PUNCH Consulting Engineers provided Civil and Structural engineering services on both Phase 1 and Phase 2.  4-span steel portal frames were adopted for the construction of the distribution centre with the external cladding formed in structural panels spanning column to column.  During the Phase 2 construction works, the Phase 1 building was fully operational.  Subsequently, the coordination and detailing of the interface between the existing building and the new extension was crucial to the success of the project.  The steel frame for Phase 2 has also been designed to suit the -25 degrees internal operating temperature of the chamber.

Tesco Ireland is one of the largest grocery retailers in Ireland and is continually expanding their presence around the country.  This project was carried out in two phases.  The first consisted of the construction of a 200,000ft2 distribution warehouse including an external vehicle maintenance unit, ancillary buildings, yard slabs and associated site works.  Phase 2 involved the construction of a 92,000ft2 extension to the Phase 1 works to form a frozen chamber.

PUNCH Consulting Engineers designed external docking pods which enabled a continuous retaining wall to be cast around the perimeter of the building without the need to cast complicated dock leveller pits and recesses.  This had programme advantages and this solution also provides flexibility should it be decided to relocate existing dock levellers or add additional docks in the future.