The Strand Underfloor Construction - London

The College of Social Science & Public Policy at King’s College London undertook a renovation and extension project along the busy stretch of Aldwych, Strand in London. The developers faced significant space constraints and needed a lightweight, efficient concrete solution to reduce the load on the mezzanine structure. They specified Leca® Uno lightweight concrete to address these challenges.
The primary challenges for this project included:
Space Constraints: Aldwych is a bustling area with limited space for construction activities.
Structural Load: The mezzanine required a lightweight concrete solution to reduce the load and ensure structural integrity.
Logistics: Traditional sand and cement would have increased the number of pallets, complicating material handling in the restricted space.
Solution
Leca® Uno lightweight concrete was specified to overcome these challenges due to its numerous advantages:
Load Reduction: The lightweight nature of Leca® Uno reduced the load on the mezzanine, ensuring structural stability.
Material Efficiency: Leca® Uno required fewer pallets compared to traditional sand and cement, simplifying logistics and material handling.
Easy Application: The concrete was pneumatically pumped up to the mezzanine, facilitating quick and efficient installation.
Application Process
Leca® Uno was mixed with water at a ratio of 5 litres per bag, resulting in a homogeneous mixture with a shiny appearance. This mixture was then pneumatically pumped to the mezzanine level, allowing for a seamless application in a single layer. The process ensured minimal disruption in the busy Aldwych area.
Conclusion
The renovation and extension project at London’s College of Politics demonstrated the effectiveness of Leca® Uno lightweight concrete. By addressing the challenges of limited space and structural load, Leca® Uno proved to be an innovative and efficient solution. Its successful application highlights its potential for future projects requiring lightweight, high-performance construction materials.