Footings Completed at Christchurch Barnet by Fry Site Services
Fry Site Services, part of Fry Group, has recently completed the footings concrete pour at Christchurch Barnet. This is an important stage in the development of the new church building, and the work was carried out on a bright sunny day that helped the team move through the tasks smoothly and safely.
This project has already shown the value of careful preparation, skilled groundworkers and clear communication on site. The following write up explains the work completed, how the team approached each stage and why this foundation work is so important for the structure that will follow.
A Productive Day on Site
The team arrived to warm, dry weather which created ideal conditions for concrete placement. Even with good weather, the success of the day relied on the preparation carried out beforehand. Groundworks demand accuracy, planning and teamwork, and every part of the process was handled with care to make sure the footings were strong, level and ready for the next phase of construction.
Rebar Fabrication Completed on Site
Reinforcement steel, or rebar, plays a vital role in strengthening concrete. For this project, the team fabricated the rebar directly on site. This allowed them to work with complete accuracy and adjust the steel to suit the exact layout of the footings.
Fabricating on site also reduces handling issues and ensures the reinforcement fits perfectly with the formwork and the foundation design. The steel cages were tied securely and checked thoroughly before being placed in position. This reinforcement will help the footings support the weight of the steel frame and the rest of the building for many years.
Cellcore Installed for Ground Heave Protection
Before the rebar was positioned, Cellcore was installed. This material protects foundations from ground heave, which is especially important in areas with clay soil such as Barnet. Cellcore absorbs upward movement in the ground, preventing stress and cracking in the concrete. The team installed the panels neatly and securely, ensuring they were correctly placed before the reinforcement was added.
Side Formwork Installed by Skilled Groundworkers
Once the Cellcore and rebar were in place, the side formwork was installed. This work was carried out by our skilled groundworkers, who set out the formwork with precision. Formwork shapes the concrete and keeps it contained while it cures. It also ensures the footings are the correct size and level.
The boards were fixed firmly, checked for alignment and prepared to take the weight of the wet concrete. Good formwork is essential for a clean and accurate finish, and it plays a major role in the overall quality of the footings.
Base Plates Installed Before the Pour
The base plates, which will support the steel frame, were installed before the concrete pour. Accuracy at this stage is essential. Even a small error can cause problems when the steel frame is erected.
The team used laser levels and careful measurements to position each base plate correctly. This ensures the steel frame can be installed smoothly and safely once the concrete has cured.
The Concrete Pour
With all preparation complete, the concrete pour began. A total of 50 cubic metres of C35 concrete was placed using a large boom pump. This type of pump allows concrete to be delivered directly into the trenches with ease, even in areas where access is limited.
The boom pump helped maintain a steady and consistent flow of concrete. The team guided the pump, spread the concrete evenly and compacted it to remove air pockets. This creates a solid and dependable footing that will support the structure above.
C35 concrete is a strong and durable mix that is commonly used for footings and other load bearing elements. It is designed to perform well under pressure and provide long term stability.
Teamwork and Safe Working Throughout
The success of the day came from the effort and coordination of the whole team. Groundworkers, steel fixers, pump operators and supervisors all worked together to complete the job safely and efficiently. Every task was carried out in line with our health and safety procedures, and the site remained organised and controlled throughout the pour.
The team prepared the site properly, poured the footings to a high standard and installed the base plates with care. It was a strong example of how good planning and teamwork lead to a successful result.
What Happens Next
The concrete is now curing. Once it has reached the required strength, the steel frame will be installed by another contractor. After that, Fry Site Services will return to complete the substructure works. This will include blockwork, brickwork, damp proofing, service penetrations, backfilling and preparation for the superstructure.
These stages are essential for the stability and performance of the building, and the team will continue to work with the same level of care and accuracy as the project progresses.
A Project with Purpose
Christchurch Barnet is a community focused development that will serve local people for many years. Fry Site Services is proud to be involved in creating the foundations for a building that will support the community and provide a space for events, gatherings and local activities.
Video Footage Coming Soon...
We recorded the concrete pour on camera and will be sharing the footage soon. It will show the team in action and give a closer look at the equipment and methods used on the day. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates.
Technical Overview in Plain English
The footings were designed to support the load of the steel frame and the rest of the building. C35 concrete provides the strength needed for this type of structure. The rebar adds extra support and helps the concrete resist tension. Cellcore protects the foundations from ground movement. The boom pump allowed us to place the concrete quickly and accurately. All these elements work together to create a strong and dependable foundation.
Looking Ahead
Completing the footings at Christchurch Barnet marks strong progress for the project. The team worked hard, the preparation paid off and the concrete pour went exactly as planned. Fry Site Services looks forward to returning to site for the next phase and continuing to support the development of this important community building.