The scheme to build a new Tattersalls Arena is part of a major
expansion programme being undertaken to improve facilities at
the racecourse. On race days, the Arena will provide space for
up to 4000 race goers with formal and informal seating areas and
space for dining and entertainment. Throughout the rest of the
year, the facilities will be used to attract a wide range of other
events to the racecourse, including concerts and exhibitions.
Public health engineer Alex Matthews
of Hoare Lea explains why the flexibility offered by the cast
iron system is of particular importance in the multi-purpose auditorium:
“The services are being installed in short sections
in trenches in the floor, accessed by standard manholes. The installation
has been designed in such a way that changes can be made easily
if, say, there is an exhibition requiring water services to individual
stands. We are using a cast iron system with victaulic-type couplings
so that pipes can be easily unbolted and re-routed as and when
required.”
Cast iron is also the material of choice for the auditorium for
a number other reasons according to Alex Matthews: “In
a public venue of this type, you also have to consider issues
such as fire safety and cast iron is fire resistant without the
need for additional safety measures such as fire collars or cladding.
Also, bearing in mind that the auditorium is also designed for
concerts and musical events, its acoustic qualities are important.”
Alex Matthews refers to the work of the Cast Iron Drainage Development
Authority (CIDDA) and says: “Many of the advantages
of cast iron systems quoted by CIDDA apply to this scheme –
strength, durability, flexibility, fire resistance and noise reduction.
And as a public health engineer, I am something of a traditionalist
so on the whole, I do have a preference for cast iron systems.”
|
