After the demolition and foundation phases, we’ve finally reached the construction stage. The site is now a hive of activity, with workers installing steel reinforcement ahead of the concrete pours for the buildings’ base slabs.
These reinforced concrete bases will sit on the pile foundations put in place over the last few months, extending 15–20 metres into the ground.
The reinforcement within the concrete plays a crucial structural role. While concrete is extremely strong under compression, it is weaker under tension and torsion. Steel reinforcement compensates for this, giving the structure the strength and flexibility needed to withstand different types of load.
Once the base slabs have been poured, work will begin on the columns and walls. Formwork will then be assembled for each successive floor before the next concrete pour takes place. Each floor is expected to take around two to three weeks to complete, allowing sufficient time for the concrete to cure and reach structural strength.
The multipurpose room overlooking the river will be the first area to receive its base slab, with the rest of the site following shortly afterwards.
Progress is expected to move quickly, and GA anticipates that around two-thirds of the buildings will be structurally complete by September.
If you’re in Oxford over the coming weeks, you’ll almost certainly notice the newest, and tallest, addition to the city skyline: the massive crane on the Waynflete site.