable installation of the new Pheno Scanner on the first floor.

The Pheno Scanner is a highly vibration sensitive item of equipment and thus, the existing structure needed to be modified to be able to comply with the HBN 03 and the SCI Guide P351 criteria, for control of vibrations in hospitals, together with Siemens own specific and exacting deflection criteria and fixing locations.

Our scope involved investigating the existing structure and carrying out detailed analysis to enable structural strengthening. A 3D model was created and a detailed finite elements analysis carried out to enable new strengthening steel to be installed.

The project was further challenged by the need to retain the extensive services ducts and other equipment in full operation in the ceiling void, in which the work was being carried out, often limiting location, lengths and sizes of steel beams.

Link was appointed by Tricas Construction to assist their proposed development of 33No. residential dwellings on a brownfield parcel of land previously occupied by Chichester Caravans on Vale Road, Stourport. Link’s brief included supporting their planning application and detailed design phases of works, with residential properties across 3no blocks with 3 – 4 Storeys.  This included detailed design and Technical Approval of the access works under a S278 Agreement with Worcestershire County Council.

Our team worked with Tricas from RIBA Stage 2 (Concept) right through to RIBA Stages 5 & 6 (Construction and Handover) for Civil and Structural design elements.

The proposed detailed design, post planning included:

• Full 2D and 3D design and setting out in support of a site wide volumetric exercise;
• Foundation design based on Vibro Stone column ground improvement (with performance specification provided by Link);
• Bespoke masonry superstructural design;
• Precast concrete floors;
• S278 detailed design and approval with WCC Highways;
• Onsite private external levels and pavement constructions;
• Foul and Surface water drainage design including SUDS features;

Link was appointed by Redsun Projects Limited to prepare a detailed Civil and Structural design for a logistics development comprising of 4 units with ancillary offices, external yards and car parks with a total area of approximately 332,500sqft., and to provide and agree a detailed highways design for the proposed access off Hortonwood 45, Telford. The proposed detailed design was to be in accordance with TR66, TR34, National House Building Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council Highways Design Guide including:

• Planning Support;
• Production of Flood Risk Assessment;
• Detailed Civil and Structural Engineering design to support construction;
• Foundation design;
• Pavement, kerbing and external works construction make-up;
• Post novation services within a D&B contract.

Link was commissioned to continue to support this development during construction through a novation agreement with the successful Design and Build contractor.

Working closely with the Landscape Architects, Link were appointed by CBC to prepare the highway design details to support the proposed upgrade of the Public Realm along Cheltenham High Street. The proposed improvement works were to be completed under a S278 Agreement. 

The works included the complete replacement of the existing road surfacing with natural block paving. The drainage design utilised rain gardens to enhance the bio-diversity impact of the proposals all designed to the highway authority standard. In order to make the road a pedestrianised zone the Traffic Regulation Order had to be revised. Other constraints included a number of underground services and protruding basements.