As our client base grows we would like to showcase the diverse spectrum of projects we are currently working on. In this issue of our e-news we include an in-depth article on structural monitoring. For more information on all of the services which we offer follow through to our website by clicking the link below.

https://www.sesltd.uk.com

SES applies technologically advanced monitoring systems to meet the stringent demands on this high profile project, which forms part of Britain’s most ambitious rail scheme in decades. Under a specification designed by Arup, SES have planned, installed and implemented the project’s unique monitoring system.

Crossrail is a 118km long east-west London rail link that is due to be operational in 2017, part of the route involves tunneling 21.5km under central London. A series of stations are planned for the route and the new station at Canary Wharf is now currently under construction. When complete, the station box will be 256m long and up to 30m wide. The site sits in the north dock of West India Quay with the base slab 16m below the dock bed and 25m below water level.

The structural backbone of the station box consists of 295 colossal 18.5m long, 1.2m diameter steel tubular Giken piles, which form the cofferdam. The primary structural support for the coffer dam wall consist of a series of anchor piles offset in the dock with tie rods connecting the anchor piles to the Giken piled wall. This method of support allows works to commence within the drained coffer dam without the need for internal propping at the upper levels.

Piles
The Giken Piles are monitored using 21 inclinometers, with a further 16 inclinometers being strategically installed in corresponding anchor piles. With this data SES creates deflection plots which accurately indicate the extent of movement at specific intervals along the full depth of the piles.

Tie Rods
21 load cells have been installed at key locations where the tie rods connect to the piled wall. The load cells, via an automated system, measure the force in the tie rods caused by the water pressure at the back of the wall while the dock is drained. This system will also be essential during the excavation of the station box to full depth.

Capping Beams
A real-time monitoring system involving 4 robotic total stations is also operational. The instruments automatically survey 60 glass prisms on the capping beams and anchor pile heads. The use of robotic total stations ensures regular monitoring of the structure on a continuous basis.

Monitoring Reporting
The field data captured by the instrumentation and data logger is sent back to the SES office and turned into a more user-friendly format i.e. reports, graphs and tables. All of the information is provided by a site-specific password protected website that is updated in real-time. The website not only shows the latest readings, but also provides a portal for all historical information and links the site weather station, webcams, construction diaries and other related information that is useful in interpreting the monitoring results.

Contact SES for all your monitoring requirements and we will be pleased to provide you with expert advice and a service that is cost-effective, accurate and most importantly specific to your needs

The Cutty Sark was launched on the 22nd November 1869, designed to be the fastest ship in the annual race to bring home the first of the new season’s tea from China. Her physical dimensions are 280ft (85.4m) long overall and her beam measures 35ft (11m).

Built to last only 30 years she came to rest in Greenwich in 1954. Over time, it was recognised that the clipper was in urgent need of conservation and The Cutty Sark Conservation Project commenced in 2006. SES is proud to be playing a key role in the restoration process of this historic vessel by providing dimensional control for the main contractor Gardiner & Theobald for and on behalf of Cutty Sark Enterprises Ltd. When the restoration is complete the Cutty Sark will once again become a leading London tourist attraction.

Transferring millions of bags a year, Heathrow Airport's baggage handling system is an intricate network of conveyor belts, and BAA intends to thread additional conveyors through the existing system to help alleviate strain due to the increased demand in capacity. Mace Group called in SES to devise a solution on how to survey the complex chain of conveyors in a manner that is safe and does not interrupt with the day to day operations at the airport. To achieve this SES implemented a laser scanning approach which surveys from known co-ordinated points at a safe distance. Using this method of surveying enables SES to put in to practice safe system of work procedures by keeping our surveyors at a distance from moving machinery. The additional benefits to laser scanning include the ability of our CAD department to produce 3D models of the exact environment, mapping locations of steelwork, pipes, ducts, cables trays, lighting and many more features. With the 3D CAD model the designers and installation team can highlight any potential clashes, identify fixing points and address access issues.

With survey teams working both air and land side, SES continues to strive to deliver a service that is second to none for the aviation industry.

Summer festivals abound this time of year and for the fourth year running SES has worked with Brand Events to set out their popular Taste Festivals. Organising an outdoor festival with venues throughout the UK can be a significant logistical challenge. From the organiser’s layout plan we set out the pathways, security fence lines, energy and facilities units, and access track modules prior to the contractors arriving on site. This in turn ensures smooth co-ordination and a faster assembly time for our client. Projects like these highlight the adaptability of SES in delivering its services across a wide range of sectors.

In its 40th anniversary year, the Serpentine Gallery was delighted to announce that the 10th Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is being designed by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. For the seventh year running SES is pleased to be associated with the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion through the supply of surveys and setting out services.

The building consists of bold geometric forms, large retractable awnings and a sloped freestanding wall that stands 12m above the lawn. The entire design is rendered in a vivid red that, in a play of opposites, contrasts with the green of its park setting.