PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project associated with the enabling works, services infrastructure and complex foundation structure for the installation of the university’s new £2.5M Optical Ground Station Telescope and the foundations and services to accommodate the telescope operational control cabin, supplied and installed by the client direct specialist.

The works comprised the excavation and formation of a complex reinforced concrete foundation structure a incorporating steel access platforms and staircase, to provide the base for a highly scientific new Optical Ground Station telescope purchased by the University.

In addition to the telescope base, new M&E services were provided for power, water, drainage and IT to allow the facility to function and integrate with the university infrastructure. Ducted service tracks were installed throughout the campus roads, footpaths and landscaped areas. Anew power distribution board was installed and connection made to existing services within the adjacent George Bruce Building.

Foundations were cast and M&E services (ducted service tracks for water IT & power) installed to support a Portakabin installed by a client direct supplier for the telescope control office.

A hardstanding was formed around the facility with perimeter security fencing and CCTV installation

KEY CHALLENGES

The works were carried out in a live University Campus environment with extensive excavations throughout road, footpath and landscaped areas. The safety and wellbeing of all university users, public and vehicles was paramount throughout the live campus at all stages of the work. The continuity of access and maintaining of services for adjacent buildings and university facilities was essential at all times throughout the project works.

Integration and connection of new services into the existing systems was carefully controlled through planning and strict adherence to the university services permit systems.

ADDED VALUE

Initial value engineering was implemented to achieve the required scope of works and specification requirements within the clients strict budget parameters. EC worked proactively with both the design team and the client end user representatives to ensure minimal disruption, adherence of programme and very critical accuracy was achieved with respect the OGS telescope specification requirements for fixing positions and connections.

EC’s extensive experience in working in Live Environments was vital in ensuring no inconvenience or issues were created.