Severfield provided 6,400 tonnes of steelwork for McLaughlin & Harvey’s project to construct a new state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility in Glasgow, forming the backbone of the facility's structural framework. The Janet Harvey Hall will house advanced manufacturing and assembly lines, supporting the shipbuilding industry on the banks of the River Clyde.
- Location
- Glasgow
- Main Contractor
- McLaughlin & Harvey
- Engineer
- Robert Bird Group
- Tonnage
- 6,400
In preparation for the mainframe installation, we completed the fabrication and installation of the ‘enclave steel’ and ‘tie-down’ beams. These early works laid the groundwork for the successful assembly of the mainframe structure.
The mainframe consisted of 18 gridlines, all with repetitive configurations to streamline fabrication and installation. Each gridline included lattice columns located at both ends to support the 75-metre spanning trusses, as well as internal gantry columns that provided support for the 20 tonne crane beams. Additionally, the 100 tonne crane beams were supported by a robust concrete structure to ensure stability and durability.
To optimise on-site efficiency and reduce construction time, all perimeter and gantry lattice columns, as well as truss sections, were delivered as pre-welded, assembled components. This approach minimised on-site assembly which significantly reduced the number of erectable parts and therefore minimised the erectors time spent at height, leading to a safer and more efficient installation process.
Our ability to reuse the innovative Severfield temporary works systems also helped ensure seamless assembly of the steelwork. Truss sections were joined on the ground using the 'toast rack system', a temporary works technique which provides stability during assembly before being lifted into position. Temporary towers supported the large horizontal truss section at the South Gable during assembly, ensuring safety and precision.
This project included a substantial metal works package, which added to the complexity and scale of our work. Key components included 2,300m² of walkways to facilitate safe access, 32 bespoke staircases that were fabricated and installed, and a balustrade and mesh barrier system that was crafted and installed to meet stringent specifications.
This facility will help enable efficient and safe shipbuilding for decades to come, and we are proud to have played an important role in its construction.