MHL Consulting Engineers » Site Analysis & Selection

Castletreasure Douglas

kenman — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:17:14 +0000

MHL Consulting Engineers were the lead engineers for the planning, design and construction of this prestigious residential development comprising of detached houses and three storey apartment blocks with underground parking.

This prestigious residential development is located in one of the most desirable areas of Cork . The design team included Richard Rainey Architects, McCutcheon Mulcahy Planning Consultants and MHL Consulting Engineers. Frinaila Developments were the client with an estimated construction cost of €15m.

Construction
The construction of this development was through a design build process with builders being asked to submit a lump sum price to complete the scheme. Bowen Construction were the successful tender with the design team being carried through from the planning stage. Construction involved a mixture of techniques: Timber framed detached housing units Reinforced concrete substructure for the underground car parking Steel Frame structural elements on a Transfer Slab for the apartment blocks

Estuary Business Park

kenman — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:19:28 +0000

Estuary Business Park, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

This 30m diameter roundabout was designed and constructed as part of the development of the Estuary Business Park, Carrigaline on behalf of the development section of Cork County Council. Following a tender design competition, where applicants were required to submit potential designs for the site in question in addition to their fee proposal, MHL Consulting Engineers were appointed to carry out the detailed design of the site in accordance with the preliminary layout submitted.

Design Elements

The site is located adjacent to the R612 Crosshaven Road on the outskirts of Carrigaline. Given its proximity to the Owenaboy River and its associated estuary the flooding potential of the site had to be determined at an early stage. To this end a comprehensive flood study was carried out in association with Cork County Council and the impact of developing the lands assessed. A minimum finished design level for the various infrastructural elements was set accounting for the impact of global warming on tidal patterns into the future. This was followed by a detailed site investigation study to determine the level of imported fill required. In this instance it was possible to balance the cut & fill requirements of the site with capping material being the only imported earthworks required. To comply with sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and to enhance the environmental quality of the site open ponds were incorporated for storm water retention. This system was designed in association with the Irish Fisheries Board to minimise disturbance to the existing river bed. During dry periods the ponds were designed to become a wetlands area with intensive planting of reeds and other water based plants being carried out. The result was a habitat for wildlife birds as well as being an amenity for the site. The construction of the infrastructural elements of the site was carried out by Martin O'Callaghan Contractor following a competitive tendering process. The development of the site took 1.0 year and was completed on time and within budget. To date a number of sites have been sold and buildings erected.

Client: Cork County Council Development Section

Cost: €1.7million

Crean’s Cross House Development

kenman — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MHL provided engineering and civil design services for the planning and construction of this 2,400 sq.ft house located at Crean's Cross, Co. Cork. The site, located at the Crean's Cross junction of the R619 and the R579 required MHl to carry out a speed survey on the R579 as part of the provision of a detailed junction analysis required as part of the planning process. In addition a site suitability assessment to the latest EPA Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment And Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses was carried out on the site. Our in-house architectural technician provided the client with a custom design for the house and garage.

Construction Stage The house is currently under construction using traditional concrete block with elements of steel to support open areas and the roof construction. The use of Ecojoists for the 1st floor allowed for greater spans and a reduction in the depth of bearing walls. In terms of achieving energy efficiency a 100mm cavity is provided, partially filled with 60mm of insulation giving a U Value 0.25 m²·K/W and it is proposed to dry-line the inside leaf of all external walls to further improve on the overall energy rating expected to be B1. The heating system proposed will use a condenser gas boiler supplemented by solar roof panels. In relation to sewage disposal the installation of a ECT-10 Eco Wastewater Treatment system achieving a final effluent standard of 20:30 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand:Suspended Solids) or better is proposed. Fully treated effluent is then discharged to the percolation drainage area. The location has a public water supply.

Road Works Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire Urban Renewal

kenman — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:21:20 +0000

Road Safety Audits & Traffic Management Plan – Road Works Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire.

M.H.L & Associates provided a Stage 1/2 and Stage 3 Road Safety Audit for the urban renewal works on Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire. The road safety audit was carried out in accordance with the new NRA HD19/09 document published by the NRA in January 2009.

The RSA was prepared by Brian Loughrey B.E. (Civil) who is a registered Road Safety Audit Team Leader with the National Roads Authority.

M.H.L & Associates also provided a traffic management plan to be included in the tender documentation. The traffic management plan was be prepared to comply with the requirements of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.