Mechanical joints combine with prefabrication to deliver successful project for Glasgow sports projects
Prefabricated pipework using Victaulic couplings played a major role in the success of the new 5000-seat sports arena and 2000-seat Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. SPIE Matthew Hall provided M&E services for these buildings, switching from the original specification for flanging to the Victaulic grooved-end pipe-joining system.
The project has two energy centres with 29 pumps and several kilometres of distribution pipework. Up to 95% of the entire installation was prefabricated — including pipe spools and modules for the boiler and chiller room, all risers and the main pipe runs from risers to the floors.
When harsh Winter weather hampered work on site, production continued unaffected in the prefabrication workshop to keep to the construction schedule and achieve completion on time. SPIE Matthew Hall prefabrication manager Mark Graham explains, ‘We were certainly able to compress schedules on site. Typically on a project of this nature we would expect to realise labour efficiencies in the region of 40% against traditional methods.’
Victaulic trained installers to prepare piping and assemble systems in a production unit training room. Before delivery to site, modules were pressure tested, dry fitted and checked.
It was also easier to estimate labour costs. Mark Graham says, ‘Using Victaulic reduced the labour risk due to less labour being involved in the manufacture, so we were able to give an accurate quote and deliver on budget and on time.
‘Consumables account for around 7 to 9% of the value of a welded installation but by utilising the Victaulic system our consumables and energy usage dropped considerably. It’s a very cost-effective method.’
