Plean Precast Limited designed and manufactured the architectural precast concrete on the £28 million redevelopment, which forms part of the flagship Aberdeen City Council City Centre Masterplan Project.
Plean Precast Limited designed and manufactured the architectural precast concrete panels, beams, pilaster units, cills and copes for all three Pavilions on the £28 million redevelopment, which forms part of the flagship Aberdeen City Council City Centre Masterplan Project.
Precast Concrete was used for the finish to the three pavilions in the Union Terrace Gardens project which not only allowed the architects, Stallan-Brand, create the symbolically important “tram” form, but also provide a finish that would complement the historic Granite heritage.
The high degree of precision in the design and manufacture of the panels allowed the elements to come together seamlessly on site, with panel joints minimised and set out to the architect’s specification. Structurally, there were several considerations in forming the components, which are both light and slender at the upper level, and heavy and expansive at the lower levels. The overall system was designed as self-supporting from foundation level, avoiding the need for any intermediate vertical support from the primary structure and ensuring consistency of the panel joints.
Achieving the profiles demanded careful consideration in respect of reinforcement and cover to the leading curved edges. Detail coordination was paramount and all components (including reinforcement and cast in fixings and brackets) were modelled and detailed to BIM Level of Detail 400, to ensure a precision fit throughout production and assembly.
Small section sizes and component durability, particularly to the upper mullions and transoms, were achieved through considered detailing and specification of cover, tolerances and testing. The provision of concealed lifting and fixing points also presented challenges and drove the development of bespoke restraint brackets and cast-in plates. This required effective collaboration between designers, manufacturer, and installer to successfully deliver the architectural vision in a buildable and robust manner.
Complexity of the engineering also required Plean Precast to work very closely with the team to ensure the moulding profiles could be formed. Delivery to site and installation without damage due to lifting stresses was also a considerable constraint.
Logistically, the use of precast concrete allowed the main contractor to minimise the amount of site labour, whilst attaining a high level of finish.
| Date: | 2022 |
| Client: | City of Aberdeen Council |
| Architect: | Stallan-Brand |
| Main Contractor: | Balfour Beatty UK Construction Services - Scotland |
| Project Value: | £28.3m |
