Amrose Associates was appointed to support proposed roof improvement works at one of LyondellBasell’s sites, a live manufacturing and storage facility handling delicate and flammable materials. Ensuring structural safety and continuity of operations was therefore critical.
Challenge
There were no archive structural drawings or design records for the existing building and the project was further complicated by the fact that the existing roof containing asbestos, requiring an overclad solution. We also faced restricted access for detailed survey and investigation. As we surveyed the site in more detail we realised the original structural frame would be inadequate for the additional roof loading.
Our approach
Amrose Associates delivered a full end-to-end structural service, including:
- Detailed structural survey of the existing warehouse
- Production of accurate as-built drawings
- Structural assessment of the building frame, considering original design intent, historical codes of practice and modern design standards and loading requirements
- Assessment of the structure with additional roof loads applied, which demonstrated failure of several elements
- Development of a bespoke strengthening scheme, including rafter and column stays and localised stiffening of selected elements
- Design and check of the proposed strengthening works for construction
- Preparation of fabrication drawings to support delivery on site
Outcome
Rather than extensive structural replacement, Amrose Associates identified targeted strengthening measures that addressed specific deficiencies while minimising cost, programme impact and disruption to site operations.
The final solution enabled safe implementation of the overclad roof system, compliance with current structural standards and continued, uninterrupted use of the facility for high-risk material storage and extension of the building’s service life through intelligent engineering intervention.
