1 Leadenhall

Erith Contractors has appointed Swanton Consulting to carry out a detailed review and assessment of pile caps. As per client information openings have been made on the existing pile caps to enable the construction of the new plunge columns and piles for the permanent works stage.

Based on existing information and record drawings, which has been provided to Swanton. The core walls and columns of the existing building are relaying on the
pile caps for support.

The main scope for this exercise was determine if the piles cap were able to withstand the existing loads in its current condition. Also, as part of the analysis, propose any mitigation or remedial measure if needed to guarantee the integrity of the pile caps and structure. All this on temporary condition during the process of deconstruction of the existing building.

As part of the analysis an evaluation of the plasticity status of the elements and a crack status was done. The analysis is show in the graph of stress vs. strain. The crack status goes from the strain within elastic range to crack full open with the strain increasing and or not with “0” stress. For modelling the piles cap we have used a nonlinear analysis. Using a model of “total strain crack” to be able to simulate the behaviour of the reinforced concrete. Three different functions have been used for the modelling of the material. For tension we have used “exponential” function, where ft is fctk, 0.05, to express the compression we use the available function base on “Thorenfeldt” curve and ultimately for the shear we use a constant function. Reinforced bars embedded in solid elements are created, modelling the existing reinforcement.