Cobiax - Projets

Eclipse Park, Maidstone – Kent (UK)


Key data
Owner:	Gallagher Properties Limited

Building type:	Offices

Case:	New build

Architect:	MKA Chartered Architects

Engineer:	Knapp Hicks

Contractor:	Gallagher Contractors Limited

Technical data
Slab thickness:	300 mm

Ball diameter:	180 mm

Span:	6 x 6 m span

Total surface:	about 4'356 m²

Further project pictures

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Background

The Eclipse Park project is a prestigious office development in Maidstone Kent which was built as two Units. The structure of these offices is an in situ concrete frame with a lightweight cobiax concrete floor.

We are currently looking at a second phase for this project utilising comprehensive span depth ratios with a multiple grid of 7.8 – 9 m.

The primary benefits of using cobiax for this project were:


	Speed of construction - Prefabricated slabs with «just-in-time» delivery ensure speedier construction

	Weight reduction - Up to 35% lighter, which in turn optimises space, reduces foundation loads and deflection and allows for additional economies at interfaces such as beams, drop heads, columns etc

	Environmental - Reduces concrete consumption and the production of CO2 emissions by around one third

Solution

For this project the cobiax CBSP system was used. The cobiax semi-Precast (CBSP) modules are prefabricated by Milbank Floors under Factory conditions to produce a high quality fair-faced finish and where labour is located in close proximity to the operation; creating further savings in man miles of road travel when compared to typical British sites.

The cobiax Cage Modules (CBCM) were positioned precisely and set into a 60mm concrete «biscuit». At the factory each individual module was tagged with a unique reference number to allow the contractors on site to drop each into it’s specific position.

The CBSP lattice girder or pre-stressed plank system hybrid, that has been integrated into proven technology gave the advantages of permanent formwork and factory production and has improved the speed of deck construction. The modules were designed with two-way reinforcement so that a true lightweight flat slab construction was possible without the use of beams.