Agilent Technologies, Ipswich

• Client: Agilent Technologies Limited
• Architect: Atkins Walters Webster
• Market Sector: Commercial/Offices
• Services: Structural Engineering

This building was a 25m high, 4 storey high-tech computer research and development facility with flat roof and clad in an airtight rain screen. To understand the dynamic criteria for the design of the structure a series of tests were carried our by MLM on the existing building. Levels of vibrations and displacements due to foot traffic which affected the operation of the highly sensitive equipment were measured. Based on this information (equivalent static deflection of + 0.005mm due to footfall) a 9m column grid and 3m structural floor depth was set.

Key Features:

• Lead by fast-track construction of 11 months.
• Requirement for anti-vibration upper floors and the flexibility for extensive services.
• Use of braced steel frame with composite concrete floors.
• 2m under floor services zone was provided between the top of bottom chords of the vierendeel floor girders.
• Plant equipment was supported on a 4 storey gantry isolated from the main frame to minimise the transfer of vibration into the sensitive floors.

Download a PDF project sheet

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