After three weeks of waiting, the weather finally thawed last Friday and made it possible for the first concrete to be poured on the Grand Pier since the re-build started last September. Concrete was pumped from the shore along the entire length of the waist and contractors were able to create the floor of the 3rd floor plant room and the 250 seater conference room at the front of the second floor overlooking the town.
A relieved Richard Sutton of John Sisk & Co, the Main Contractor said, 'we have been waiting for over three weeks for the weather to break so we could pour the concrete, if it wasn't bad enough having to pump it a quarter of a mile, the inclement weather meant it kept freezing before it got to where we needed it. We are pleased to have finally managed to get it out there and weather permitting, we hope to do another large pour next Wednesday'.
Visitors to the seafront can now see the beginning of a 100-metre long and 20 metre high scaffolding ramp being created in front of the new Pavilion. This is to give access so the roof sheets can be rolled at the shore in one piece and carried along the waist and onto the roof. Each piece is over 80 metres long, this is to ensure that there are no joins that could give rise to troublesome leaks in the future.
They are usually rolled and lifted straight onto the roof but the machine that is used weighs more than 25 tons and cannot be taken onto the Pier so the sheets will have to be carried out and lifted into place by hand. Owner Kerry Michael said, 'this is just one of the many logistical problems we have had to overcome on this project. I can only applaud the way the contractors (John Sisk) continue to overcome the unique challenges that are being thrown at them. Let's hope the worst of the weather is now behind us and we can manage to claw back the lost time'.
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Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
On track for summer opening
The Grand Pier rebuild has progressed well over the Christmas period. The steel forming the upper floors has been installed and although not yet waterproof, most of the roof sheeting has also been installed. The general shape of the building and towers is now clearly visible.
Kerry Michael said, "The weather is quite kind to us at the moment without much wind, however the cold weather means that we cannot pour concrete to create the floors. Hopefully if we get a break in the cold weather next week, we can catch up then."
The large floating barge and crane have completed their work and have now left site. The remaining works will be completed using the spud leg barge, although we will probably need the big barge back again to erect the Panoramic Tower when that is delivered.
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Kerry Michael said, "The weather is quite kind to us at the moment without much wind, however the cold weather means that we cannot pour concrete to create the floors. Hopefully if we get a break in the cold weather next week, we can catch up then."
The large floating barge and crane have completed their work and have now left site. The remaining works will be completed using the spud leg barge, although we will probably need the big barge back again to erect the Panoramic Tower when that is delivered.
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Thursday, 1 October 2009
Grand Pier finds solution to latest weather problem
With force 8 gales predicted over the next few days, the first barge working on the Grand Pier will be moved today to Cardiff docks and return on Monday 5th October, weather permitting.
Although this will slow down the progress this week on the decking that is currently being laid, a solution has been found so that work will be able to press ahead and keep on track.
The mobilization of the third barge and crane is being brought forward and a more expensive option is being used. The new barge will be a “jack-up” barge and is less susceptible to weather conditions.
“We are pleased that our contractor, John Sisk & Son, is as determined as we are to open on time,” said Kerry Michael, joint Pier owner. “The new barge will be on site in a few weeks time and will be transported by road to Cardiff docks and towed from there.”
The second larger barge with the 180 ton crane is expected to arrive this Sunday 4th October.
New attractions on the pier will include a panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a smooth and spectacular ride up to obtain a 90 metre view of the town. Other 21st century rides will include a new Fun House, 2 level go-kart racing, a psychedelic experience and a laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back too along with fabulous food and new facilities for younger visitors.
Although this will slow down the progress this week on the decking that is currently being laid, a solution has been found so that work will be able to press ahead and keep on track.
The mobilization of the third barge and crane is being brought forward and a more expensive option is being used. The new barge will be a “jack-up” barge and is less susceptible to weather conditions.
“We are pleased that our contractor, John Sisk & Son, is as determined as we are to open on time,” said Kerry Michael, joint Pier owner. “The new barge will be on site in a few weeks time and will be transported by road to Cardiff docks and towed from there.”
The second larger barge with the 180 ton crane is expected to arrive this Sunday 4th October.
New attractions on the pier will include a panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a smooth and spectacular ride up to obtain a 90 metre view of the town. Other 21st century rides will include a new Fun House, 2 level go-kart racing, a psychedelic experience and a laser room.
Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back too along with fabulous food and new facilities for younger visitors.
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