Blairgrove, Merrystone, Milbrae & Glen Courts, Coatbridge

Nature of Work Undertaken

Following our previous assessment of four tower blocks in Motherwell, Blairgrove, Merryston, Millbrae & Glen Courts, as part of a wider Block Survey Programme, the Council appointed Michael Dyson Associates Ltd to undertake construction audits and assess the condition of cladding at four 1960s tower blocks with issues of water penetration, discolouration and cladding panels becoming detached and falling away.

The full assessment of the blocks comprised:

• A construction audit to determine the primary and any secondary load distribution arrangements
• Site testing of key structural components, in this case a combination of reinforced in-situ and structural concrete
• Laboratory testing of material samples taken from site
• Exposure and assessment of cladding fixing arrangements

The construction audit revealed two built forms: Wimpey No Fines and an unusual shear wall arrangement which was named “Leggat” after the original constructor. The Leggats required further intrusive investigations including wall tie mapping of external elevations, inspection of panel and beam jointing and establishing a concept design for new cladding materials to accommodate a number of envelope scenarios.

We continue to provide structural advice services for the recladding works to all four tower blocks which are being carried out by Engie.

Services Provided

• Structural Survey & Concept Design
• Construction & Structural Design Services