THE METAL DRUM COMPANY
Secure storage building
The Metal Drum Company contracted us to design and supply a brand-new, bespoke secure storage building on their premises.
We constructed a facility measuring 20m x 15m x 6m in Juniper Green with matching-coloured doors. This building was designed for both security and efficiency, ensuring a reliable storage solution for their manufacturing operations.
However, the site’s historical context posed unique engineering challenges for our team. Located in Chilton, County Durham, the area was once home to Hilton Colliery, a key part of the region’s rich coal mining heritage that shaped it’s economic and social development.
Given the history of mining subsidence, a standard foundation was not suitable for this project. This is due to former mining areas often facing risks such as uneven ground, shifting soil, or voids, which can compromise structural stability over time.
To address this, we implemented a complex ring beam and raft foundation system, specifically designed to provide enhanced stability.
This system works by creating a continuous reinforced concrete structure that encircles the building’s perimeter (the ring beam) and a solid concrete slab (the raft) that sits beneath the entire footprint of the building.
Together, these elements distribute the building’s load evenly across the site, helping to bridge any weak points in the ground.
This approach significantly reduces the risk of settlement and structural damage over time, providing a secure and durable foundation solution.
The project stands as a testament to our expertise in providing tailored steel structures designed to withstand even the most complex ground conditions.
