Doran Consulting was appointed, following open competition, to provide the structural engineering services for this exciting project to provide an international research centre for experimental physics at Queen's University Belfast.
The main elements of the building were open-plan laboratories, offices and administration areas with links into the existing School of Physics. The building is situated on a confined site within the courtyard of the existing Physics Department. The structure comprises a 4-storey reinforced concrete frame employing semi-precast concrete slabs supported on continuous flight auger piles. A glazed atrium, framed in structural steel, links the new Research Centre to the present building. A number of structural alterations to the existing building were necessary to give improved access and to address disability access requirements.
Stringent operating procedures were included in the tender documents to minimise disruption to the users of the existing buildings, which remained in operation throughout the contract.