19th March 2019 – Monster Children

Interesting Fact

It has been reported that this Development is the largest infrastructure project that Scotland has seen in recent times

Western Infirmary Glasgow (Phase 1)

Dem-Master were appointed for Phase 1 of the Demolition and associated works for The former Western Infirmary, Glasgow which was built in 1874. The site is being redeveloped as part of a £1 billion expansion scheme.

The works included:

  • Asbestos removal
  • Soft Strip
  • Demolition Operation
  • Processing of Arisings
  • Slab & Foundation Removal
  • Crushing
  • Backfill & Grade
  • Removal of Materials

This project involved the Demolition and site clearance on an extensive former Hospital site using the combination of technical Demolition systems and processes.

It also involved complex asbestos removal with both high reach and Ultra high Reach machines working in combination on the landmark main ward Block.

The buildings selected for Phase 1 meant that there was a demand for careful divorcing and deconstruction in preparing the other buildings for machine Demolition.

Due to the new development having to incorporate some of the existing historic features we were commissioned to dismantle, number and palletise more than two thirds of the sandstone and slate buildings.  This was kept in Dem-Master storage ready to be supplied to the main contractor.

Dem-Master are also progressing through Phase 2 of these works between 2018/2019.

Click here to view the time-lapse video of the Demolition (Phase 1)

The Western Infirmary comprised of various Blocks of different construction; the Blocks Demolished in Phase 1 are shown in Green.

Block AA (over 11 stories) was constructed of reinforced insitu concrete with external precast concrete panels. Upper floors and flat roof construction also of insitu concrete.  Windows and doors were timber/alumimium and single glazed. Internal walls were generally stud/plaster board with occasional block work.

Block AF was a combination of single and two storey structures adjoining the rear of Block AM through to the Church Street elevation.

Block AE was located to the West of Block AA and was over three levels. The Lower Block was constructed from cavity brick walls with a steel frame supporting the upper level timber framed structure.

The main section of Block AN was a four storey traditional sandstone building with timber pitched slated roof.  The main section was bounded by single storey extensions.

Block AM (G Block) ran from North to South in the centre of the site and was a traditional sandstone structure with timber pitched slated roof.

Block AW was a single storey structure adjoining the North end of Block AM.

Maths & Stats Building (Main and Lower)

The Main Block, which was over 5 stories was constructed of reinforced pre-cast concrete box frame with infill walling comprising brickwork/concrete panels.  Upper floors and flat roofs construction were of pre-cast suspended concrete roof planks.  Flat roofs were covered with insulation and felt layers.  Windows and doors were timber/aluminium single glazed.  Internal walls were generally plastered block work.

The Lower Block was located to the North West of the main block and was of single storey construction.  The structure was a prefabricated modular building.  There were residential and University properties as well as local amenities, shops, bars, restaurants and a subway station all within close proximity of the site.

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