Whiston Hospital

Accelerating programme through the good design of large, complex post-tensioned concrete projects

The Whiston Hospital development was the largest and most complex post-tensioned development in the UK at the time, with the floors consisting of up to 38 pours each typically of 200 to 250 cubic metres.

Walsh worked closely with the construction team early on to develop a floor design that met the needs of the specified loading and the unique vibration requirements of this hospital. We also developed a system that enabled the Mechanical and Equipment (M&E) design and fit out to be flexible throughout the life of the building.

Walsh planned the placement of tendons and reinforcement, to provide soft spots in sufficient places. This drastically simplified co-ordination of the M&E holes and allowed us to accelerate the programme. This was known as the ‘golden rule’, allowing the floor design and construction to move ahead of fixed M&E layouts and service penetrations. Despite an initial delay in commencing work, the frame contractor was therefore able to finish six weeks ahead of their initial schedule. This was all because of the pragmatic and rational approach to the flow of design information that Walsh delivered.