Cobiax - Projets

Sheffield University LCR –
Sheffield (UK)


Key data
Owner:	Sheffield University

Building type:	Education

Case:	New build

Architect:	RMJM

Engineer:	Whitby Bird

Contractor:	HBG

Technical data
Slab thickness:	340 mm

Ball diameter:	270 mm

Span:	9 x 9 m span

Total surface:	about 5'966 m²

Further project pictures

Back to project overview

Background

This new Learning Resources Centre for the University of Sheffield is located on a site adjacent to Upper Hanover Street and Brookhill. It will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will provide a first phase of approximately 6210 square metres of mixed-use education space for the University and will accommodate 970- 980 study spaces, staff offices, bookstock for reference and loan and a café.

A key driver for this project is the desire to create a building which provides a wide range of spaces and 'places' to study. An environment which will support the learning process for individuals and groups in a variety of modes, and will promote leading edge contemporary practice.

The Learning Resources Centre is a key development for both the University and the city. It represents the biggest investment in learning support by the University since the opening of the Main Library in 1959.

The primary benefits of using cobiax for this project were:


	Larger Spans - Up to 20m spans, up to 40% less columns, no beams

	Aesthetics - Because the cobiax modules are Factory produced, they are delivered to site with a high quality surface finish to the soffits. Quality and integrity of finish is assured and the associated risk of doing this work insitu is eliminated.

	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 70mm 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 can 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.