KEY FACTS

CLIENT

University of York

YEAR COMPLETED

2012

BUILD TYPE

New Build

SERVICES PROVIDED

Civil Engineering
Desk Studies and Engineering Appraisals
Drainage Strategies
Foundation Design
Ground Investigation
Retaining Structures
Structural Engineering

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BWB Consulting were employed directly by the University of York for the 2 phases of the Plasma Institute. The Plasma Institute is an industry linked facility that researches and patents new and innovative commercial uses for Plasma coated materials. This required a mix of laboratory and teaching space using a large volume of gas and chemicals.

Phase 1 of the proposed development was the refurbishment of existing offices where it is intended to divide the largely open plan building into smaller rooms using stud partitions. BWB undertook a non-intrusive investigation to determine the existing buildings construction, liaised with York City Council to identify existing records for the existing structure and worked with the contractor to undertake intrusive works before structural alterations were undertaken.

Phase 2 comprised a large single storey open plan structure for the use of scientific experiments. The structural frame was constructed using a braced steel portal frame. The facility also required flexibility for the possibility of a future mezzanine and therefore the structure needed to be designed to cater for this additional future load.

BWB delivered civil and structural engineering services along with geotechnical and environmental services for all phases of the development.

KEY CONTACTS