This approach can unlock dramatic solutions for building refurbishments and enhance the approach used on South Bank Tower (see link below).

As part of the Exeter Guildhall redevelopment, a ‘Crowd Loading’ exercise measured the column strain to estimate their stiffness. The columns loads were inferred during construction ensuring accurate, reliable results for the project. This  study confirmed the feasibility of adding an extra story to the structure. It also assessed real-time column loads, including dead, live, and environmental effects such as wind and thermal distortion. A remote wireless data collection system was installed to minimise site attendance, offering seamless installation during strip out.

We also discovered that people tend to be a little optimistic about their weight—always bring a set of bathroom scales for accurate human load measurements!