CRA Concrete Society Awards Winner 2020
The Concrete Repair Association Repair & Refurbishment Award is presented in recognition of exceptional work to the repair or refurbishment of an existing structure. The judging panel considered each entry in terms of complexity, quality of service, innovation, and environmental considerations of the project.
The judging panel declared:
“All of the entries to this year’s Award have highlighted how complex project needs can be met through innovative solutions. The three projects all showed extensive and convoluted repairs required for unique projects.”
The Winner: Currall Lewis & Martin Construction
The Concrete Repair and Cathodic Protection project was part of an ongoing repair strategy for the Midlands Links Motorway Viaducts.
The project involved the repair and protection of elevated bridge deck soffits, support columns and panel walls. The structures condition had deteriorated to an extent which meant intervention became essential. By intricately planning phased CRs and the installation of CP to the deck soffit, CLM achieved keeping all 8 lanes of the A38 route into Birmingham operational without customer disruption. On average, this road is travelled on 71,832 times daily.
The works area and compound location were in extremely close proximity, meaning it was critical that a robust one-way system and transport plan was designed and implemented for the project. In addition, the project was located adjacent to the River Thame, a known flood plain. This meant the project also needed to provide the Environment Agency with a detailed flood risk plan, emphasising initial plan and layout through to robust reactive measures if flooding occurred.
This winning project demonstrates an ability to deliver a complex proposal dealing with multiple complications to provide a solution that exceeded client expectations. There was a detailed approach to HAVS exposure as well as the precise use of robotic hydro demolition which stood out on this project. The judges commended the project for the participation in the Women in Placement Programme. The projects complexity was clear and required concise planning to enable safe and efficient completion, something that CLM were able to achieve.
Highly commended
Fosroc International Limited & Beton Bauen
Newbridge on Wye, Powys
The joint project was to reconstruct a concrete gauging weir in the river Wye at Newbridge.
The environment of the river and the risk of rising water levels presented several challenges for the project; such as working in a live river and having pumps and cofferdams in place that would be at risk of being swept away with the unpredictable river flow. Also, with the unpredictable weather there was an increased risk of a sudden level rise in the river therefore being able to minimise the time taken to carry out the works was paramount.
The project shows a unique ability to address the complexity of the environment and provide a solution to reinstate the structure in a short timescale, thereby reducing the risk of being exposed to flood water. The judges were impressed with the companies’ ability to complete the scheme quickly and to a high quality, whilst demonstrating the use of a new installation technique of a spray rather than a hand applied approach in a project of this type.
PJ Mear Ltd
Balfron Tower Project
The iconic ‘Brutalist’ Grade II Balfron Tower forms a landmark of modern living and design in London’s East End.
The structure presented a complex structural problem with additional aesthetic considerations for the restoration works. As a 26-storey post-war Grade II listed tower block, every design detail had to be carefully considered to ensure sympathetic refurbishment to this iconic London building was maintained. Works included on all storeys included internal and external cleaning, repair and corrosion prevention, waterproof rendering, and intumescent fire spray coatings.
This project demonstrates extensive repairs to all aspects of the structure without impacting its distinctive aesthetics. The works also satisfied the restriction applied by English Heritage.
The CRA felt it was important to participate in this year’s awards, even in these strange times. Although we may not be able to celebrate in person this year, with a glass of champagne, we ask that you all raise a virtual glass to both the winner and the highly commended awards.
We hope that next year we will be able to celebrate in person once again.
