Most refurbishment projects now a days require the use of construction props to support the existing structure whilst it’s either being strengthened or altered in some way. This project picture below is typical of nearly all refurbishment projects in Australia.

Constructions Props come in a variety of sizes and capacities to suit nearly every application.  Sometimes the structural engineer for the project may specify the construction methodology and may even go to the trouble of specifying the type and size of construction props to be used. However on other occasions they will leave this up to the builder and their temporary works engineer to determine.

On this particular project the Structural Engineer specified the brand and size of construction prop to use however the builder preferred to use a heavy duty propping system that they were familiar with so they approached us.  After consulting with the builder and seeing the project we quickly determine the best construction prop to suit the application. We then provided their engineer with the specifications and in less the 24 hours the Preston Superprop was approved and delivered to the builder.

Superprops used to support the South Melbourne Football Grandstand during construction

Pictured above is the old grand stand at a football oval in South Melbourne which was being converted into corporate boxes.  The builder demolished the internals of the grand stand and built a new three level steel structure under the existing roof line. Each level of the steel structure was to have a metal deck installed over the beams and a concrete slab poured onto the deck.

Whist the structure was capable of supporting its end use it was not adequate to support the construction loads during construction. As a result of this the builder needed to install additional propping at mid spans to prevent the beams from deflecting and ultimately collapsing during the construction phase.  As previously mentioned the Structural Engineer had noted the expected construction loads which the builder had to allow for but also specified the type of prop to be used.

Based on the height between the ground slab and the underside of the beam the two options available to the builder was to either install 8-10 acrow props per beam or to install one Preston Superprops at the mid spans point of each structural beam.  In order to reduce installation labor cost and equipment rental costs, the builder opted to use the Preston Superprop.

Do you have a heavy duty propping requirement for your project?

At Preston, we have a wide range of propping systems to suit your needs. If you want help choosing the best construction props for you project, Call 03 9399 1890 NOW!