Back to Projects index CGNU Building


Part One - Road Block Planning
Road Closed

Road closure in Central London (EC3)

Before we began the work it was necessary to liaise with the City of London Authority at Guildhall and all landlords/residents of the surrounding premises - including St Andrew Undershaft, a busy working church.

MRI London had to keep all parties informed of the progress and probable disruption that such a large undertaking would inevitably cause.

Access to all premises for pedestrians and vehicles was essential.

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Part Two - The Crane Arrives
Church and Crane

One weekend to deliver the crane

MRI London contracted the largest mobile crane in Europe to lift a 12 tonne chiller over 400 ft to the roof of the CGNU building.

We had from 7 pm Friday to 7 am Sunday to ensure all parts of the crane were safely delivered and stored ready for assembly.

The co-ordination of 24 articulated lorries, with police escort, was a great success and the crane was delivered on schedule.

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Part Three- The Lift
lifting

One Week to Use the Crane

MRI London removed as much as possible from the building prior to the crane's arrival.

Most of the redundant plant was cut up on site and then taken through the CGNU building to street level to be carried away.

To install the new chiller unit it was necessary for MRI London to cut a hole in the roof to provide access to the interior.

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Part Four - Over the Edge
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On the roof

We cut a hole in the roof to allow access.

Co-ordination between the ground crew and the operatives on the roof is essential. Due to the internal structure our hole was not much bigger than the unit being lowered.

The operation must be completed quickly and safely. The fundamental issue is that when the crane stops the unit doesn't.

It needs clear decisions that allow for and anticipate the unit swinging under it's own weight.

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Part Five - Inside CGNU
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Through the roof

Once inside the building it is out of sight of the crew on the roof.

Clear changeover is essential, the crew on the ground should be in touch with those on the roof or those inside - not both because that leads to confusion and conflict.

Everyone needs to know when they are in charge and when they are not. It takes experience and skill to changeover at the right point.

MRI London have the experience and that gives them the skill.

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Part Six - In Place
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Under the roof

If the unit comes to rest in the wrong place it can easily damage the foundations, accuracy is essential.

Once the unit is in it's final place it stays there, you only get one chance to get it right.

Every job is different, unique. There is no ABC of how to do it. There is no substitute for experience - MRI London have the experience and expertise you need.

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