An engineered roof support solution that eliminated the need for back propping through occupied residential apartments.
When our client needed to remove external brickwork from the top level of a four storey apartment building for remediation works, we delivered an innovative needle propping system that kept residents in place and reduced project costs.
The Challenge
Our client was undertaking remediation works on a four level residential building, requiring the removal of external brickwork at the top left section. The roof structure above this area needed continuous support throughout the works to ensure structural integrity and safety.
The complexity of this project stemmed from the building being occupied at the time. With three levels below the work area, two of which housed residents, conventional back propping through the building presented significant challenges:
- Resident disruption: Traditional back propping would have required residents to completely clear furniture and belongings from affected areas within their apartments.
- Interior damage: The builder would need to expose and remove ceilings throughout multiple levels to install conventional support systems.
- Access restrictions: Working through occupied residential spaces would create complications and extend project timelines.
- Cost implications: The combination of resident relocation, interior demolition, and subsequent reinstatement would substantially increase project cost.
The client needed a solution that would provide robust roof support while minimising impact on residents and controlling project expenses.
Our Solution
Our engineering team assessed the site and designed a needle propping system that eliminated the need to penetrate through the occupied levels below.
The solution centred on our Legend 50T Propping System combined with Multiprops, specifically engineered to:
- Support the roof structure directly at the point where brickwork removal was occurring.
- Transfer structural loads horizontally into existing load-bearing walls rather than vertically through the building.
- Create a stable, independent support framework that required no access to residential apartments.
The needle propping design allowed Legend hire’s team to establish multiple support points that distributed roof loads safely around the work area. By strategically positioning props to engage with the building’s existing structural walls, we created a load path that bypassed the occupied residential levels entirely.
This approach meant residents could remain in their homes without disruption, ceilings remained intact, and the builder could proceed with brickwork removal immediately without extensive preparatory works.
The Result
The needle propping system performed exactly as engineered, providing continuous roof support throughout the works with minimal impact on building occupants.
Key outcomes included:
- Residents remained in their apartments throughout the project with no requirement to relocate or clear belongings.
- No ceiling removal or interior building works required in occupied levels.
- Significant cost savings for the client by eliminating extensive preparatory and reinstatement works.
- Reduced project timeline by allowing immediate commencement of remediation works.
The client appreciated the engineering expertise that delivered a practical, cost-effective solution to what initially appeared to be a complex logistical challenge.
