Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council were desiging a new infrastructure facility, which would included a 5000T salt storage facility in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. We were invited by Toro Shelters, working for Morgan Sindall, to tender for the complete works package including, the design and construction of foundations, concrete floor slab and precast retaining walls.
Project Details
Client: Central Bedfordshire Council
Location: Thorn Turn, Houghton Regis
Services: Structural Design, Groundworks, Precast Installation
Project: New Salt Storage Facility
Product: Cast-in Retaining Walls
Duration: 8 weeks
We used these products
The requirement of a reinforced concrete floor slab in the new salt storage building, created an ideal situation to specify the cast-in L shape retaining wall. Cast-in retaining wall units, utilise the concrete floor to increase the length of the cantilever. This enables the units to be cast with a narrower base than other types of precast retaining wall, such as the bolt-down version. It also decreases the size of foundation required to stabilise the units and reduces the unit weight and transport costs.
Cast In Retaining Wall
Cast in retaining wall units are manufactured with reinforcement exposed at the toe, allowing you to tie them into the mesh of a reinforced concrete floor slab. Once the units are cast in, no additional support is required.
View product details >Advantages of Precast
The preliminary salt barn design, was for a traditional steel framed structure, with internal in-situ retaining walls to contain the grit salt. However, Morgan Sindall were keen to explore the potential of a more cost effective method of construction for this project. We submitted a proposal for an alternative structure. The design would involve using a lightweight latticed galvanised steel structure covered with a tensioned composite membrane, supplied by Toro Shelters, and precast retaining walls, supplied by ourselves, along with a fibre reinforced concrete floor slab.
The key criteria for winning this project was the ability to save costs, while optimising design for bulk storing highly corrosive material. This is where Toro and our engineers were able to provide some real value. As with all our projects, we take great pride in offering a professional and safe working environment. Our commitment to site safety was recognised by Morgan Sindall who awarded Ourselves & Toro Shelters their health & safety award for December 2016.