Temporary Works
Temporary works are a vital element of any build. They are designed to facilitate construction of the permanent structure and are removed during or after the completion of the build. Examples in construction include scaffolding, propping, shoring, bracing, falsework (shuttering), formwork, plant platforms, temporary foundations, piling mats and crane bases or crane mats.
We have in-house Trained Temporary Works Co-Ordinators and are well experienced in all aspects of design. Notably we did the Independent Structural Design Check of the Temporary Works on the Guys Hospital in London. This project required special consideration due to the requirements of suspending an externally mounted access scaffold, platforms and mast climbing equipment over 50 m above ground level. The innovative solution for these temporary works was identified as one of the key factors in choosing Balfour Beatty as the contractor since it allowed the hospital to remain fully operational throughout the process of renovating the hospital’s main towers.
The number one priority for any temporary works design is safety, while the buildability aspect is obviously also of vital importance. Often temporary works are an integrated cost within the entire bid and not identified separately. The extent of temporary works is also dependent upon which method of construction the contractor adopts.
The Stability of the Permanent Works may be critically related to the temporary works, in terms of sequence, space, movements limits or strength. There are very few builds which do not require any temporary structures. Add to this cost constraints, sustainability considerations, striking times, early strength requirements, slab capacities for temporary loading during back-propping and the co-ordination of all this, and you’ll realise that some professional guidance would really be most helpful.
