Client

KIER

Location

Bath

Package Value

£2.1M

Sector

Health

A major new healthcare facility at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), forming the final part of the RUH’s Fit for The Future programme.

[Image credit: Arcadis ]

Overview

Working with Kier under their NHS Framework – Procure 22, Solum undertook the internal and external groundworks, returning at a later stage to complete the external works. The aim of the project was to expand the hospital facility while maintaining operations and addressing geological challenges. Old structures were replaced with new innovatively-designed buildings, and our core contributions encompassed the following scopes of work:

  • Vacuum Excavation to Locate & Prove Existing Services
  • Drainage, Gas, & Radon Ducting
  • Underpinning & Foundation Works
  • Lower-Level Connection to The Existing Building
  • Floor Slabs
  • External Paving, Pathways and Steps
  • Temporary & Permanent Tarmac Roads

Challenges

The project posed logistical and structural challenges due to the proximity of existing hospital buildings and roads:

  • Containment of the Project Footprint

    The project was confined between existing buildings and roads of the live hospital. A one-way system was implemented to manage logistics, preventing congestion, and ensuring continuous operation of essential services during construction.

  • Building Design Took Up a Considerable Portion of the Available Footprint to Maximise Land Use

    Solum addressed the risk of undermining historic foundations and services of nearby structures through a multi-staged solution. This involved underpinning buildings, identifying service locations, removing obstructions, and diverting live sewers.

  • Tying in the New Centre to an Adjacent Building

    The existing building served as a live fire escape for a small number of staff throughout the project. Managing this aspect was complex and required meticulous sequencing to ensure successful completion, all while maintaining a viable emergency egress route.

  • Geological Considerations & Sustainable Practices

    Dealing with bedrock excavation and preserving fossil discoveries were integral. Sustainable practices were employed, such as recycling demolition material for construction to minimise environmental impact.

  • Excavation & Safe Disposal of a Mixture of Non-Hazardous & Hazardous Materials

    We drew up coordinated ‘hotspot’ plans to ensure the correct excavation of materials and the disposal of them at the appropriate waste facilities.

Key Results

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2,500m3

of concrete poured
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4,300t

of aggregates placed
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7,000t

of material excavated

Client: KIER

A strategic supplier to the UK Government with key strengths in education, healthcare, custodial, transport, and defence. For around 100 years, they have worked on vital infrastructure supporting communities.