The project
Cementation Skanska secured the contract with Sir Robert McAlpine for the new 2 Finsbury Avenue office-led commercial development in the heart of the City of London on behalf of developer, British Land.
The new development consists of two towers (38 storey East tower and 23 storey West tower) over a three level basement, connected by a 13 storey podium. It is expected to deliver a world class sustainable mixed use building using recycled materials and very low carbon materials alongside an efficient design. It aims to achieve ambitious sustainability credentials, including net zero carbon and is designed to respond to the evolving requirements of the modern workplace.
Cementation were awarded the project based on our proven ability to self-deliver foundation works alongside temporary and enabling works; and site establishment.
The solution
Two large rotary rigs were used to install large diameter rotary piles up to 58m deep, with the capability to core out existing piles and under-reams (enlarged sections or ‘bulbs’ at the bottom of a pile).
Piling works included the construction of 280 piles, for a hard/firm secant wall to the basement perimeter, totalling 270 linear meters. 86 of the 140 secondary piles contained kingposts. In addition, we installed 78 bearing piles (900-1800mm diameter) using polymer support fluid of which 60 bearing piles housed plunge columns. Primary piles were installed using 95% GGBS concrete. Piling works included associated fibreoptic and CemOptics pile testing for pile integrity and accurate understanding of pile and ground behaviour.
We used our in-house steel fabrications facility for the manufacture of the complex plunge columns designed to integrate into the individual superstructure steelwork. We also managed extensive non-piling packages including basement propping works, environmental monitoring, piling support works and temporary works design.
The outcome
With our highly collaborative approach throughout, the project was successfully completed on schedule with positive feedback on safety, quality and environmental performance.
