Norder have developed the foundation designs for the Cambridge GRE (Ground Run-up Enclosure) that is capable of testing an aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 747. Aside from the structure being the largest of its type in the UK and having extensive reinforced concrete foundations designed to withstand the significant loads imposed on it, the foundation design incorporated the complexity of having to design out the risk of ground heave due to significant earth load removal from the site of the structure. The building’s doors stand some 20m high and their supporting radial shaped ground beams on piled foundations had to accommodate very tight tolerances on future alignment for safe door operation including ability to maintain alignment with adjacent ground bearing pavement concrete.
