Eastbourne Arndale Centre

Traditional methods of reinforcement were considered in the initial stages of the project, which would have included traditional jacketing, propping, partial demolition and installation of new in-situ concrete. This would have meant partial, if not complete closure of the MSCP at times, and would have resulted in a 47 week programme.

Freyssinet was instructed to carry out the full design, supply and installation of column strengthening to 84 columns in the MSCP. By utilising its innovative ExoLeafTM system - with Ductal® UHPC in precast form, Freyssinet was able to reduce the 47 week programme down to just 15 weeks, which included work on a number of special columns. As a result, the car park stayed open to the public for the majority of the works, which was crucial in the lead up to the Christmas period. Had traditional methods been adopted, this may not have been possible.

The ExoLeafTM system can be developed as precast, cast in-situ or even sprayed, and as such it can be adapted to a wide range of applications and site conditions. The use of Ductal® Infrastructure solution was particularly effective on this project where disruptions to the structure needed to be minimised.

The expertise of Freyssinet in design and installation, combined with the performances of Ductal® and knowledge of Thorp Precast led to an excellent result serving all of the Client’s needs: safety, speed, aesthetics and quality.