Thomasons was appointed as structural engineer to complete a project for a two-storey primary school at Mill Hill, Blackburn.
The site was occupied with the former school building and the new structure was constructed in the existing playing fields whilst the existing school remained in full use. Upon completion the original building was demolished and the external works were completed.
The project value was £3.8m and Thomasons was responsible for the substructure, superstructure, external hardstandings and below ground drainage works. The site was previously occupied by a cotton mill and due to the presence of uncompacted granular fill, the strata was improved by vibro-compaction techniques so that traditional shallow footings could be adopted.
The superstructure comprises a braced steelwork frame with composite metal deck floor slabs. The building has complicated geometry and follows a curved profile on plan. The structure was fully modelled utilising 3D design software to provide an efficient and economic structural solution.
