Project background
OMPT GROUPE was called in urgently by the co-owners' property manager and the Cannes town hall to work on an old building showing serious structural problems in its timber floors.
The condition of the floor was judged critical, with the building close to being served a dangerous-building order and a real risk to the safety of the occupants.
Faced with this situation, a fast, safe and fully controlled intervention was essential.
Structural studies and design
Before any work began, the project was the subject of a full study by a structural and concrete engineering office, commissioned to analyse the existing structure and define a suitable reinforcement solution.
The structural calculations produced precise recommendations, which the OMPT GROUPE teams followed scrupulously in order to guarantee:
- the stability of the building,
- the support of existing and future loads,
- the durability of the structure.
Carrying out the floor reinforcement
The chosen solution was to create a mixed timber and steel structure, taking over and strengthening the existing floor.
The structure installed comprises:
- 5 HEA 220 beams, sealed into the load-bearing walls on each side,
- 1 UPN 220 edge beam, providing perimeter rigidity and carrying the forces.
The whole steel structure was treated with anti-rust paint to protect it durably against corrosion and ensure excellent long-term performance, particularly in an urban, coastal environment like Cannes.
Creating a new floor
Once the steel structure was installed and secured, a lightweight OSB panel structure was laid over the steel beams.
This solution makes it possible to:
- create a new, stable and level floor surface,
- limit the additional loads on the existing structure,
- ensure perfect compatibility with future floor finishes.
OMPT GROUPE expertise
Thanks to its recognised expertise in:
- underpinning,
- timber floor strengthening,
- work in occupied buildings and in emergency situations,
OMPT GROUPE responded effectively to the requirements of the property manager, the town hall and the engineering office, delivering work that is compliant, safe and durable.
Conclusion
This project in Cannes perfectly illustrates the ability of OMPT GROUPE to work on structures at risk, requiring close coordination with engineering offices, local authorities and property managers.
A demanding technical project, carried out with rigour, in the service of occupant safety and the preservation of the existing building.
