The 31.5 metre x 137.5 metre building at Ironbridge Power Station, Shropshire, UK has an apex height of 21 metres. Its roof provides rigidity with minimal deflection thereby providing stability and support for a 200-ton roof-mounted conveyor system used for the dispersal of biomass fuel products. The roof’s 35 degree pitch was designed around the angle of repose of the biomass material.
Specialists from the UK based Rubb team were on hand to provide advice, support, recommendations, site visits and ongoing solutions regarding the various challenges arising during the project. These included structure height, weight loadings and access and custom door designs. The company also met AJS/E.ON requirements stipulating that all elements of the structure were to be designed and manufactured in the UK. The steel framework of the building is protected from corrosion by hot dip galvanizing.
“This is our first biomass storage structure to date” said Project Manager Andy Knox. “It demonstrates our diversity and versatility when it comes to the flexibility of design and manufacture to meet changing requirements and the added challenge of attaching a 200 ton conveyor system to the roof elements, all within strict time constraints.”
According to Martin Wylie, Renewable Energy Divisional Manager at AJS Contracts Ltd, working with a UK turnkey contractor such as Rubb, helped remove additional pressure from the principle contracting team. Rubb can design, manufacture and install a complete package, providing auditable quality procedures and more importantly an excellent understanding of UK Health, Safety and Environmental regulations.
“Working on a renewable energy project in the UK brings its own challenges” Mr Wylie added. “This combined with constructing within a world heritage site, such as Ironbridge, really increased the need and focus to operate efficiently and to achieve a build that is aesthetically pleasing.”
Rubb Buildings past achievements include ground-breaking military buildings (aircraft hangars, shelters, storage facilities), specialist sports buildings and structures for a variety of sectors including aviation, ports, construction, bulk storage and environmental (waste and recycling).
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