Falcon News
December 2009
FALCON CARRY OUT CINTEC ANCHOR WORK IN GLOUCESTER
Minerva Conservation Ltd, based in Bath, instructed Falcon to supply and install Cintec anchors to stabilise the outward movement on the Red House, in Rococo Gardens, Gloucester.
The Red House is a popular location for weddings, it is in fact the most popular building within the grounds thanks to the lovely vista from the bridge up which the bride can walk. It provides an ideal location for couples looking for a more rustic location as most of the ceremony can take place on the terrace outside. The Rococo Gardens and its various garden structures are owned by English Heritage. The gardens are currently closed until 10th January 2010 during which time the conservation works are being undertaken.
November 2009
FALCON WORK CARRIED OUT AT MUSEUM OF SOMERSET, TAUNTON
The Museum of Somerset project is being led by Somerset County Council’s Heritage Service to conserve and restore Taunton Castle and to rejuvenate the Somerset County Museum located within it. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed £4.8m funding for the project and a further £1.7m must be raised through grants and public fundraising.
Work that Falcon Structural has undertaken at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton has now been completed. Falcon was employed by two separate sub contractors, Sally Strachey Conservation and Gibbs Engineering Limited (who are the steelwork fabricator working on the large refurbishment project) to carry out the work. Both sub contractors were appointed by the main contractor, Pollard & Sons, who are based in Bridgwater.
The aim of the project is to create a visitor attraction that will tell the story of Somerset from prehistoric times to the present day and to display its history and heritage in exciting new ways.
October 2009
FALCON SPONSOR SOMERSET JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAM
Falcon is currently involved on a couple of sites in Somerset where they have been employed by Persimmon Homes, South West.
As they are completing some of the work in Bridgwater, Falcon has agreed to sponsor the under 7's Victoria Park Rangers team, who are based there.
As their official 2009/2010 sponsor, Falcon Structural Repairs has given the Victoria Park Rangers two team strips, shown in the photos below taken from a recent club tournament.
Falcon wish the team good luck for their upcoming games!.
September 2009
FALCON SCALE NEW HEIGHTS!
This month Falcon is taking concrete repairs to a whole new level at the Winfrith Technology Centre in Dorset. The job, which started on 7th September 09, requires powered access machines to complete the work. As some Falcon operatives hold IPAF Powered Access License’s (PAL), this allows them to drive and operate the Genie Boom Lift (pictured right).
August 2009
FALCON COMMENCES WORK AT HISTORIC LONDON DOCKLANDS SITE
Historical records first show the existence of the Hermitage Dock complex as far back as 1658. The Hermitage basin was finally constructed in 1821, and was used daily by dozens of small ships and lighters bringing goods into and taking them out of London.
Redevelopment of the Docklands area included the recent construction of luxury apartments and town houses that now surround the picturesque Hermitage Basin feature.
Falcon recently commenced major structural repairs involving the construction of expansion joints, structural crack repairs, brick cleaning and water proofing works. It is anticipated that the project will take approximately 10 weeks to complete.
Following the removal of approximately 1,000 fish from the basin careful consideration has to be given to the repair techniques and materials used, as It is important to ensure there are no detrimental environmental effects on the wildlife when it is reintroduced and allowed to develop in the completed basin.
A case study of this project will be available following the successful completion of the project in due course.
June 2009
RAISING THE ANGEL
On Saturday 20th June, Falcon was present at the “Raising the Angel” evening celebration at St Mary’s Church, Perivale. You may remember from our Christmas Special news item that Falcon had restored the fallen historic angel monument in Ealing to its former glory.
Engineer and project manager David Haythorn was the guest of honour. He was joined by Ross King who as one of Falcon’s Contract Managers controlled the site work, and his partner Jo, Falcon’s MD Ifor Roberts and wife Gill and by Hugh Mather, the patron of St Marys Church.
The evening consisted of a reception and introduction by Hugh Mather in the churchyard and a buffet meal in the church. This was followed by an amazing violin recital by 14 year old protégée, Mathilde Milwidsky, who is surely destined to become a ‘Young Musician of the Year’. The music then continued with several piano duets by Hugh Mather and Charles Ecomonou, and a thoroughly good evening was had by all.
Photo left to right: David Haythorn, Ross King, Jo Lawson, Gill Roberts, Ifor Roberts, Hugh Mather, Norma Haythorn.
SUBSIDENCE EXPOSITION
Falcon attended the post magazine Subsidence Expo again last Thursday 25th June and Falcon’s MD Ifor Roberts gave a presentation in his role as ASUC Chairman. There were many representatives of insurance companies, loss adjustors and engineers in attendance.
May 2009
FALCON AWARDED WORK AT CONWY CASTLE
Falcon has been awarded a third phase of Cintec Anchoring work at Conwy Castle in North Wales, having already completed two phases at the historic site in 2005 and 2007.
April 2009
Falcon Wedding
Falcon offer their congratulations to John Pusey and Lisa Green for their wedding which took place on Saturday 18th April 09 in Saunderton, Bucks. John has worked for Falcon for 10 years.
John, Lisa, their children and all their family and friends had a fantastic day.
March 2009
Falcon Sponsor Runner in London Marathon
We are sponsoring Jade Balkham in this year's London marathon, a staggering 26.2 mile run taking place on the 26th April. The sponsorship has a personal touch for Falcon as Jade's Mum worked for us for nearly twenty years before moving to Spain.
Jade is running in aid of Cancer Research and has pledged to raise £2,000. She is halfway there but needs help in raising the other half.
You can sponsor Jade too by going online to her fundraising page www.runningsponsorme.org/jadebalkham.
Please join us in helping Jade to reach her fundraising target and continue the fight against cancer.
February 2009
WE ARE MOVING!
Our Billericay office is moving this week and the new address will be
Unit 12, Orwell Court, Hurricane Way, Wickford, Essex,
SS11 8YJ
Telephone 01268 732100 Fax 01268 733400
PILED RAFT UNDERPINNING IN HUNTINGDON
Cracking and damage to a property in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire had been monitored by engineers over a period of time and it was determined that ongoing differential movement was taking place. It was therefore decided to underpin the property. Given the nature of the clay subsoil on which the property is founded and the close proximity of a number of mature trees, the piled raft method of underpinning was selected as the most appropriate course of action.
Falcon was appointed to undertake the works due to their experience in carrying out similar projects, and their ability to finish work at high standards.
Firstly the existing beam and block floors were removed from the building and the walls were made good where the beams had been built into the inner skin. The internal walls were supported on temporary props to preserve their structural integrity during the construction process. The piles were then constructed using Falcon’s mini auger rig, extending the piles to a depth of 10.0 metres below internal ground level. Each pile was provided with an anti-heave sleeve to reduce the uplift on the top section of the pile should the ground heave due to re-hydration of the clay.
Once the piles had been constructed, an anti-heave layer was placed over the entire floor area (in sections), and a polystyrene layer to facilitate their removal once the raft/slab had been cast surrounded the temporary props. This ensured that complete isolation of the building from its original foundation was possible.
The steel reinforcement was then tied into place (in sections) on top of the anti-heave layer, and the concrete cast into position. The raft/slab was constructed in manageable sections to ensure that not too much of the building was unsupported at any time. Once the concrete had cured sufficiently, the temporary props were removed thus ensuring complete isolation and protection against ground heave.
Once work was finished on the property, Falcon completely reinstated, repaired and redecorated the building to return it to its original condition prior to damage occurring.
January 2009
Falcon Help Ease Traffic Problems in Swanage
For the 18 months running up to the start of December 08, traffic lights and a partial road closure had been in place on Shore Road which runs along the seafront in Swanage. This had been causing traffic build up and problems for the local residents.
Cracking had developed within the stone wall by the side of the road and this caused alarm bells for Swanage Town Council.
Falcon was invited to submit an estimate to repair the wall using Cintec anchors. Cintec, having carried out other bridge strengthening works with Dorset County Council, was requested to produce a detailed design to strengthen and repair the retaining wall. Falcon further modified the design due to the findings that were encountered on site.
The remedial works that Falcon carried out involved the installation of 7 number Cintec ground anchors, M20 dia. x 9000mm long, diamond cored through the stone walling and into the ground behind. These anchors were installed at an inclined downward angle of 20 degrees. In addition vertical anchors have been installed down through the wall and below the footpath which runs along the front of the wall at low level. These 11 number anchors are up to 4200mm in length.
Falcon completed the repair work swiftly within 4 weeks and all on site work was finished before Christmas, so the traffic lighting and partial road closure could at last be removed.
In addition to the strengthening work undertaken, Falcon has also been contracted to rebuild a section of the stone wall.
December 2008
FALLEN ANGEL IN EALING - Christmas Special
Falcon was called in to inspect the historic Angel monument in the churchyard at St Marys' Church, Perivale by Engineer David Haythorn.
The 130 year old angel was leaning approximately ten degrees from left to right and four degrees from front to rear. The trustees of the church yard, who are engaged in a planned restoration of the monument, were concerned that if the Angel was left it might soon topple over which would inevitably damage the statue.
Falcon and David Haythorn agreed a suitable method to level the monument by supporting the plinth and statue on steels then jacking it back up to level using hydraulic rams and carefully exerting controlled pressures. Falcon's experienced operatives and engineers completed the operation in under three days, leaving it ready for restoration and renewal of the plinth by the monumental masons. Just in time for Christmas!
NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SPECIALIST UNDERPINNING CONTRACTORS (ASUCplus)
Falcon's own Managing Director, Ifor Roberts, was appointed as the new Chairman of ASUCplus last Friday 12th December and will hold the position for the next two years. Ifor has been active in the association for the last several years serving as Membership Secretary and as Chairman of the Health and Safety sub-committee.
Although taking over the Chairmanship at a difficult time for trading, Ifor says:, "I am confident that ASUCplus can help its members through the challenging times ahead by demonstrating that they provide a specialist service to customers that is second to none and is backed by the 12-year insurance guarantee."
NEW CONTRACTS
Masonry repairs carried out to Cheshunt Public Library
Falcon was recently commissioned to carry out masonry repairs at Cheshunt Public Library. The repairs involved the renovation and part renewal of Portland Stone components, to the higher level of the Northwest wing of the building. Amongst other specialist repair work carried out was the cleaning and repair of parapet brickwork. Falcon applied their expertise with mortar dyes and colour toned pointing to blend in with existing surfaces. The contract value was £36,000.00
Repair work done to Corfe Castle
Falcon Structural Repairs was appointed by Strachey & Strachey Conservation to supply and install Cintec anchors into the arched stonework forming part of the Outer Gatehouse entrance into the Castle grounds. Strachey & Strachey specialises in the care of historic buildings, monuments and churches and Falcon has been commissioned by the company to work on a series of previous projects. The stabilisation works were designed by Mann Williams Consulting Engineers Bath. The architects on the project were Philip Hughes Associates, with Press & Starkey being the quantity surveyor acting on behalf of English Heritage.
November 2008
FALCON AWARDED CSCS GOLD STANDARD
Falcon Structural Repairs has recently been awarded the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) prestigious Gold Standard Certificate.
The CSCS scheme has been introduced to improve quality and lower the risk of accidents throughout the construction industry. Workers across all types of disciplines – from trainees through to professionally qualified personnel - are issued with an appropriate card as proof of their occupational competence. The cards are in increasing demand from contractors and both public and private clients.
Falcon achieved the Gold Standard Certificate in recognition of the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible levels of competence and health and safety in the workplace. This is illustrated by the fact that at least 90% of Falcon’s workforce hold CSCS cards.
NEW CONTRACTS
Falcon was recently commissioned to carry out work on the following two projects which have now been completed.
Retaining wall repairs and strengthening at Belsize Square, London NW3. Falcon was employed to repair a brick built retaining wall which ran at the rear of private gardens above a public pathway. The wall was considered to have reached a dangerous condition and Falcon carried out repairs. This involved taking down and reconstructing the upper section of the wall, overhauling and repairing the existing ground anchors and installing vertical Cintec anchors to strengthen the brickwork. The contract value was in excess of £15,000.
Installation of remedial movement joints to a steel framed building in New Malden, Surrey. In order to prevent future cracking caused by thermal movements between brickwork and steelwork to industrial buildings, Falcon was employed to repair brickwork and install remedial movement joints. The contract value is approximately £45,000.
June 2008
Falcon exhibit at Subsidence Expo
The second Post Magazine Subsidence Expo was held at the Victoria Plaza in London last week, bringing together key players in the sector. Falcon were in attendance, and attracted plenty of interested to their stand.
Falcon's Managing Director, Ifor Roberts said; 'It was a successful event and a good opportunity to network with our colleagues, many of whom we rarely meet face to face.'
May 2008
Falcon Excavations Unearth Gruesome Find
Falcons excavation work to facilitate construction of a basement in a South Mimms home in April this year led to the discovery of up to 30 skeletons beneath the house.
The project involved the initial construction of contiguous bored piled retaining walls to the rear of the building followed by underpinning the rear section of the property. The ground enclosed by the piles and underpinning was then excavated, both within and to the rear of the house to form the new basement over an area of approximately 60 sq.metres. The first coffin and its remains were discovered during the underpinning work in the kitchen of the property prompting an initial 'scene of the crime' reaction by the local police force, although it was quickly established that the remains were over a hundred years old.
The Blanche Lane property's owner investigated and found that her house was built on the site of an 18th Century Quaker meeting point. Quakers were persecuted for their beliefs and were not allowed to be laid to rest in local churchyards, so were buried at their meeting places.
Having made the gruesome discovery, Falcon operatives went on to uncover ten more coffins in various stages of decay, buried six feet below ground, all containing human remains. The remains were carefully excavated and set aside by the building contractor for subsequent reburial elsewhere.
The house owner and mother has had to deal with exhumation and re-burial costs. All parties involved in the project have treated the matter with due reverence and sensitivity and have helped to minimise the additional expenditure necessary. She has also had to deal with plenty of local and national media interest!
Full story on 'This is Local' website
Posted 14th May 2008
April 2008
Falcon Structural Repairs Eastern Ltd is Formed
On 1st April 2008 Falcon and Euro Underpinning joined forces and Falcon Structural Repairs Eastern Ltd was formed. The purpose of this union is to provide a more comprehensive service and geographical coverage from four area offices serving southern Britain, to existing and future clients.
Benefits to our clients - both domestic and professional - will include ten highly experienced hands-on Engineers/Managers/Directors, part of a multi-disciplined, skilled in-house workforce providing a technically competent, cost-effective and environmentally friendly professional service.
As our industry continues to change and evolve we believe the alliance between Falcon and Euro Underpinning will help us to strive, maintain and enhance the standards that are demanded by our clients and the professional governing bodies within our industry. Particular emphasis is placed on Health and Safety and Customer Care satisfaction.
Additional information can be provided by Ifor Roberts or Roger Boddy via the Watford or Billericay offices.
Posted 5th April 2008
Falcon Secure More Castle Contracts
Following sucessful completion of anchoring to secure loose stonework at Montgomery, Harlech and Conwy castles during 2005 and 2006, Falcon were awarded a further anchoring contract at Caernarfon castle in 2007, and another phase of work at Conwy castle which was completed in January 2008.
Posted 4th April 2008
New Look Website Design
Thank you to Taylor and Taylor Advertising for creating our new look website
Posted 3rd April 2008
© Falcon Structural Repairs Ltd 2008