Facade Retention

GSG erect support systems to hold up the façade of a building during Major refurbishment works. The Façade or structural shell of a building can be safely retained without damage and we often completely remove the entire inside of the buildings.

Support for the façade is provided by steel walers running inside and outside the building at the level of the floors to be removed. Towers or frames are spaced along the inside or outside of the façade.

Where necessary, we construct foundations, either piled or pad to support the temporary loads. We undertake all necessary timber packing and protection to the existing brickwork or stonework.

Internal Bracing

Party walls and gable ends of buildings often require shoring whilst work on adjacent premises is carried out, or when foundations require underpinning. Often, existing structures are left in place to provide lateral restraint: additional internal bracing can be erected to provide full stability.

Structural Modification & Partial Demolition

During modification of existing buildings, Architect requirements often demand engineering solutions to remove vertical structural elements and replace them with transfer beams and grillages. Internal partial demolition of walls and openings are also required when significant floor and general layouts are changed for new developments.

To allow this, it is necessary to support the service loads of the structure, demolish the unwanted elements and transfer the loads onto the replacement structure.

Vertical supports can be pre-loaded if required, using screw jacks or hydraulic flat jacks.

Structural Repairs

GSG enable safe major structural repairs on traditional buildings of the late 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, keeping traditional architectural and structural characteristics whilst replacing and repairing all aspects of masonry, timber, cast/wrought iron and steel structures.

18th & 19th Century buildings have unique structural problems, in this case at Aberystwyth, the entire front elevation was supported while replacement of internal load baring walls and window openings were completely replaced.

Structural Renovation

GSG apply the same techniques and systems for structural repairs and renovation of traditional dwellings, preserving architectural characteristics. In domestic extension building and renovation work there is always a need to support and protect parts of the structure, (or an adjoining structure) while work is carried out. Our work also includes foundations and underpinning.

GSG undertake Internal works to openings, basements, ceilings and roofs. All require careful consideration and handling to protect the structure, preserve architecture and enable repairs and renovation to progress safely.

Bridge Repairs

Many existing bridges with concrete decks require their existing parapets to be replaced to improve edge protection. Typically, the concrete parapet edge beam is cut off and a new one cast in its place. Modular and mobile frames can be pre assembled into units for final positioning and installation by crane.

Frames can stand on the deck of the existing bridge. The assembled units can be secured by anchors drilled into the existing deck or for fast track projects, concrete kentledge can be used to secure the units and maintain stability.

Utilities

Many existing bridges have been constructed with integral pipeworks. For these services located under the bridge deck, we provide safe working platforms to enable repair or full replacement of pipe.