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BP Meadhurst Club - Roof Loadbearing Structural

BP Meadhurst Club - Roof Loadbearing Structural Assessment

Restoring stability after unplanned openings and legacy roof movement

Project Overview

GEM Enterprise was appointed to assess roof loadbearing performance at BP’s Meadhurst Club (leisure and gym facility) on Chertsey Road, Sunbury-on-Thames. The roof required engineering review following unplanned service openings formed through the supporting gable wall and signs of movement within the roof structure.

Working alongside Pendrich Height Services for access and delivery, we carried out close-access inspection and verification calculations, then developed a practical remedial detail package to reinstate reliable load paths and restraint. The output was designed for buildability on a live operational site and included installation controls, QA hold-points and clear marked-up drawings for implementation.

 

Client:

Pendrich Height Services

Sector:

Leisure / Gym (Commercial)

Location:

Chertsey Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, UK

Date:

February 2022

Our Role:

Structural inspection and calculations; remedial design recommendations; installation controls and QA

Key Facts

  • Issues identified: unreinforced apertures through the gable wall for services; roof truss movement (in-plane and out-of-plane); local deflection in purlins and binders where support and restraint were inadequate.
  • Objective: restore reliable load paths, limit deflection and movement, and provide durable details around service penetrations.

  • Deliverables: assessment note/report, marked-up drawings, remedial details (lintels, posts/supports, restraint/bracing interfaces), and installation controls with QA checks.

Project Challenges

 1. Unsupported service openings through the gable wall
 Openings reduced local capacity and disrupted the roof’s lateral restraint at a critical support line.

 2. Roof truss stability and restraint
 Observed movement indicated insufficient bracing and/or restraint continuity, potentially exacerbated by the change to the supporting wall.

 3. Serviceability performance (deflection and local overstress)
 Local purlin and binder behaviour created risk of ongoing deflection, secondary cracking, and long-term maintenance problems if left unaddressed.

Our Solutions

1. Engineering appraisal and load path verification
We confirmed the as-found configuration, assessed actions and support conditions, and identified where restraint and bearing were compromised by the new openings.

2. Strengthening details to reinstate support and reduce deflection
We developed practical support measures to re-establish bearing and shorten effective spans where required (for example, local posts/supports and supplementary members coordinated with the existing roof layout).

3. Lintels and trimming around service penetrations
We detailed structural support across each opening (with adequate end bearing and stable load transfer back into the wall/adjacent structure), coordinated with the contractor for making-good and weathering interfaces.

4. Method, temporary support and QA hold-points
We set out a safe sequence for installation, including temporary support where needed, inspection hold-points for bearings/fixings, and as-built records to support sign-off and future maintenance.

Outcomes

  • Load paths reinstated around service openings and roof support lines. 
  • Roof movement reduced through improved restraint and stabilisation measures. 
  • Serviceability improved by addressing local deflection and support deficiencies. 
  • Clear QA and installation controls issued to support safe delivery on a live facility
  •  

Services Provided

Structural inspection and calculations; remedial strengthening details; temporary support and sequencing inputs; installation controls and QA hold-points; marked-up drawings and handover notes.

 

 

Why Choose GEM Enterprise?

Expertise in Complex Structural Challenges

  • Advanced Engineering Solutions: Skilled in addressing intricate structural issues through innovative engineering practices.
  • Innovative Approaches: Utilises cutting-edge technology and methodologies.

 

Customised Solutions

  • Tailored Designs: Solutions crafted to meet the specific needs of each project and client.
  • Client Collaboration: Works closely with clients to understand their requirements and achieve desired outcomes.

 

Commitment to Quality

  • Stringent Quality Control: Maintains high standards throughout project execution, from design to commissioning.
  • Safety Focused: Prioritises safety in all aspects of design and implementation, adhering to the highest industry standards.

 

About GEM Enterprise

GEM Enterprise specialises in comprehensive structural and civil engineering services. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering innovative, safe, and efficient solutions for complex engineering challenges. With a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, we provide services ranging from structural assessments to the design and implementation of bespoke engineering solutions.

Get in touch with our experts today.

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