High-Rise Structural Inspection and Sampling at Boyswell House

Client

Connolly Ltd

Duration

6 Days

Location

Boyswell House, Wigan

Sector

Residential Maintenance

The brief

Orb Rope Access was commissioned by Connolly Ltd to undertake a comprehensive six-day inspection program on a high-rise apartment block in Wigan. The client required a multi-faceted approach to structural testing, including concrete analysis and cavity inspections, to ensure the building met safety and design standards.

The building

The project took place at Boyswell House in Scholes, Wigan. As a high-rise residential structure, it presented specific access challenges. Traditional access methods often cause significant disruption to residents and can be prohibitively expensive for diagnostic work. Rope access provided a discreet and efficient alternative, allowing for “easy access” to the façade with little to no disturbance to the building’s occupants.

The work

Our technicians carried out a series of specialised tests over the course of the project:

• Borescope Inspection: We utilised small cameras to inspect inside the wall cavities. This allowed us to verify the presence and condition of wall ties without damaging the external walls.

• Concrete Cover Meter Test: using specialist equipment, we measured the depth of the reinforcement (rebar) beneath the concrete surface to ensure it complied with necessary safety standards.

• Dust Sample Collection: We gathered samples from specific areas of the building fabric, which were then sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis to identify any material concerns.

Benefits to the client

The project was a complete success, with all parties satisfied with the findings. The rope access solution proved to be highly cost-effective compared to alternative methods. Additionally, the use of advanced inspection software meant that the final reports were user-friendly and easy for the client to follow, providing clear, actionable data.

I have worked with Orb across several projects now each different from the next. They stand out in the world of rope access to me as they are very personable yet professional, they are more than happy to come and look at a job and tell you how they think it should be best undertaken. I genuinely wouldn't hesitate in recommending them, Julie & Matt are great people who run the business. Thank you guys :-)

Connolly Ltd

What our clients say about us

Absolutely delighted with the outcome of the works, can't praise ORB highly enough for the all elements of the project, will certainly be using them again on any future projects.

The gutters on our building had not been cleaned for some years. In places they were choked with vegetation and this was causing water ingress into the building whenever we had heavy rain. Access, because of height was an issue. Orb Rope did a fantastic job and resolved the water ingress problem which had become a big concern. The technicians came when they said they would, carried out the work they said they would and left the area clean and tidy. The work was done promptly. We found the technicians knowledgeable and helpful. We would have no hesitation in recommending your company.

“Orb Rope Access have run several projects at Scarisbrick Hall. We have found them to be efficient, reliable and have completed their works on time and on budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending them. Well done Matt and team, keep up the good work.”

" I have worked with Matt and Orb since 2010, on many various tasks within the stadium and training ground, this includes floodlight painting and lamp changes, high level window cleaning, maintenance and repairs to various roofs to include tin, plastic and fiberglass roofs. The fitting of new high level signage and banners, and many other jobs. They helped to develop our rescue plan for our own engineers when working on the floodlights. They are always available when we have had storm damage, working well into the night to complete repairs. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any other company for any type of rope work/high level maintenance, and have done on several occasions. "

"Orb Rope Access have completed numerous projects at St Johns for the past 5 years; Including the reseal of the famous St Johns Beacon! I find them professional, reliable, and very financially competitive. They are a highly recommended contractor of mine and a joy to work with."

"Orb Rope Access were introduced to us as we required a high-level structural inspection solution. Given the nature of the project we needed a service partner who could provide excellent levels of safety coupled with knowledge and capability in delivering the standards we required. Orb didn’t fail to impress, there attention to detail and professionalism throughout the process was second to none."

"I have had the pleasure of working with Orb rope access on a few roofing projects now, and have to say that despite the difficult nature of the work that they do in terms of access they also have an ability to transfer that expertise and attention to detail to the work carried out on site. Top work from a top company!"

"Inleaf specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of living walls throughout the UK. Living walls, by their nature, often require specialist access for installation and maintenance and so we commonly work with Orb Rope Access to provide specialist advice and assistance with projects that require abseiling access. Orb Rope Access have always been friendly, straightforward and professional to deal with. We've found them to be 100% reliable and excellent at working closely with our team when on site, either following specific instructions or using their own initiative when required."

This is the second time we have used Orb for high-level work. We are very satisfied with the job done. The team arrived on site at exactly on time, kept me informed of progress and provided photographs of the completed work for my records. I would have no hesitation in using the company for future work.

Here at Liverpool Cathedral , as you can guess there is a challenge to gain access to problems at height. We have used the services of ORB for several years now and they provide us with a professional and safe service which is beyond our means.

Before ORB came to us for roof work it was very difficult to find anyone who would go on the roof. Scaffolding is very expensive. The men who come to carry out the work are polite and a pleasure to deal with and St Oswald's are so grateful for their expertise.

"We instructed the team from Orb to carry out the removal of aluminum cladding, from booking the initial call through to carrying out the works, the process was smooth and efficient. The office staff where really nice and helpful and the team who carried out the works did so to the highest standard. I would not hesitate to refer the team at Orb to any of my professional contacts."

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