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Project Overview
Blackburn & Co. Ltd was appointed by a valued repeat client, NDS Mechanical Services, to deliver a temporary structural steelwork solution at a high-rise commercial building in Canary Wharf. The project formed a critical enabling package to allow the installation of new air-conditioning condenser units on the roof of the occupied building.
Due to the scale of the equipment and the constraints of the site, the works required careful planning, precise fabrication, and controlled installation within a live environment.
Scope of Works
Our scope included the design, manufacture, and installation of temporary structural steelwork to support crane operations, comprising:
- Temporary crane base frames to the roof structure
- Large-section steel beams, including 610 × 229 × 125 UB and 305 × 305 × 97 UC members
- Spliced steelwork to facilitate transportation via the building’s goods lift
The temporary steelwork was required to safely support cranes used to lift air-conditioning condenser units to roof level.
Design & Fabrication
Due to the size and load requirements of the crane bases, significantly larger steel sections were required than those typically used in standard building works. To ensure accuracy and reduce installation risk, all steelwork was manufactured and test-fitted at our premises prior to delivery to site, confirming that all components assembled correctly.
Given the temporary nature of the installation and the tight programme, the steelwork was supplied in an unfinished, raw steel condition.
Installation & Outcome
All installation works were carried out during night shifts due to noise restrictions, as the building remained fully occupied during daytime hours. Sections of the steelwork were transported part-way up the building using the internal goods lift, with beams spliced to suit lift size limitations.
Once on the roof, a mobile spider crane was installed by our client and used to lift the steel members into their final positions. Despite the restricted working hours and complex logistics, the installation was completed efficiently and safely.
The temporary crane bases provided a robust and secure platform, enabling the successful lifting and installation of the air-conditioning condenser units. The client was highly satisfied with the quality, speed, and coordination of the works.
Conclusion
This project highlights Blackburn & Co. Ltd’s capability to deliver complex, temporary structural steel solutions in high-rise, occupied commercial buildings. Through detailed planning, off-site test fitting, and coordinated night-time installation, we supported a critical mechanical services operation within one of London’s most demanding commercial environments.
For more information on Temporary Crane Base Structural Steelwork talk to Blackburn & Co Ltd