Client
Kier Group's Marriott Construction
Location
Royal & Derngate Theatres, Northampton
Overview
The Royal & Derngate Theatres are situated on Guildhall Road in the centre of Northampton. The Derngate Theatre opened in May 1983, having been designed by RHWL architects for multi-purpose use. In 1999 The Royal Theatre and Derngate Centre were merged, becoming the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northamptonshire.
Problem
Major alteration and refurbisment works included proposals for demolition of retaining walls and excavations to reduce the ground level in the barbecue pit area at the rear of the theatres.
Existing foundations to the adjacent five storey building had to be extended down to a suitable depth, with the introduction of necessary lateral restraints to alleviate concerns over the stability of the underpins.
TBL Solution
Installation of test anchor to determine feasibility of achieving required 60kN safe working load per anchor. Test anchor installed and proof loaded up to 90kN, all as per Kier Groups’ specification. 8Nr MR1 galvanised duckbill ground anchors, each pulled up to the maximum holding capacity of 90kN/anchhor and released down to a safe working load of 60kN/anchor, installed to meet Kier Groups’ engineered specifications.
Benefit
Re-assurance that the necessary lateral restraint to the underpinning was being provided by the MR1 Duckbill ground anchors, having been successfully installed and tested to meet the engineered specification. Rapid anchor installation works were completed in phases, at times specified by the main contractor, enabling continued progress of the £14.5million refurbishment works.
