Broomloan Court, Glasgow

Broomloan Court, Glasgow

3 Number 21 Storey Tower Blocks

Coleman & Company demolished the 3 tower blocks at Broomloan Court as part of the continuing Partnership Framework with Glasgow Housing Association.

Historically tower blocks of this size would be demolished using controlled explosives. Due consideration was given to the method of demolition and in this instance it was demonstrated that the safest, most practical and cost effective method of demolition would be by Ultra High Reach machine, offering a good alternative to explosives.

The Partnership Framework provided Colemans with the opportunity to resource local labour. Working closely with GHA and their partners Colemans employed local labour at a time when competitors were firing not hiring and exceeded all Client expectations for the project. The labour remains with Colemans working on other project in Scotland.

The initial desk study for the site was supplemented by Coleman’s full Site Investigation which revealed exceptionally poor ground conditions. Our Temporary Works Engineer designed a fully engineered working platform based on a working load of 200 tonnes to support the operational Ultra High Reach Machine. The working platform was constructed using a combination of geosynthetics and highways specified granular materials which stabilised the ground whilst reducing the overall construction thickness.

During asbestos removal works, unforeseen asbestos flue pipes were discovered fully encased in concrete. Close consultation with the HSE and controlled on-site trials were undertaken to agree a safe, compliant and satisfactory removal method.

A 24” gas main ran parallel to and within 7 metres to Blocks 1 and 3 which therefore restricted working to one side. The gas main was afforded protection comprising steel road plates traversing the main overlain with compressive material wrapped in geosynthetics and covered with a layer of hardcore. The protection was designed and constructed under the supervision of our Temporary Works Engineer.

Block 2 fell within Network Rail’s failsafe distance for operating machinery adjacent to their track. Modifications were made to the machine to limit height and slew. Sections of the Block were demolished under track possession at night requiring full block illumination. The track possession was approved for weekend working only so an innovative sequence of operations was implemented to maximise machine working time.

Block 3 was adjacent to a dual carriageway, in order to contain wind blown fragments a bespoke protection screen was manufactured and suspended by crane in conjunction with the UHR machine work.

The material was crushed on site and certified to Highways Specification for 6F2. The material removal was managed by Colemans Commercial Team with the majority of material being recycled as sub-base within the M74.