Scope of Work: Located on Imperial College London’s main campus in South Kensington, the Sherfield Building is one of the university’s most iconic and versatile venues. Capable of hosting up to 758 guests, it regularly accommodates large conferences, award ceremonies, exhibitions and other major events.
As part of an extensive refurbishment programme to the upper floors, the project required structural strengthening works to ensure the building’s long-term performance and adaptability for future use.
Adaptations to the upper floors meant a number of reinforced concrete columns required strengthening to support new loading configurations. However, the majority of these columns were located directly beneath the active construction area, in live communal spaces that included busy cafeteria zones serving a variety of eateries and seating hundreds of students and staff daily.
The works had to be completed without disruption to daily operations or compromising the safety and comfort of those using the facilities.
Working closely with the client and main contractor, CCUK’s team of experienced Fibre wrap applicators developed a tailored out-of-hours solution to minimise disruption. All strengthening works were carried out overnight within specially designed containment zones, ensuring noise, dust and access impacts were kept to an absolute minimum.
Over the course of 10 night shifts, a total of 13 columns on the first floor and one on the ground floor were successfully strengthened using Fibre wrap composite materials. The application increased the columns’ load-bearing capacity while adding only 5mm to the overall section size, allowing the existing decorative finishes to be reinstated seamlessly.
The project was delivered on time and without incident, maintaining the “business as usual” operation of the dining facilities throughout.
By utilising Fibre wrap’s advanced composite strengthening system, the team achieved a durable and discreet solution that met all structural and aesthetic requirements.
The Sherfield Building continues to serve as a central hub for the university’s community—its legacy strengthened, quite literally, for years to come.
