The Construction with Reference to Beetham Tower in Manchester - Literature review Example

Name of university Department name Name of student Student number Course title Course code/number The construction with reference to Beetham tower in Manchester A report submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of the degree in (field of study) Date of submission Signature of supervisor/lecturer/tutor Declaration I declare that this report entitled “the construction with reference to Beetham tower in manchester” is a result of my own work and efforts as cited in the references. The report has not been accepted nor submitted before for any degree or diploma award in any institution of higher learning and is not currently submitted in candidature of any other degree Signature of the student Name of the student Date THE CONSTRUCTION WITH REFERENCE TO BEETHAM TOWER IN MANCHESTER Regan (n.d.) argues that Beetham Tower was designed by Ian Simpsons of Beetham Organization. Construction began in February 2004 and was completed in early 2007. Beetham Tower cost £150 million and has 525000 square feet of space. Beetham Tower is 168.87 metres tall and has 47 floors. It is the tallest building in Manchester. By the time of its completion, it was the highest residential building in Europe. Beetham Tower has earned different awards that include Project of the Year, and Design and Construction Award in the RICS North West Award (2008), Best tall building by Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats (2007) and Best building by the Concrete Society Award (2007). According to skyscrapernews (2007) Beetham towers is located at the junction of Deansgate and great bridgewater street in the Manchester city centre. The Beetham tower also known as the Beetham Hilton Tower was developed by the Beetham Organization after planning permission was granted in October 2003. The companies that were involved in the entire construction of Beetham Tower are Beetham Organization as developer, the Ian Simpsons architects, Cantor Seinule Group as structural engineers and services engineers and carillion construction as main contractor. The site has carboniferous limestone shales and sandstones (Jarvis et al 1984; 5) and is free from any future possible drift on geology that can impact negatively on the strength of the building (Jarvis et al 1984; 10-13). The soil has characteristic properties that include well drained and sufficiently permeable clay-loam soil (Jarvis et al 1984:153-154). The site satisfies recommended soil depth between 40-80 metres that underlies a bed of limestone. The limestone bed provides a strong foundation for the building. Beetham tower site was originally an obsolete section of railway viaduct. The site ground preparation involved demolition of the railway viaduct, unsuitable materials were removed and scarification was carried out. Drainage direction was constructed according to beetham storm water management design. Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates that any demolished concrete was crushed and recycled and this had an effect of lowering carbon footprint. Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates the materials on site were recycled to meet environmental policies on pollution control and compliance with green building program and energy efficiency program. Reconstruction work retained facades and complied with building regulations on resitance to possible collapse. Floating floors were installed on the building to help to reduce load and lower noise transfer. Darbha and Rajagopal (2008) indicates that the constraints that faced beetham tower were brought about by environmental changes that predispose oxidation due to effect of moisture. Darbha and Rajagopal (2008) suggests that as time increases the beetham tower superstructures would have undergo degradation of structural elements and eventually load bearing potential would have decreased as a function of oxidation and aging. These constraints included inter-storey drifts and stability of the columns and beam loaded by compression and bending. Inter-storey drift result even when vertical and horizonatl seismic forces, normal forces and bending moments and elastic inter-storey drifts have been calculated. Redfern (2004:22-23) indicates that Beetham Tower was built using post-tensioned flat slab concrete. Beetham Tower has two concrete core structures whose two dimensional measurements are eight metres and nine metres respectively. Beetham tower has shear walls that run from the front to the back thoughout the full height of the structure. Redfern (2004) argues that the concrete cores are nine metres apart. Durapipe (2007) indicates that the easterly concrete core structure accomodates stairway, lifts that include fire lifts and the other concrete core structure plays a functional role. Redfern (2004) indicates that as the height of the beetham tower increased, the thickness of the concrete walls decreased proportionally from 500milimetres at the bottom to 300 milimetres at the top. Redfern (2004) argues that the strength of the concrete decreases exponetially from C60 at the basement to C50 at the middle to C40 at the top. Redfern (2004) points out that the two concrete core structures were constructed using self-climbing Formwork systems that were fixed to the concrete and provided a twelve metre safety for construction workers from building elements. Redfern (2004) provides that the beetham tower has concrete columns that supplement the concrete shear core structures. Beetham tower has a rectangular shaped floor plate between the fourth floor and twenty-second floor whose dimensional measurements are eighteen metres by fourty metres. Redfern (2004) indicates that the north face façade cantilever extends outwards by four metres. Building talk (2007) indicates that the cantilevel system is supported by columns that run up the shear walls and step out gradually reducing the cantilever to two metres by twenty-eighth floor. Building talk (2007) and Refern (2004) argue that the shear concrete core structures are closely positioned to the northern end of the beetham tower in order to withstand rotational effect that is brought about by cantilever. Redfern (2004) argues that the architerctural design is such that the concrete base is reinforced into a concrete frame that is fixed to the beetham tower’s fourty-seventh floor. Redfern (2004) provides that the Beetham tower structure supports a glass curtain walling that is present in all the faces. Building talk (website) indicates that beetham tower has an isolation system of high-damping natural rubber whose bearings are connected to concrete columns and foundation using recessed type connection. Buildingtalk (website) indicates that the basement has superstructures and buried sub-foundations elements that form anti-atomic shelters. The buried sub-foundations contain independent elements that have adequate mechanical strength to withstand seismic waves. Each of the Beetham tower’s sub-foundations is independent and has sufficient mechanical strength to sustain a third of Beetham Tower weight. Building talk (website) further indicates that Beetham Tower is held by the sub-foundation elements via fulcrums. Building talk argues that Beetham tower’s shearing stress complies with global shearing stress for structural elements. The space lying between the two sub-foundations is filled with compressible material that is impervious to water, gases and radiations. Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates that the cement used for construction of Beetham tower is high strength cement (HSC) that complies with European standards BS EN 197-1, with classification CEM I 42,5R or CEM I 52,5N (upgrade of CEM I 42,5R). Redfern (2004) argues that the cement satisfies self-compacting cement (SCC) properties. The cement complies with European Standards BS EN 196 (methods of testing cement) and European Standards CEM I 52, 5N hence has excellent early and late strength characteristics. The cement has minimal moisture absorbent properties and provides recommended water proof properties. Building talk (n.d.) indicates that the cement satisfies requirements for finite element analysis and withstands free thermal strain1, creep strain2, Transient strain3 and stress-related strain4. Beetham tower according to Architectural Cladding Association (2008:1-5) used pre-casted technique that facilitated materials to be assembled into larger building elements. The precast cladding conformed to British Standards BS 8297:2000. The Pre-casting cladding has sound proofing properties, is not combustible hence it’s fire resistant. Architectural Cladding Association (2008) indicates that dense concrete is air and watertight and has potential to control weathering performance and restricts corrosion. The insulation was incorporated on the lining of internal face as a core lying between the two primary concrete core structures that achieved U-values of 0.30W/M2K. The thermal mass concrete had potential to decrease Beetham tower peak projected heating and cooling loads. Large panels were used between floor slabs or grid width and this ensured no need for the secondary structural columns. They were supported on every floor with stacking initially having begun at the ground level and fixed by bolting to holes on steel structural and channels casted on the concrete core structures. Grid width panels decreased mid-span loading on the structural slab edge. Offsite prefabrication was carried out to increase onsite productivity so that work was independent of on-site activities subject to stabilizing costs of construction and construction time. The Beetham tower has two cement core structures. The primary challenge according to building talk (n.d.) was retaining old facades while developing Beetham tower. Beetham tower construction adopted top-down basement construction for the main tower and bottom up construction for the lower portion of the structure on the backpack that is on the eastern side. This approach was meant to increase speed of construction as well as decrease amount of ground movement. Lateral stability system is depended on the vertical members (concrete core structures) that are equipped with cantilevered concrete shear wall. Interior columns were constructed such that they were positioned to land on discontinued concrete core walls. Beetham tower has only one single protected means of escape and has no structural fire protection to the steel frame. Beetham tower used different structural materials at different height levels in order to facilitate overall structural stability. The foundation system was equipped with secant pile wall to address ground water cut off during construction process. The Beetham tower was equipped with slab drainage to address long term water ingress following seepage. The basement slab was constructed to withstand heave pressures from unloaded clay. Construction of the Beetham tower adopted a single core design approach and is equipped with phased evacuation as opposed to simultaneous evacuation5. Mace (2008) indicates that beetham tower has an isolation system of high-damping natural rubber. The natural rubber has bearings that are connected to columns and foundation using recessed type connection. There are drainage systems above and below the ground for discharging surface water. This helps to reduce accumulation of water that can reduce the mechanial properties of the structure. Reconstruction work retained facades and complied with building regulations on resitance to possible collapse. Floating floors wereconstructed to reduce load on the building and lower noise transfer. Beetham tower basement contains a habitable sub-foundation that also forms an anti-atomic shelter. The habitable sub-foundation contains an emergency exit that is contains a buried duct that emerges from the habitable compartment cell. The duct is connected by flexible seam joints that have potential to absorb relative displacement resulting from possible two successive sub-foundation elements under seismic waves of maximum intensity. Seismic response of the Beetham tower base is isolated by friction devices that have restoring properties hence manages isostatic equilibrium. Beetham tower floors act as tensile membranes. This property allows Beetham tower load to be redistributed through structure when mechanical properties of the steel decrease. This feature was factored as a measure to minimize requirement for fire protection. Beetham tower structural design is a function of fire as a load on the structural frame. This element was factored to provide for efficient fire protection of the Beetham tower in the event of mass movement. The Beetham tower structural design for processes and procedures for seismic design are based on modeling, risk analysis and changes of structural stiffness that are functions of wind designs that affect ventilation hence possible fan of fire resulting into fast spread via the facades. The construction of the Beetham tower satisfied sustainable principle on protection of the environment impacts of man’s activities and creation of safe environments. Use of concrete in Beetham tower helped to provide thermally sustainable structure that had potential to serve as a reservoir of thermal energy. Ventilation and cooling systems at the Beetham tower were highly optimized. The windows and skylights are designed to optimize management of direct light while at the same time facilitating entry of sufficient daylight which had effect of decreasing reliance on electricity hence acting as energy conservation strategy. The use of glass also reduced need for painted wall that provided safe healthy environments at Beetham tower. The roof covering conform to British standards BS 476-3:2004 on fire tests on building. Chu et al (2005) indicate that the roofing system complies with green building program and energy efficiency program. The design and supporting structures satisfy requirements for shape and geometry of the structural system of the building, climatic conditions and site environment. The roof design has no effect on structural thermal insulation due to existence of coherence between roof, insulation6 and ventilation properties. The roof has steel framework that support superstructures membranes that are tensioned to promote weather barrier and reinforce weathertightness of the structure. Beetham Tower steel structure has span frames that have modular and indifferent arrangement that accommodates different structural profiles at equilibrium. Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates that this is reinforced by use of plywood diaphragm or structural plywood diaphragm that has adequate shear strength that resist winds and earthquake loading. The steel thickness is double glazed with a range of 70-100mm. The Beetham superstructures roof satisfies four primary characteristics namely weathertightness7, potential of wind loading8, strength and durability aspects. The superstructures roof-cover fitness, durability and workmanship conform to regulation 8 (1)(2) with thickness of 0.4mm, weight of 116gm-2 and rollout weight of 6.5kilograms. the roof cover product have a calculated water resistance of 57MNsg-1 and are type HR that is recommended by BS 5534:2003 or BS 5250:2002 section 8.4, BS 55342003 annex B and BRE report9. The Beetham tower has an alkoplan roofing membranes from RENOLIT that is a single-ply water proofing system. Durapipe (2007) indicates that the single-ply water proofing system has 150 square metres. Durapipe (2007) argues that the single-ply system protects Beetham tower from climatic related factors like rain and wind. Durapipe (2007) indicates that the single-ply system satisfies British board of Agreement (BBA) on certification for longer life expectancy. Beetham tower has Durapipe ABS pressure pipework that is equipped with Friaphon and Akatherm drainage systems. The Friaphon Drainage system caters for all drainage requirements and provides sound insulation properties and this lowered costs since a separate insulation system was not required. The Friaphon system has skybar whose sizes range from 110millimetres to 160millimetres. The akatherm system has size range from 110milimetres to 200milimetres that caters for all soil waste and rain water roof drainage for both lower basement and main rises of the Beetham tower. The size of durapipe ABS pipework has size of 250milimetres that meets chilled water system for fourth floor to 22nd floor. Durapipe (2007) indicates that durapipe ABS system provided an advantage of increased speed of installation and has effect of reducing maintenance costs and is less labour intensive (Azobuild, 2006). Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates that Beetham Tower has Kingspan flat roof insulation that is equipped with Thermataper TT47 LPC/FM tapered flat roof insulation. Buildingtalk (n.d.) argues that this provides green roof below the waterproofing membrane that is topped with sedum. The roof has Insitu concrete structure that provides high thermal mass. Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates that failure to use traditional pitched roofs was to manage height and bulkiness that could have compromised the structural design of Beetham tower. Buildingtalk (n.d.) argues that the tapered insulation decreases weight of the roof and has potential to speed up the construction process and thermataper doesn’t require time to dry. Buildingtalk (n.d.) indicates that Beetham tower has soffit insulation that was retrofitted beneath the concrete slabs. The insulation provides a vapour barrier and satisfies class 0 on surface spread of fire. The kooltherm system provides a cold bridge and maintains internal temperature within a minimal temperature deviation. Bibliography Architectural Cladding Association. (2008). Facade. Newsletter of the architectural cladding association , http://www.architectural-cladding-association.org.uk/documents/facadewinter08.pdf, 1-5. Azobuild. (2006, November 6th). Akatherm Drainage system. Retrieved March 19th, 2009, from Building news , Durapipe stand tall at Beetham tower, Durapipe ABS Pressure pipework, Friaphon and akatherm Drainage system: http://www.azobuild.com/news.asp?newsid=2730 BBC News. (2004, April 28th). Work starts on luxury highrise. Retrieved March 18th, 2009, from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3665503.stm BBC News. (2006, April 26th). city building reaches full height. Retrieved March 19th, 2009, from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4944590.stm buildingtalk. (n.d.). kingspan insulation kooltherm for beetham tower. Retrieved March 18th, 2009, from http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/kis/kis127.html Darbha, S. and Rajagopal, K.R. (2008). Unsteady motions of a degrading or aging linearized elastic solids. international journal of non-linear mechanics . Durapipe UK. (2007, January 8th). Durapipe stands tall at Beetham Tower. Retrieved march 19th, 2009, from Durapipe UK: http://www.durapipe.co.uk/news/article.asp?sid=3$aid=180$page=3 Jarvis et al (1984). Soils, their use in the northern england and wales. Harpenden. mace. (2008, march 25th). A guide to civil engineering in manchester. Retrieved March 18th, 2009, from http://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/whymace/civil/trail/xml/features/beetham.html news, B. (2003, October 27th). Greenlight for high living . Retrieved March 19th, 2009, from http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/hi/england/manchester/3218247.stm Pro talk ltd. (n.d.). To help minimize energy consum,ption, kingspan thermataper TT$& LPC/FM tapered flat roof insulation used as a part of green roof beneath a water proofing membrane topped with sedum. Retrieved March 18th, 2009, from A pro-talk publication: http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/kis/kis132.html Redfern, B. (2004, May 27th). Manchester's Record Taker'. New Civil Engineer , pp. 22-23. Regan, A (Ideamarketers.com). (2006). Idea marketers. Retrieved March 14th, 2009, from Manchester: the new high life at Beetham Tower: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?manchester_the_new_high_life_at_beetham_tower$articleid=496884 Seers Richard. (2008, march 26th). keeping beetham tower on target. Retrieved March 19th, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_995379/15_200510/ai_21381488 Skyscrapernews. (2007, February 19th). Beetham tower manchester also known as hilton Manchester. Retrieved March 19th, 2009, from http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=132 Skyscrapernews.com. (2006, April 27th). Beetham tower manchester celebrates . Retrieved March 27th, 2009, from skyscrapernews.com: http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=590 List of photographs Photograph 1: South face of Beetham Tower during construction (viewed from castle street-September 2005) Photograph 2: South face of Beetham tower during construction (Viewed from G-mex metrolink station steps-April 2006) Photograph 3: Beetham Tower under Construction –November 2005 Photograph 4: North face of Beetham Tower during Construction (Viewed from Great Bridgewater Street-April 2006) Photograph 5: East face of Beetham tower (viewed from great Bridgewater street-July 2006) Photograph 6: Beetham tower in Manchester Photograph 7: Beetham tower in Manchester –England Photograph 8: Beetham tower in Manchester 2005 Read More