Williamson Square, Liverpool

A number of dilapidated Victorian three storey buildings were to be demolished to make way for some newly constructed retail units. However, a full laser survey identified that the adjacent concrete frame building, constructed in the 1970’s, has been built into the gable end wall of the properties to be demolished, in effect creating a solid party wall.

The survey and site investigations showed that the gable end comprised two adjacent 9″ walls, now forming one wall. This double end wall of the properties had to be retained and a cost-effective and reliable means was required to tie it together and then secure it to the adjacent property.

As an approved installer of all Helifix products, SUKR were appointed to install a Helifix designed structural solution, which consisted of using grouted CemTies and SockFix grouted sock anchors. Approximately 1,000 8mm stainless steel CemTies of varying lengths, bonded with Helibond cementitious grout, were installed in a 450mm x 450mm staggered formation to tie the two adjacent 9″ gable end walls. Some 60 SockFix grouted anchors, 1,500mm long were then installed at 600mm horizontal centres into the hollow concrete floor slab of the adjacent building at each floor level. These secured the retained gable wall to the main structure of the adjacent building.

To keep disruption to a minimum all works were carried out by Specialist UK Restorations Ltd at night. Ensuring the day time trade could continue as normal throughout the entirety of the works.

The Helifix ties and anchors provided a fast, efficient and economical solution and, with the wall fully secured, Wates Construction were able to proceed with the demolition without any major contract delays.