As part of the Birmingham City Framework, Curtins were employed by all the framework contractors to ascertain the long-term durability of 48 Large Panel System (LPS) high rise buildings.

We undertook an assessment of all blocks under accidental loading and then developed an appropriate remedial strengthening scheme. The aim of the remedial strengthening scheme was to reduce the risk (as low as is reasonably practical [ALARP principle]) of disproportionate damage occurring should a severe non-piped gas explosion occur within the block.

For this commission we undertook the following surveys and materials testing programmes:

• Abseil survey to determine the visual condition of the external fabric of the building.
• Roof survey to determine the visual condition of the roof covering and associated areas of construction.
• Laser survey to check the verticality of the external walls bordering one corner of the block.
• Extraction of cores from the inner leaf of selected flank wall panels for compressive strength determinations.
• Extraction of cores from selected internal wall panels and floor slabs bordering communal areas for compressive strength determinations.
• Materials testing to support a durability assessment of the outer leaf to selected external concrete wall panels and balcony elements at first floor level (only).
• Materials testing to support a durability assessment of selected internal floor slab soffits and wall panels bordering communal areas, stair flights and landings.
• High Alumina Cement determinations.