by
Anonymous
June 10, 2004 -- The complex nature of the building, high number of vehicle movements and special fire risk meant that ventilation was a key consideration. Mechanical services designers, AYH plc, specified systems to meet building regulations giving between three and six air changes per hour for comfort ventilation. This can be boosted to ten air changes per hour for smoke removal should fire occur. Sprinklers are also installed to contain fire.
Four runs of Hargreaves HFD series fire resistant ductwork provide the backbone to the smoke ventilation system. These double-skin ducts are armoured externally to protect their insulation core and are capable of containing fire for up to four hours. Their smooth cleanable protective cladding made them particularly suited to this environment. Measuring four by one metre in section, they were supplied in panel form and assembled on site into six-metre lengths that were then hoisted into position and bolted together.
To meet the high-speed construction programme, special assembly and lifting rigs were designed by Senior Hargreaves enabling installation rates of up to 12 linear metres per day. Ventilation is powered by fire resistant fans supplied by ABB the mechanical services contractor, as part of their mechanical services package.
Senior Hargreaves has invested heavily in the development and testing of their fire rated ductwork. All panels are factory built to ensure quality and consistency. Precision manufacture enables rapid site assembly of these sections. Smooth internal and external galvanised finishes are low maintenance and will not trap dust or debris.
Located in a busy metropolitan area the new facility is designed to minimise environmental impact. There will be 1400 acoustic baffles to absorb noise. The building fabric and systems are also engineered to contain noise and odour. Even part of the roof has a covering comprising thousands of oxygenating alpine plants.
The new Hornsey Street site is a £60 million investment. In addition, to waste recovery and processing, it houses garages and workshops. Built over three floors, it has a public access recycling centre for the London Borough of Islington, bulk recycling facilities and waste compaction and transfer plant. When operational, the centre will process around 1,100 tonnes per day of domestic and commercial waste.
Main contractor for the project are Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd who are also building the new Arsenal stadium on the site of the old waste recycling plant. External works will be by McNicholas Plc.
High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/ha166/3723ha1a.htm
This article courtesy of http://www.waste-technologies.co.uk.
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