Client: Renault
Project: Renault F1 CFD Facility, Oxfordshire
Renault F1 required a pre-engineered solution for their new F1 CFD Test Facility that could be design approved, fabricated and installed within a brief prescribed time. After evaluating several alternatives, the client’s architect, Ridge Property and Construction Consultants, and consultant engineers, Scott Wilson, determined that a Matière system CM4 arch met the needs of sustainability and high speed construction.
The adopted design provides an arched space of 16.4 metre span, with 6.5 metre height and a total area of 1025 square metres. The structure comprises 25 rings of 2.5 metre depth and 75 cast elements in total. Each roof arch weighed 32 tonnes.
There were a small number of bespoke modifications to the standard design. Four arches in the centre of the building were cast with opposing semi circular openings to create apertures for natural lighting. A door opening has been created in the wall at the mid–point along the length of the structure from which a curved tunnel will form a dramatic entrance to the complex.
Time savings were made possible by the use of off–site fabrication. During the 12 week period while the elements were cast, site clearance and foundation preparation proceeded in parallel. Erection of the primary shell was completed with the aid of a 350 tonne crane in just six working days. From receipt of the letter of intent on 17 September 2007, the shell was cast, erected and handed over by December 19 – well ahead of schedule.
ABM Bridge Systems undertook design, manufacture and erection; other works are the responsibility of the main contractor and other specialists. The Matière walls are free standing without support but were temporarily propped to safeguard against being dislodged by accidental impact, before the central sections were installed. Once the main arch units were fitted each ring was completely stable and the only remaining structural work was for the main contractor to cast a concrete stitch externally at the base of the walls to prevent lateral movement during backfilling and compaction.
When complete the Renault F1 CFD Centre will be a world-class computing facility. It will provide a high quality working environment, a showcase for advanced computing technology and will be a building with exceptional environmental credentials. The visual impact of the building will be minimal. Being an earth–sheltered structure it will be more thermally efficient, requiring less heating and cooling to compensate for seasonal variations.
This is a novel application of a pre–engineered civil engineering structure to meet the needs of a special situation. ABM Bridge Systems do not expect many high technology facilities to be created in this way. However, it may be that as environmental pressures increase to preserve green space, these structures will be more commonly used to conceal and protect other capital assets such as tank farms, utility services and power infrastructure.
Latest News
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Welcome to the November edition of the ABM Bridge Systems Newsletter.
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ABM receive a glowing commendation for M5 - Shore Road, Railway Structure in Northern Ireland.
David M.Patton, Chairman of the Patton Group recently issued a terrific commendation to ABM Bridge Systems for their timely and successful completion of a Railway structure.
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ABM receive a further commendation for the Park Bridge Arch Structure in Northern Ireland.
ABM Bridge Systems have received a further commendation for their valiant efforts in delivering and installing the CM4 arch units for the Park Bridge Project, in Derry, on Friday 10th October 2008.
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