MGF supported contractor Farrans on refurbishment works at Leeds Bradford Airport, where alterations to the existing terminal building included modifications to the steel frame and the installation of a new lift. During the design stage, it was identified that the proposed lift pit clashed with existing steel column footings. To accommodate the new structure, sections of these footings were required to be cut back and integrated into the new concrete lift pit.
This temporary reduction in the foundation bearing area created a critical need to reduce the load acting on the existing footings. MGF was therefore engaged to provide a temporary propping solution to support the existing columns and maintain structural stability throughout the works.
Supporting refurbishment works and lift installation at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Farrans
Provided temporary support to existing columns to maintain the structural stability of the terminal building.Â
MGF designed a temporary works solution that transferred the vertical loads from the existing steel columns onto newly installed temporary concrete footings. While the temporary footings and connection stubs were designed by others, MGF developed the propping system that safely carried these loads across relatively large spans between support points.
To achieve this, a combination of Medium and Heavy Duty UniShore® and 305UC Tank Brace Beams was utilised, forming robust header beam arrangements capable of spanning between the temporary footings. The use of modular beam sections from MGF’s shoring range allowed the system to handle the high vertical loads while remaining adaptable to the site layout and installation constraints.
MGF also provided installer recommendations, with GSG Contracts carrying out the installation, and undertook site inspections to ensure the works were completed in line with the design. A key element of the solution was the inclusion of a live structural monitoring system. Using MGF’s Tilt Sensors, the rotation of the header beams was measured and used to calculate any vertical movement within the supported structure. This enabled continuous monitoring of column behaviour during the works, with pre-set amber and red alert levels providing SMS and email notifications if movement thresholds were approached or exceeded.
The system was designed with constructability in mind, with modular Tank Brace headers split into shorter sections to reduce component weight and allow for a safer, more efficient installation within the constrained terminal environment.
MGF delivered a controlled and well-engineered temporary works solution that allowed Farrans to safely modify the existing foundations while maintaining full structural stability of the terminal building. The combination of modular UniShore® and Tank Brace systems provided the strength required for high load transfer, while keeping individual component weights manageable for installation.
The addition of real-time structural monitoring gave the contractor and client confidence that any movement would be identified immediately, ensuring the work could proceed safely and without risk. By combining practical design, lightweight modular components and advanced monitoring technology, MGF helped deliver a safe and efficient solution within a complex live airport environment.
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