Project: Temporary Propping – Heritage School Wall Opening
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Customer: Rhino The Wrecker
Services Provided: Temporary Structural Propping, Engineered Temporary Works Design
Equipment Used: Legend Multi Prop
Project Overview
Legend Hire engineered and installed a temporary propping system to stabilise a load-bearing wall at Carlton North Primary School, a heritage-listed building in Melbourne.
The project required a larger structural opening to be created in an existing load-bearing wall that also supported a full-length beam running the length of the building. Legend Hire designed a propping arrangement to safely carry both the wall loads and beam loads during the opening works, allowing the principal contractor, Rhino The Wrecker, to complete the structural modification without movement or damage to the heritage structure.
The Challenge
The school’s heritage-listed wall carried significant structural loads, including a large beam running the full length of the building. Creating a larger opening in this wall risked destabilising the structure.
Temporary support needed to manage multiple load paths, maintain safety for workers, and protect the heritage fabric of the building during the construction works.
The Solution
Legend Hire designed and installed a temporary propping system using the Legend Multi Prop to carry the wall and beam loads safely throughout the structural opening works.
The Legend Multi Prop was positioned to support the load-bearing wall while contractors enlarged the opening below. The system simultaneously carried the load from the full-length beam running above, preventing any structural movement during the modification. Props were installed at engineered centres, with timber packers placed beneath each base to distribute loads evenly and protect the heritage floor surface from point loading.
The propping sequence was coordinated with Rhino The Wrecker to ensure the wall remained fully supported before any demolition cuts were made and throughout the installation of the new structural steel beam below.
Engineering Considerations
Propping in heritage buildings requires a higher level of structural analysis than standard construction environments. Load-bearing masonry in a heritage-listed site is typically unreinforced and may include deteriorated mortar joints, meaning actual load capacity can differ significantly from original design assumptions.
Legend Hire’s propping design accounted for the actual structural condition of the wall, the load contribution of the full-length beam above, and the need to avoid lateral forces that could crack or dislodge heritage masonry.
The temporary works were engineered to comply with AS 3610 and the relevant structural loading requirements, with all props inspected, tagged, and certified prior to installation.
The Outcome
The temporary propping system successfully stabilised the load-bearing wall and full-length beam for the duration of the structural works. Rhino The Wrecker safely enlarged the wall opening to the required dimensions, and a new structural steel beam was installed beneath the propped section to carry the permanent loads going forward.
The project was completed safely, on programme, and in full compliance with structural engineering requirements, demonstrating Legend Hire’s capability to deliver engineered temporary works solutions in sensitive and structurally complex environments.