One of the mobile cranes being dismantled right now.

^ Good spot.

What I'm trying to understand with this is how the cranes will climb with the tower. I realise that there are another 2 cranes (Terex's) to go on the opposite side to the current ones and one that will climb with the tower (possibly a Favelle) but surely they will need more than 1 crane to lift the steelwork. Heron currently has three cranes (although Heron has more steel than this).

The other four will be so far out from the main structure when it tapers that the tower bracing would be huge (if they are also going to climb with the tower). I presume these cranes won't be repositioned like you see on some structures (Broadgate) where the cranes actually went up through the structure and then were removed later.

I'm pretty sure there is a fifth crane to be erected after the core has started rising. Which will be sort of in the core or on top of it. Not entirely sure.

fortunately no one else seems to have been down recently, so I did so myself on the way for a Jimbo tour of Blackheath.

Good progress - above ground bits here surely? Scooparama!

I present a concrete bit of frame.
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3625/img2872c.jpg

note several concrete pillars at the perimeter of the site:
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7316/img2873p.jpg

and more
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2010/img2874n.jpg

wait a darn minute - more!
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4751/img2876.jpg

can't make out much on the excavation side though:
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/1653/img2871.jpg

lots of digging in the corner nearest the station concourse. No sign of 3rd tower crane yet though.
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/6934/img2877.jpg

Fab pics!

I have been here for years and STILL cant believe that my son will get to sit with me on the 72nd floor of a building in MY beloved City/country. When we get bored we will walk over the bridge at sunset to Bishopsgate tower and enjoy a coffee on the sixty something floor of that! Have I died and gone to heaven?

Dont forget the viewing plaza at Beetham (if its built)
eventually the Eye wont be so great anymore

Great pics and in the 5th one is the foundation anchor for the third tower crane.

Great post jimbo!

As usual, I've been beaten to posting an update, so I'll just add 3 more:

http://i33.tinypic.com/i23i8i.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/e6bmeg.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2ic659t.jpg

Pwoar! Ten years and we finally got some columns! :happy:

The bananas are ready...

Pwoar! Ten years and we finally got some columns! :happy:

yeah a bit like stalagmites!

And so it begins...

Just imagine what this forum will be like next year. :) Hundreds of new members joining I expect.

Hard to believe it's finally happening. Look at this -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/708179.stm

"The firm now hopes to submit a formal planning application by mid-summer and, assuming approval is granted, to complete the tower by 2005."

I really liked the old design, almost as much as the new one. I think it'd really suit the City of London cluster IMO, I know height restrictions are enforced but it would fit in perfectly just behind the Gherkin kinda near where 100 Bish will be.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/monume2a.jpg

Anyway, to avoid going off-topic I wanna say a great thanks for all the updates, some splendid photos there! :)

In the last of three photos posted, the brown frame to the left of the crane tower is another crane base.. will be installed in concrete.

This,the next stage,up she goes.
I'd like and hope to see this magnificent addition to the UK being promoted in the national news as it rises.
After years of wishing,it's happening,and it's going to look awesome

WOW - where did these columns suddenly come from.

I am a bit suprised as I was expecting them to be concentrating on the floor slab across the site before starting up - but cranes and columns prove its on its way - I almost dont believe what I am seeing.

Someone told me that those columns are just part of the retaining wall.

However, there appears to be one...in the middle.

Final piling rig taken down

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8969/11376055.jpg

And so it begins...

Just imagine what this forum will be like next year. :) Hundreds of new members joining I expect.

Hard to believe it's finally happening. Look at this -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/708179.stm

"The firm now hopes to submit a formal planning application by mid-summer and, assuming approval is granted, to complete the tower by 2005."

It was this tower that got me into this forum really around 2002 (didn't join for ages though) - and now it is finally being built. A long but hopefully worthwhile wait!

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8969/11376055.jpg

A round of appaluse to the piling contractors who seem to have done a stirling job on what was a mightily confined (even by London standards) site.

:applause:

^ Good spot.

What I'm trying to understand with this is how the cranes will climb with the tower. I realise that there are another 2 cranes (Terex's) to go on the opposite side to the current ones and one that will climb with the tower (possibly a Favelle) but surely they will need more than 1 crane to lift the steelwork. Heron currently has three cranes (although Heron has more steel than this).

The other four will be so far out from the main structure when it tapers that the tower bracing would be huge (if they are also going to climb with the tower). I presume these cranes won't be repositioned like you see on some structures (Broadgate) where the cranes actually went up through the structure and then were removed later.

Correct. Four cranes on the perimeter and one in the core passing through the slipform rig.:okay:The crane tower bracing will be quite meaty.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3838/mcbeingdismantled.jpg

2nd mobile crane being dismantled

^^
Also a concrete pump on site if I am not mistaken.

Mobile crane dismantled

http://i33.tinypic.com/i23i8i.jpg
Is it my eyesight or do those columns on the left hand side look out of alignment with each other? Perhaps its the angle the photo was taken at, but the middle column looks smaller than the other two.

Is it my eyesight or do those columns on the left hand side look out of alignment with each other? Perhaps its the angle the photo was taken at, but the middle column looks smaller than the other two.[/QUOTE]

Yes, the columns are not 'in line', your eyes are just fine. I'm sure there's a very good technical reason for this.

It's getting very exciting now isn't it!

Mobile crane dismantled

I was there today watching them dismantle the crane, the concrete pump was being used in several place, including some being poured around the 2 exposed plunge coloums near the back, there was also a lot os excavating going on at the front of the site near the portable office building under the footbridge.
Stent were clearing up the last of their bits and pieces and preparing to leave the site....well done Stent a fine job, and history in the making.:cheers:

Just to think November/December we should see a core! :drool:

Great post jimbo!

As usual, I've been beaten to posting an update, so I'll just add 3 more:

http://i33.tinypic.com/i23i8i.jpg



OH MY GOD. ITS COMING. HAHA :D

today (trying to line the mast up beside how mrs shard will stand - note the cranes to the left):

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1246/456js.jpg
^ wapping high st, towards st katherine's dock.

Very interesting post Noostairz, must have been frustrating to line that up properly!

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/monume2a.jpg



I loved this one too. What the pinnacle should have looked like IMO. With a slightly bigger footprint and maybe a bit more relaxed height restrictions we could have had something like this on bishopsgate instead.

Its interesting to see the old design of LBT together with the design of the new LB Station building to the left hand side.

that old LBT (aka: shard) design looked (and still looks) like columbus tower doing a half-arsed pinnacle in green fishnet stockings (see: guy's reclad), with two candy cane sticks stuck on top for a bit of cheap glamour. looks rubbish, but still would've been an improvement on london's embarassingly plain and haphazard skyline.

I was there today watching them dismantle the crane, the concrete pump was being used in several place, including some being poured around the 2 exposed plunge coloums near the back, there was also a lot os excavating going on at the front of the site near the portable office building under the footbridge.
Stent were clearing up the last of their bits and pieces and preparing to leave the site....well done Stent a fine job, and history in the making.:cheers:


They want this beauty up quick,so it's all full steam ahead.I'm looking forward to visiting this site in a couple of weeks.:cheers:

When skyscrapers signal a downturn
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/oct/13/skyscrapers-signal-downturn)The Guardian
Tuesday 13 October 2009

Soaring towers could mean that recession is on the way

It's surprisingly hard to decide on the tallest building in the world. Architects are much like Hollywood stars in their tendency to try to add a couple of sneaky inches. The people at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, who adjudicate on these matters, have had to ban all kinds of Cuban-heel equivalents, from enormous radio masts to metal "guy-ropes" holding up towers that would otherwise collapse in strong winds.

However, their job has got easier with the construction of the Burj Dubai. When it's finished in December, it will take the "world's tallest building" crown simply by dint of being really big. Standing over 800 metres high, it will be at least 290 metres taller than its nearest competitor, the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan. Its success, though, may be tarnished by the fact that it arrives in a very different world to that in which it was conceived. The property market in Dubai has plummeted and we're still stuck in the economic winter.

This won't have surprised analyst Andrew Lawrence. In 1999 the research director at investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein invented something called the "Skyscraper index", arguing that the construction of super-tall buildings is often a sign that an economic downturn is on the way. The best example is the late 1920s, which saw an unprecedented skyscraper boom prior to the Great Depression. The Empire State Building, which was finished in 1929, didn't achieve full occupancy for 40 years. Other examples include the Sears Tower in Chicago, finished in time for the Oil Crisis of 1974, and the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, which appeared after the Malaysian stockmarket went down the plughole in 1997. By the time Canary Wharf was finished in 1991, the London commercial property market was in recession; and the slower pace of building in Britain means our next record-breaking white elephant, the Shard Of Glass in London's Southwark, won't be completed until 2012.

Skyscrapers, then, are the physical embodiment of "irrational exuberance" in the markets. The rule is that if there's enough money sloshing around to pay for one, then don't be surprised if, by the time the purple ribbon's cut, the scissors have to be on hire purchase.

I expect some are doing this already,but i will save the webcam images to my pictures,regular as possible.Would be cool to flick through them at a later date.Maybe the webcam will angle up as she rises.

That Guardian piece is a bit out of date. There was similar themes being written around 6-12mths ago.

Considering by the time these towers are finished both the office market & general economy will supposedly be growing then its a bit of a lazy article.

Isn't the shard appts and a hotel?

This thing is going to be full all the time.

i think it's the recession that's already started. our tall buildings in london have come late, look at how long they were held up in PI. burj dubai however, was not, so it got built (technically it still has a few months to be fully complete). i think burj dubai was more a signal of a recession coming than what we're doing in london now. my point is that recession has already started. they could have written that article in 2008 though, rather than being wise after the event.

Site is clear of piling rigs and those big mobile cranes. The real visible work starts now. Enjoy! :banana:

...it's a bit of a lazy article.
Indeed...

By the time Canary Wharf was finished in 1991...
They mean 1CS presumably, not Canary Wharf :bash:

Site is clear of piling rigs and those big mobile cranes. The real visible work starts now. Enjoy! :banana:
With the addition of a new mobile crane - similar to the one that installed TC2.

Big mobile crane is up, and some interesting squares on the left side of the main core area
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/sirstan74/Webcam-13-10-09.jpg

Area on left seems to have a thin layer of cement. No rebar as far as I can see so I assume its that base layer (referred to in an earlier post) on which the floor slab will be constructed proper?

Concrete fill

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer81.jpg

Concrete fill

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer81.jpg

Just a note about posting from SiteEye. It would be better if you downloaded the pics to your desktop, uploaded them to somewhere like TinyPic (http://www.tinypic.com/) and then reposted them here - rather than hotlinking directly from the webcam. That way, we can look back at this thread in the future and see how it progressed, rather than seeing a "live" view that doesn't match the date it was posted. Just my opinion. :)

This project will transform London and make it a true rival to Paris for the best skyline in Europe.

That main core area looks alot neater in the second pic, and in just 3 hours? Or is that just what it looks like on the pic?

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/55.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/66.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/77.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/88.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/99.jpg

This project will transform London and make it a true rival to Paris for the best skyline in Europe.

also rival frankfurt too!!

I can see the furthest east tower crane from the landing outside my flat, which is going to be exciting as it rises, and also can just make out the very tip of one of the Heron cranes poking out from above Guys now, unfortunately though Guys completely obscure the actual building.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/77.jpg

Never thought I'd be so excited by a load of rebar. I think I need a little lie down now!

Great to see all that dirty mud disappearing under lovely clean concrete.

They are really motoring now, dramatic developments almost daily now!

Not sure where to post this but LBT isn't the only bit of work that's going to be happening around here.

Skanska scoops £59m Borough Viaduct contract
13 October, 2009 | By Michael Lane

Skanska has won a £59.2 million contract with Network Rail to construct the Borough Viaduct as part of its Thameslink Programme.

Under the contract, Skanska will build a 400m railway viaduct across Borough Market in the South East of London.

Work also includes demolition of existing buildings to make way for the new rail structure, as well as the temporary relocation of Borough Market to an adjacent area and the removal, refurbishment and reconstruction of the existing cast iron market structure.

Skanska and Network Rail have been working together, under a phase one contract, for many months to develop the scheme.

Main construction works start immediately and are scheduled for completion in August 2012.

also rival frankfurt too!!

London's skyline already is far better than Frankfurt's.

Dont get too hasty. Frankfurt's skyline is no weakling, and has many 'scrapers. But the problem I see is that there are very little mid rises to tie the skyscrapers together

^^^ I think there is a lot more to a skyline than skyscrapers....In which case London wins over most cities in the world. Dare I say this project will take us to the title?

London is my favourite skyline in the world,and this come from an Australian (Y)

The "Greater Bellied Ffinybryn" in its natural habitat.

http://www.engineeringsurveyor.com/images/shard/131009.jpg

Better get plenty of those Asda 6p bananas ready for the next few weeks... :gossip:

oh wow...................you tease! cant believe you can get bananas for 6p!!!!

Thats not you. It's nothing like your picture ;)

Whats the guys doing in the pits to your right?

Rocking the theodolite look for the new sseason ffiny! I like it.

Youve been caught on camera fiddling with your theodolite. That'll teach you! ;)

Just a note about posting from SiteEye. It would be better if you downloaded the pics to your desktop, uploaded them to somewhere like TinyPic (http://www.tinypic.com/) and then reposted them here - rather than hotlinking directly from the webcam. That way, we can look back at this thread in the future and see how it progressed, rather than seeing a "live" view that doesn't match the date it was posted. Just my opinion. :)


ahh,was going to do just that,but didn't as i was pressed for time.Silly me,should've realised it would be live lol

Whats the guys doing in the pits to your right?

Putting on a few more "interface" plates between plunge columns and concrete slab. The steel in the background, with the purple tent on top, will be going between the two nearest columns to support another column in the middle (another 2 for 1).

Steel starts to go up next week between TC2 & TC3, and then towards the observation bridge over the next few weeks, up to the 5th floor, before the main core starts.

Info appreciated!

So we should see some major above ground progress soon then! Cheers! :banana:

^^^ I think there is a lot more to a skyline than skyscrapers....In which case London wins over most cities in the world. Dare I say this project will take us to the title?

I agree! The former champ has been dethroned!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3453625530_1407d62f55_o.jpg

There is a new No. 1!!!

http://icaaf.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/london_skyline_2012_large_01.jpg

Just think one year from now!

Mobile crane has gone

Putting on a few more "interface" plates between plunge columns and concrete slab. The steel in the background, with the purple tent on top, will be going between the two nearest columns to support another column in the middle (another 2 for 1).

Steel starts to go up next week between TC2 & TC3, and then towards the observation bridge over the next few weeks, up to the 5th floor, before the main core starts.

Now that's what i'm talkin about:banana::banana::banana:
5 floors before christmas.

talking of christmas, we need to start thinking about this years Xmas drink/meet, may be start a thread for it:cheers:

May I just say, as someone who used to live in Central London until retiring to the country at 30, I wish I hadn't now!

I think this project along with Pinnacle, Heron, RS, Landmark which is coming on a pace, and the plans for Wood Wharf and the 1 Blackfriars are going to make London a more exciting and pleasant place to be.

I may not live there anymore but the old girl is looking great!

ffyinbrin are you a setting out / land surveyor? i used to be on the ol' tripods until i was laid off, argh.

It's great that there is a man right in the middle of the action (ffyinbrin) - in fact it's a little strange that all of them down there haven't joined the board to let us know what they're up to...

Would be great to have someone at all the different stages...until it's internally complete...:cheers:

Thanks for the inside info on progress, much appreciated. Getting exciting now!

May I just say, as someone who used to live in Central London until retiring to the country at 30, I wish I hadn't now!

I think this project along with Pinnacle, Heron, RS, Landmark which is coming on a pace, and the plans for Wood Wharf and the 1 Blackfriars are going to make London a more exciting and pleasant place to be.

I may not live there anymore but the old girl is looking great!Agreed me too (though I would not have chosen the word 'pleasant' personally)

Just think...travelling into London?..you will see it a lot sooner!

The tower crane creeping up:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/4012961840_6f2dbb4057.jpg

Showing its height:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/4012990068_6eddc992d8.jpg

For some reason those three monsters look quite nice there in the first picture. Well...not nice but kind of cool and urban and dense. For a few nanoseconds there I thought I might miss New London Bridge House. :ohno:

The tower crane creeping up:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/4012961840_6f2dbb4057.jpg

Showing its height:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/4012990068_6eddc992d8.jpg

Great contributions bstl

Recalling,from my trip on the Thames,i like the left building with its mirrored glass.
That view will appeal much more once Guys is reclad,and that block is replaced....oh,and that Shard is there

Does anyone have any renders of the new Guys design?

^

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/guyshospital/reclad.jpg

I don't like it. There's another one here:
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/imageuploads/1240176799_80.177.117.97.jpg

Recalling,from my trip on the Thames,i like the left building with its mirrored glass.
That view will appeal much more once Guys is reclad,and that block is replaced....oh,and that Shard is thereI liked working there, but for the ultra modern design, I don't think right on the river is the most appropriate location, although I liked the view!

By the way, the building is actually two buildings linked together at the ground. Formerly owned by PwC until PwC sold off their consulting unit to IBM. So now its IBM who occupy the buildings.

Thanks for that info Horizon911.I really enjoyed the boat trip from Westminster to Greenwich.Fascinating stuff.Wow,those people are going to be craning their necks in that area come 2011!

Personally,i love the Guys new look!

Thanks for that info Horizon911.I really enjoyed the boat trip from Westminster to Greenwich.Fascinating stuff.Wow,those people are going to be craning their necks in that area come 2011!

Yep in future, those tourist boats will just have one commentry theme starting at Westminster, "if you all look over there, just to the right for the next 10 minutes you can see the tip of the Shard ..... now if you stare straight head of you for the next 20 minutes you will see the magnificant Shard in all its glory looming closer ... now all turn around at look at the beautiful Shard for the next hour until we reach Greenwich!"

I am not overly impressed with the Guys look, of course as with all these renders it very much depends on the final cladding and finish.

It has to be an improvement on the brutalist lump that is there now though right?

There's a thread about Guys here -

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=513615

It might be better if we keep discussion about it there.

Happy to. Didn't realise there was a thread for it.

Well it's hardly off topic talking about a building next door. The Shard's cladding will reflect the recladded Guy's Tower and vice versa so it's important there's strong synergy between them.

Yep in future, those tourist boats will just have one commentry theme starting at Westminster, "if you all look over there, just to the right for the next 10 minutes you can see the tip of the Shard ..... now if you stare straight head of you for the next 20 minutes you will see the magnificant Shard in all its glory looming closer ... now all turn around at look at the beautiful Shard for the next hour until we reach Greenwich!"

lol,indeed.By next summer,the core may be about 150 metres i think...? Certainly a visual talking point.

lol,indeed.By next summer,the core may be about 150 metres i think...? Certainly a visual talking point.

Can you please give some thought before filling threads with one sentence comments across various threads. Fair enough make a comment but please don't add constant ramblings for everyone else to scroll through.

Great contributions bstl

Thanks :)
Hopefully I'll be getting a more decent camera soon and should be able to provide some higher quality pics.

Can you please give some thought before filling threads with one sentence comments across various threads. Fair enough make a comment but please don't add constant ramblings for everyone else to scroll through.


You got a problem with me? PM me about it! I've probably been interested in skyscrapers longer than you,so you dare lecture me.

Who the F#'K do you think you are ?! You got a problem with me? PM me about it! I've probably been interested in skyscrapers longer than you,so you dare lecture me. Perhaps it was that correction re L22? lol


I was asking you politely to consider condensing your posts. People do not want to read one sentence comments down a thread. Its called moderation of posts.

Just ask yourself this, would you want/enjoy reading a thread full of one sentence comments from an individual . I think 99% of people would say no. You were the most obvious example but it was a general comment to everyone when they consider what to post.

EDIT

guys guys guys! that could have been done via PM :)

anyway, back to LBT.

I wonder if Alain Robert will make a dash for the SHARD,once built? :lol:

:ohno:

Well it's hardly off topic talking about a building next door. The Shard's cladding will reflect the recladded Guy's Tower and vice versa so it's important there's strong synergy between them.

Agreed, I think it will reflect the Shard and is so close as to be of massive affect to the overall impression of the building. However, until there is a thread for "The London Bridge Cluster" I take the moderators point.

I am so excited about this building. I watched a documentary on Five last night about the Fed Tower in Moscow and while it may be a (debatable) higher building, it does not hold a candle to the Shard on looks and overall impact. I think the place for London in future tall building is not to make an impact with height, the Middle East will be doing that for decades to come.

The impact London can make is with the world's most beautiful buildings and the Shard wins that title hands down for me.

EDITED

I am so excited about this building. I watched a documentary on Five last night about the Fed Tower in Moscow and while it may be a (debatable) higher building, it does not hold a candle to the Shard on looks and overall impact. .

I watched that doc too.I agree.

I wonder if Alain Robert will make a dash for the SHARD,once built? :lol:

Pardon my ignorance, but who's alain robert?

He's a French rock and urban climber, known as "the French Spider-Man" he's is famous for scaling skyscrapers

Robert has scaled 85 giant structures around the globe including many of the world's tallest structures, most of which he has scaled using only his bare hands and climbing shoes.

Robert has scaled 85 giant structures around the globe including many of the world's tallest structures, most of which he has scaled using only his bare hands and climbing shoes.[/QUOTE]

Well, so long as he has nice clean shoes, don't want him getting my, er, I mean our lovely shiney new tower dirty!!!

I can't believe how much work has been done this week alone on site. I check the webcams a couple of times a day (he lies, he looks almost hourly) and a 'new thing' has arrived. Then a couple of miles down river it's a rebar frenzy at Riverside South, not to mention what's going on North of the river. It's skyscraper construction madness I tell you. MADNESS! Ain't it great!
Happy weekends all!

I'd imagine the Shard would be pretty easy to climb as the sides are diagonal.

I guess it depends how slick the cladding is.

It would suck if it started to rain:lol:

this may have already been answered but where and when is the next tower crane going to go ?

I'm surprised there doesn't seem to have been that much excitement at the announcement of the imminent arrival of above-ground structure! I want to see some steel...

This might sound silly, especially considering im a huge fan of it, but i'm quite worried about the Shard. If the quality of the building (the cladding in particular) doesn't amount to the renders, then it might do harm to London. I used to be all for it, but im getting slightly worried about it now. Hmm...

:uh:In what way will it cause harm to london?

I'm surprised there doesn't seem to have been that much excitement at the announcement of the imminent arrival of above-ground structure!


I don't think we're allowed to express our excitement anymore :dunno:

:uh:In what way will it cause harm to london?

Well, don't shoot me down here, as i'm a lover of 'good quality, well placed, tall buildings'. I just think if it isn't of good quality then it doesn't really have any neighbours to back it up. I do have great confidence in the building, but if it doesn't live up to expectations then it'll spoil the skyline.

Someone posted some pics of the towers cladding going through weather tests and shiz.


However it would take me forever to look as I cannot remember what year let alone what month they were posted in.

Someone posted some pics of the towers cladding going through weather tests and shiz.


However it would take me forever to look as I cannot remember what year let alone what month they were posted in.

Fair enough, OK. I'm pretty sure it'll slap me in the face and be better than anyone thought it would be, but it's just a pretty big thing to mess up, in such a prominent location.

Yes one of the problems with so many rambling digressions on this thread is that it makes it very difficult to go back and check. Anyway I posted these a while ago;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/Shard/shard4.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/Shard/shard3.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/Shard/shard2.jpg

Yes one of the problems with so many rambling digressions on this thread is that it makes it very difficult to go back and check. Anyway I posted these a while ago;

Cheers! They don't look half bad I must say. In the renders the building looks pretty translucent, I guess with that cladding sample you can see why.

Comment from the planning officers report mentioning the "pure white (clear) glass" used;


http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/Shard/shard5.jpg

Ahhhh yes, it's coming back to me now, the whole off-topic debate about green glass being cheap or not! I guess even with sample cladding it's a wait and see. Thanks for dredging up those pictures and info for me fitz :)

Thanks again Fitz, you're a mine of information, as well as a great photographer.

It looks like the cladding will be top-notch, as it should be, for what will become one of THE most prominent buildings in the whole of London. Thank God we won't be having dark green glass again!

This cladding sample looks beautiful and would be worthy of a placing on the empty plinth in Trafalgar square (compared to the recent garbage).

I love those vertical 'pipe' details. It could be so slick it hurts! I love the panels of glass that will 'oversail' into space it will look so crisp, so elegant. There is a lightness of touch in the design that I think is just wonderful. Sometimes the reality of some buildings can look 'clunky' compared to their renders. I am confident this will not be one of them. As for the apex of the tower, I hope it turns out as clear and ephemeral as the renders suggest.

I'm sure we'll be as pleasently surprised by this as we were by the quality of Herons cladding.

besides, next to Guys Tower, it would look good even if it were clad in a bannana skin:cheers:

With regard to the green glass it is cheaper that's why people use it....unfortunately.
Pehaps Heron and the Shard will point to a better alternative and the masses will follow.:)

With regard to the green glass it is cheaper that's why people use it....unfortunately.
Pehaps Heron and the Shard will point to a better alternative and the masses will follow.:)

No its not,its variable. Certain green glass is pretty expensive and there's a variety of reasons they are used, filtering out the sunlight for example.

The angle of the glass means that it will be reflecting the sky mostly. On our usual overcast day it might look quite 'moody'. On a clear sunny day it should sparkle.

No its not,its variable. Certain green glass is pretty expensive and there's a variety of reasons they are used, filtering out the sunlight for example.

I still think its buggered up alot of would be good architecture in London.

The angle of the glass means that it will be reflecting the sky mostly. On our usual overcast day it might look quite 'moody'. On a clear sunny day it should sparkle.

Yep,the interaction will be cool.
For the average joe who'll be looking at LBT,the science is second to sheer aesthetic wonder.
And,BTW,London has plenty of bright days,so it'll show sparkle more often than not.
:)

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3771/camputer81.jpg

Quick question, does anyone know what they are doing on the far left of this picture? The mobile crane seems to be doing alot of work over there but the webcam doesn't show that area.

Quick question, does anyone know what they are doing on the far left of this picture? The mobile crane seems to be doing alot of work over there but the webcam doesn't show that area.

Quick answer: Moving stuff around. The ground floor installation work is out of reach of the two tower cranes.

Hello! Looky looky at new photos from yesterday!
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8218/img2902i.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1098/img2903a.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2188/img2904v.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9122/img2905vv.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/5045/img2907d.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1599/img2908.jpg

...and the 'helicopters' are out in force...

Great shots Jimbo! Thanks for sharing.

Looking down from Guys
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/supertek/DSC02425.jpg

^^oooh, you can see down into the cofferdam excavation bits......hurrah! That view looks v.similar to the early stages of the construction animation that's been posted a number of times.

What happens to the sides of the surrounding buildings (which currentlly appear to have black cloth with wood grids on them?) will these areas be reclad/plastered or just covered up by the new building?

Guess they'll ultimately come down to make way for the new station.

Thanks Cuidad Bristol and everyone for their pics: Great to see the two construction cranes in place and the substructure really starting to happen. It won't be too long before we see this one rise out of the ground now. Its been a long long wait, but patience is paying off.

I'm surprised there doesn't seem to have been that much excitement at the announcement of the imminent arrival of above-ground structure! I want to see some steel...

Try later on today and tomorrow!!!!:nuts:

Yipee,can't wait

Spikey told us so:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4025738877_34b838f982_o.jpg

You beat me to it, just got home, I was about to say that I watched that peice being delivered, lowered in to place and bolted in between 1550 and 1615:cheers::banana:

They are now digging down to the piles, and capping the whole of the perimeter, very very busy now on site.
also just to let you know, they have started soft striping of New London Bridge house, and scaffolding is going up on the buildings that will make way for the new viaduct.
London bridge is just going to be a giant construction site for the next 4 years

so thats the photo weve been waiting 7 years for!

Yes lol - i Was thinking much along the same lines, "what - a rusty old pole". What with the the concrete pillars arranged almost haphazardly about the back it looks all rather like they are knocking up a garden shelter from a few bits found in the shed. What next. Better make sure there are no bricks scattered about site or they'll end up as a barby.

so thats the photo weve been waiting 7 years for!Well, excluding the lump of steel erected by one of the cranes a couple of weeks ago and not forgetting the concrete pillars....:)

Congratulations London, this is going to be epic, i'll definitley be keeping an eye on this thread :)

What next. Better make sure there are no bricks scattered about site or they'll end up as a barby.

Who told you that? That's classified.

_________________________
Who won the Ashes anyway?

Never thought i'd be that excited over seeing a rusty bar sticking up out of the ground-but i am.

It's coming along nicely guys! ! !

The steel frames are going up.

Indeed they are! You can see it on the webcams, looks to be about 2 floors tall at the moment. Reminiscent of when Heron began rising :banana:

You guys must have good eyesight - I cant make anything out on the cams!!!

Cant believe how excited I am by all this. :banana:

Spikey told us so:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4025738877_34b838f982_o.jpg

What's this a picture of...big foot? Loch Ness Monster?

That shows where the frame is starting. On the webcams you can see there's a fair bit more of it.

Unbelievable, I chose yesterday to come to London and watched the site for about an hour. Then today this happens.

I'm confused though, is this just a few random pieces going up or has the frame started and we should expect it to continue rising quickly?

Unbelievable, I chose yesterday to come to London and watched the site for about an hour. Then today this happens.

I'm confused though, is this just a few random pieces going up or has the frame started and we should expect it to continue rising quickly?

I'd say the second one, though I'm not sure. I think they construct the first 5 floors like this, and then something else happens. It was mentioned somewhere, I can't remember what was said though :ohno:

@tigerman: You can change the size of the picture shown by the webcam.

Here we go. I am so excited. Like a baby kid with his first toy! Yes it is definitely rising.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4029343214_39666c0d0f_o.jpg

Concrete is being poured at the northern edge of the site. Where TC3 will be erected. Full steam ahead!

lol classic.From humble beginnings.....

All we need now is some rusty corrugated iron for the roof and some mud, twigs and poo for the walls.

:lol:^^

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020823.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020800.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020804.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020790.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020832.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020817.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020836.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020838.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020842.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020811.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020791.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020816.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1020834.JPG

I'd say the second one, though I'm not sure. I think they construct the first 5 floors like this, and then something else happens. It was mentioned somewhere, I can't remember what was said though :ohno:

Cheers Newcastle guy and great photos as always Chest.

I read back through and found the post you were referring to ffinybryn said that they're going to construct the steel up to level 5 before starting the main core. Exciting times.

Well, there we have it.

The Shard, a 1000ft supertall - a building that should be going up in New York or Shanghai - is finally going up in London.

There have been many construction threads on this forum which I've followed with interest: 51 Lime Street, Ontario Tower, Broadgate, Pan Peninsula, etc. None of them even come close to the impact this project will have. This will be on a completely different scale to anything we've seen before.

Chest...you're a star!

Those shots of steal being errected put a smile on my face! :D

Someone pinch me! We are actually looking at 'The Shard', not renderings, not models or mock ups. The real thing chaps. They seem to be working extremely quickly too. We have new columns and horizontal members in place since a few hours ago. Wonder what we'll see a week from now?!
Thanks for posting those most recent pictures, can't get away from my desk to have a mooch until the weekend but the pics are a great help!

This is it, The Shard, the actual Shard, London Bridge Tower, is rising. The UK and Western Europes first 1000ft Skyscraper, the kickstart to the regeneration of London Bridge Station.

And what a way to mark my 3000th post.

Look at what happened when the first steel was being erected at Heron and how quickly it shot up this is very exciting times ahead well done on the photo's excellent work.

So this today is genesis, about time; considering the south bank doesn't hold the allure of the city of Westminster, the square mile or the docklands- I wonder what effect this tower will specifically have on commercial property rents and land valuations in the immediate vicinity and whether a cluster akin to London's other two will rise there in the coming years.

Great pics chest. Presumably, the first part of frame we are seeing going up, is around the core area where the lifts will be??

Chest, your photographs are amazing and very much appreciated! It is still slightly surreal that this is actually happening...a great day for London!

Can't...stop...staring...at....steel....arrrr

Chest, hard hats off to you mate, your photos take us right on to the construction site with great detail....

What would SSC be without Chest?
This guy is a diamond.

Does anyone know why they're using such short sections of steel beams for the columns? By the looks of it they're no more than about 3m long. This certainly means a lot more connections have to be made which I think we'll probably be weaker in the long run. It's obviously not for transportation considerations because they are nowhere near as long as the trucks. It also doesn't appear to be crane capacity because the later beams (smaller section) are just a short as the bigger beams. It certainly seems like longer beams would make the construction much more efficient and make it go faster.

I still remember us complaining when it appeared PwC weren't looking to vacate Southwark Towers, I think that must have been 3 - 4 years ago.

And then when it appeared this was dead in the water - revived thanks to our Arab friends (thank them for Heron and The Pinnacle as well).

It's been a roller coaster ride but this is what many of us have waited many years for. A true watershed moment for London and the UK.

Just re-iterating what everyone's been saying, what a day it's been for architecture, London, and well, architecture in London!

Awesome shots, Chest, as usual, much appreciated - took me ages to work out what was going on in the first pic lol :doh:

SSC rejoice!

I'd say the second one, though I'm not sure. I think they construct the first 5 floors like this, and then something else happens. It was mentioned somewhere, I can't remember what was said though :ohno:

:applause: The "something else", is the core rising from the second basement level. Steel erection will be fairly slow until then but will speed up once the core rises past. Enjoy:cheers:

I've been waiting for this day for years! The next few years (and beyond hopefully) will be an excellent time for skyscraper construction in London: Heron, RS, Pinnacle, Shard... for starters. :)

:cheers:

To steel a line from the EMIR and burg Dubai...this is history rising, a momentus day for London, and a huge kick in the balls for EH.

And this moment would not be complete with out a bananna or 2
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Does anyone know why they're using such short sections of steel beams for the columns? By the looks of it they're no more than about 3m long. This certainly means a lot more connections have to be made which I think we'll probably be weaker in the long run. It's obviously not for transportation considerations because they are nowhere near as long as the trucks. It also doesn't appear to be crane capacity because the later beams (smaller section) are just a short as the bigger beams. It certainly seems like longer beams would make the construction much more efficient and make it go faster.

Actually it's quite the opposite, the steel plate joints are stronger than the beams they join together, the steel becomes more than twice the thickness at these joints, and they are bolted and welded together.

To steel a line from the EMIR and burg Dubai...this is history rising, a momentus day for London, and a huge kick in the balls for EH.

And this moment would not be complete with out a bananna or 2
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Who wants to do the honours and send dear old Simon Jenkins the most recent pics. I'm sure he will be overjoyed ;)

just to rub it in for english heritage...

:D

http://www.nickgrayson.net/ssc/eh.gif

mighty oaks from little acorns grow!

First couple of bits of above ground steel. I'll permit myself one of these chaps.....:banana:

Prestons of Potto bringing the steel - hurrah - with Heron, they're like a new best friend.

The site will be changing on an almost daily basis from now on, and we're all here to see it. Great photos chest, my point and click digital thing doesn't do the site justice. Big zoom needed.

Indeed, like Heron at this stage, the progress will be very visible even over the space of a day or two. Imagine what it will look like next week, or next month! :banana:

Actually it's quite the opposite, the steel plate joints are stronger than the beams they join together, the steel becomes more than twice the thickness at these joints, and they are bolted and welded together.
I was wondering if they're going to be welded or not. Haven't seen any welding yet on the web cam but the bolts look relatively small. I agree if they're going to be welded the joints become much stronger but it still seems like it takes a lot more time than it's worth. Freedom Tower is taking just the opposite approach and putting some extremely tall beams in place to avoid joints.

Great Pics there Chest, I was up there yesterday as well but my phone cam pics are far inferior to the ones posted defiantely a day for a :pepper:

Actually it's quite the opposite, the steel plate joints are stronger than the beams they join together, the steel becomes more than twice the thickness at these joints, and they are bolted and welded together.

Is that a definite fact or just your guess? It doesn't make sense to me as a layman but if you are an expert then I defer to you.

24th Nov 2006 - PwC staff informed that they will vacate Southwark Towers (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=10613887&postcount=125)

15th Nov 2007 - Mace chosen to build the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=16496003&postcount=2210)

10th Jan 2008 - CLS Holdings sells stake in the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17612436&postcount=2453)

18th Jan 2008 - Halabi sells stake in the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17781935&postcount=2489)

22nd Jan 2008 - Sellar Property Group sets up Qatari consortium to carry out the Shard development (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17873271&postcount=2505)

24th Mar 2008 - 'White sheet of death' appears on Southwark Towers (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=19219507&postcount=2798)

12th Feb 2009 - Demolition of Southwark Towers structure complete (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32187072&postcount=4443)

23rd Feb 2009 - Mace secures contract to build the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32720050&postcount=4538)

16th Mar 2009 - Shard officially starts construction (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=33685318&postcount=4741)

17th Mar 2009 - First piling rig (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=33759394&postcount=4764)

18th Sep 2009 - First steel column (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43273008&postcount=5967)

19th Sep 2009 - Installation of Tower Crane 1 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43326016&postcount=5982)

1st Oct 2009 - Installation of Tower Crane 2 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43971194&postcount=6168)

10th Oct 2009 - First concrete pillars (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=44408468&postcount=6254)

Does anyone know why they're using such short sections of steel beams for the columns? By the looks of it they're no more than about 3m long.

It's no secret that one of Chest's pictures from the public area shows a short section of column weighing in at 5.1tonnes.

My guess would be that the tower cranes cannot lift anymore than this at this radius.

____________________________________
Button nails Webber to World Championship

24th Nov 2006 - PwC staff informed that they will vacate Southwark Towers (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=10613887&postcount=125)

15th Nov 2007 - Mace chosen to build the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=16496003&postcount=2210)

10th Jan 2008 - CLS Holdings sells stake in the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17612436&postcount=2453)

18th Jan 2008 - Halabi sells stake in the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17781935&postcount=2489)

22nd Jan 2008 - Sellar Property Group sets up Qatari consortium to carry out the Shard development (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17873271&postcount=2505)

24th Mar 2008 - 'White sheet of death' appears on Southwark Towers (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=19219507&postcount=2798)

12th Feb 2009 - Demolition of Southwark Towers structure complete (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32187072&postcount=4443)

23rd Feb 2009 - Mace secures contract to build the Shard (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32720050&postcount=4538)

16th Mar 2009 - Shard officially starts construction (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=33685318&postcount=4741)

17th Mar 2009 - First piling rig (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=33759394&postcount=4764)

18th Sep 2009 - First steel column (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43273008&postcount=5967)

19th Sep 2009 - Installation of Tower Crane 1 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43326016&postcount=5982)

1st Oct 2009 - Installation of Tower Crane 2 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43971194&postcount=6168)

10th Oct 2009 - First concrete pillars (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=44408468&postcount=6254)

Excellent stuff... thanks very much for compiling this. I will add it to the 1st post of this thread, for ease of reference. :)

Nice one! Going through the thread again made me appreciate even more the fact that this is finally becoming reality.

Is that a definite fact or just your guess? It doesn't make sense to me as a layman but if you are an expert then I defer to you.

There was a recent program on channel 5 about skyscraper construction, and it was one of the points they highlighted on the program, it gives the beam extra strength at a potential week point, and makes it harder for it to fail in the event of a 9/11 type catastrophic occurance.

Interesting, I would have thought the join would always be the weaker point.

Perhaps ffinybryn's explanation is more likely in this case anyway.

Just a quick one and forgive my ignorance if it has been dealt with before. I am fairly new to all this.

Firstly, what a great day for London, the Shard is finally rising. I personally think it is the greatest building around at the moment. Much more interesting and memorable than the Burj. Other buildings will go taller eventually but the Shard will always be the most beautiful building in the world!

Secondly, are Keltbray the main contractor and have they got experience of similar projects? If they are not the main contractor who is and what have they done in the past?

Sorry I just realised I am being lazy and that a few minutes web research answered my question for me!

Mace are the main contractor and they appear to have a good reputation, they are certainly very busy all over the world.

It's no secret that one of Chest's pictures from the public area shows a short section of column weighing in at 5.1tonnes.

My guess would be that the tower cranes cannot lift anymore than this at this radius.
That was my thought also but the smaller beams are also shorter and obviously weight is not an issue with them. Most of the new skyscrapers under construction these days go out of their way to use longer beams to speed up construction yet here we see these tiny beams? It just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

Great list SE9, will you keep it updated?

Latest from webcam where visible progress has been made on yesterday:

http://i34.tinypic.com/2lcqijb.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2lcqijb.jpg

Woop! looking like they've layed out where the next Tower Crane will go (Bottom left square)

Yep, there's actually concrete pouring out of the red tubing in the bottom left corner too.

It's that specific TC that will rise with it to over 300 metres as well... Gosh! it's all a bit overwhelming!

first time i have logged on in ages

biggest news of the day is clearly that newcastle guy now lives in portsmouth (WTF)

but secondly the shard is finally rising, beauty!

Ah, timo. I distinctly remember that I didn't like you. I just can't remember why now :lol:

what a lovely welcome back to the forum :(

Calm down man, it was a joke:lol: Much like your "biggest news of the day is clearly that newcastle guy now lives in portsmouth (WTF)" comment.

Getting back to the thread, has anyone seen the site today? Or is it to early to ask?

Edit: I've just looked at the webcams. It looks like there's more steel, but there's also a big yellow crane in the way blocking the view :(

i know buddy, i was being sarcastic, all is good :)

i can't see the webcams from work for some reason, the fascists have blocked it. i am pretty excited about getting home for a look though

so this is all set to be ready for the olympics yes? wooo

can someone tell me how to store the webcam images from the site as they are in flash, and also what the direct link to the webcam is?? cheers!

Use the direct link http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer81.jpg and save it from there - much less hastle than the flash site

The aerial webcam (which is not much use, for now..) is at:

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer64.jpg

so this is all set to be ready for the olympics yes? wooo

They're building the superstructure and the substructure at the same time, so it shouldn't take as long as originally thought. That should help make up for any delays that there's been (PWC, funding etc...)

Another webcam shot (its difficult to get bored of them!) concrete floor now starting to form in the bottom left:

http://i38.tinypic.com/205s3sn.jpg

Concrete going in thick and fast:

http://i38.tinypic.com/2ia97hu.jpg

That was my thought also but the smaller beams are also shorter and obviously weight is not an issue with them. Most of the new skyscrapers under construction these days go out of their way to use longer beams to speed up construction yet here we see these tiny beams? It just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

Well as someone that has designed quite a lot of steelwork & connections I too am suprised by what they are doing. I am not an expert on tower cranes but I would be amazed if weight was an issue - surely they are not going to construct the whole tower in 3m sections :lol:

There must be another reason why these first sections are designed in this way.

Is this project going to be a floor every week or so once it gets going like most in Dubai or are we a bit slower than that here in good old blighty?

many thanks to Cat man do and Horizon. :)

....you're welcome, I'm retired so I've got a lot of time on my hands especially on a wet day which keeps me out of the garden!

Concrete pump put to bed now. All of the left side of the site is under concrete. You can't tell that from today's pictures as materials are being stored on the area that was concreted the other day. And they haven't been slack on the steel either. I've also noticed loads of activity on the bottom right perimeter of the site (from the webcam) but don't know what's going on.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2duczuq.jpg

Is the concrete being poured directly onto the earth? So this is a blinding concrete? What is its purpose, just to provide an even surface to work off?

I seem to remember a small building attached to the back of the Shard (I.E. not the main tower section) could this steelwork be for that? It looks like it might be in the right position.

Is the concrete being poured directly onto the earth? So this is a blinding concrete? What is its purpose, just to provide an even surface to work off?The purpose is its the ground floor of the shard, which makes it easier to excavate the basement floors underneath. They put in supports to keep the concrete floor in place while they work underneath digging out the basement levels. Now that the steel is being erected too, I'd imagine a smooth work surface helps too.

I can't tell from the webcams if the concrete is just going straight on the earth. They seem to prepare the ground first (you can see the diggers in the bottom middle of the pics which is, presumably, where the next load of concrete will be poured soon) but no idea, sorry, whether aggregate is put down first.

I seem to remember a small building attached to the back of the Shard (I.E. not the main tower section) could this steelwork be for that? It looks like it might be in the right position.That horrid little building is farther along, I think.

Well as someone that has designed quite a lot of steelwork & connections I too am suprised by what they are doing. I am not an expert on tower cranes but I would be amazed if weight was an issue - surely they are not going to construct the whole tower in 3m sections :lol:

There must be another reason why these first sections are designed in this way.

The 5.1t section shown would have been over 15t if fabricated in the usual two-storey fashion.

In a standard steel building, the column section size will decrease as the building increases in height (less bearing pressure). This will allow longer sections to be erected further up the building.

__________
Viduka who?

The purpose is its the ground floor of the shard, which makes it easier to excavate the basement floors underneath. They put in supports to keep the concrete floor in place while they work underneath digging out the basement levels. Now that the steel is being erected too, I'd imagine a smooth work surface helps too.

I can't tell from the webcams if the concrete is just going straight on the earth. They seem to prepare the ground first (you can see the diggers in the bottom middle of the pics which is, presumably, where the next load of concrete will be poured soon) but no idea, sorry, whether aggregate is put down first.

That horrid little building is farther along, I think.

Its hard to tell from the small pictures but I dont think thats ground floor slab, as a) the concrete appears to be being poured directly on to the soil and b) the concrete appears to be un-reinforced (hence why I asked if it was just a blinding concrete), who knows :dunno:

....you may be right. In this picture posted by Jimbo a month ago, you can clearly see its more than just concrete going into the floor. It's roughly the area (I think) where the steel is being erected now:

http://i35.tinypic.com/2w4fmok.jpg

Now, that does look like a proper floor.

Now, that does look like a proper floor.

Yeah thats definately permanent!

Imagine you were to pour the ground floor slab directly onto the earth/mud/gravel. When you excavate under the slab for the basements, what do you think the underside of the slab will look like?

Now imagine you poured a thin layer of sacrificial concrete. Gave it a nice smooth flat finish, and then poured the ground floor slab onto this. When you dig under the slab for the basement, and the sacrificial concrete falls away, what do you think the underside of the slab will look like?

Also any structural slab is designed and needs to be built to a certain thickness. Inconsistent underside = too thick/too thin in places = not built properly.

Blinding - because its worth it

That's what they did a week or so back with the slab next door. I guess the rebar will go down tomorrow and maybe the proper slab at the weekend?

Excellent explanation Shard Master, thanks.

I love The Shard but I would have put it as the centre point of the square mile, with Bishopgate a few blocks away. It's like putting an iconic New York skyscraper over in Brooklyn rather than in Manhattan where it belongs.

I love The Shard but I would have put it as the centre point of the square mile, with Bishopgate a few blocks away. It's like putting an iconic New York skyscraper over in Brooklyn rather than in Manhattan where it belongs.

It's funny you say that because the Shard's location is similar to the Eureka Tower in Melbourne. That is a 300m resi tower finished in 2005. It's location on Melbourne's Southbank away from the main CBD is in line with the Shard in Southwark.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eureka_tower

sacrificial concrete makes sense, isn't styrofoam plates also used underneath sometimes? mabe these big pours will simply crush them perhaps?

sacrificial concrete makes sense, isn't styrofoam plates also used underneath sometimes? mabe these big pours will simply crush them perhaps?

If you were building reinforced concrete on clay-ey ground you would probably build on polystyrene sheets depending on the design/situation.

Clay is like a sponge. It expands when wet and shrinks when dry. A concrete slab would crack/ fail if the polystyrene was not there accomodating the ground movements.


Where might you see this being used on the shard? think about it.

i'm not entierly unfamiliar with clay hehe, makes sense to have a solid "floor" to place rebar and pour concrete :)

If you were building reinforced concrete on clay-ey ground you would probably build on polystyrene sheets depending on the design/situation.

Clay is like a sponge. It expands when wet and shrinks when dry. A concrete slab would crack/ fail if the polystyrene was not there accomodating the ground movements.


Where might you see this being used on the shard? think about it.

In the excavated sections in the basement below the top soil ?

Latest webcam shots, nice sunset shot from yesterday evening on the site and the latest today with new steel and the ground being prepared in the bottom middle for the blinding concrete (thanks go to Beeston lad and Shard Master for explanations on that):

http://i34.tinypic.com/2mzbehw.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/25qb3nr.jpg

Another steel post gone in:

http://i37.tinypic.com/13zc2ue.jpg

....

lucky you! Congratulations. Would love to be involved in anyway with this thing! Would be like being one of the stone masons of St Pauls or even someone who baked and handed out the bread!

That's what they did a week or so back with the slab next door. I guess the rebar will go down tomorrow and maybe the proper slab at the weekend?

Not quite that quick, but close. Push is on to form all the slabs in a ring around the site which will allow the main dig to get underway and the core grillage and slipform built. Its all about getting down to core launch level now.:cheer:

Finally, another steel column appeared this afternoon. This is happening really quickly now.:

http://i35.tinypic.com/iwn58h.jpg

Not quite that quick, but close. Push is on to form all the slabs in a ring around the site which will allow the main dig to get underway and the core grillage and slipform built. Its all about getting down to core launch level now.:cheer:

Is this what these images show?

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard8-1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard7-1.jpg

to illustrate how thick these steel beams are

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard9-1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard6-1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard4-1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard1-1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard2-1.jpg

This site is now far and away the most exciting in London. It's not stop spectacular theatre. There must have been a hundred men on-site today.

That steelwork looks so much more substantial from your pics BorderBoy, from the cam they look like matchsticks. Also good to see perimeter work in progress in the foreground where the cam can't see.

How come the steel is fireproofed like it is on Heron?

is it just me or does that look really sexy!!

Went past the site today, I have a quick query. Not sure if it has been explained previously and if it has, feel free to ignore me :)

There are 2 holes in the ground which are covered by sheeting, one with red and the other with white. Is this where new tower cranes will be going?

Oh and btw, good pics BorderBoy, what time where you there? :)

is it just me or does that look really sexy!!

People can be sexy... but if you think steel and concrete can actually be sexy then I think you should go down the pub and try to lose your virginity...lol:lol:

Bloody hell. Fantastic pictures BorderBoy and thanks for your contributions everyone else. :)

Although it's disgusting it took 10 years (more or less) to get to this stage, I'm extremely happy it's finally getting the go ahead.

I bet Shangri La's share price went up quite a bit today! ;)

Passed by the site this evening:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Library-1870.jpg

Went past the site today, I have a quick query. Not sure if it has been explained previously and if it has, feel free to ignore me :)

There are 2 holes in the ground which are covered by sheeting, one with red and the other with white. Is this where new tower cranes will be going?

Oh and btw, good pics BorderBoy, what time where you there? :)

Around 12 noon...

I was there today here are a few more pics.I must say the site is really busy it's almost too much for your eyes to take in but great to see.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/TheShard.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/TheShard4.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/TheShard3.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/TheShard1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/TheShard2.jpg

Great pics borderboy. With regards to your question, it looks like they're building a wall on the perimeter, but not sure.

I think the concrete ring is what beestonlad, shardmaster and I were talking about the other day. It does look like they're going round in a ring as viewed from the webcam.

The left side of the site (as viewed from the cam) has had an initial (blinding) concrete layer poured on it and now the next place appears to be bottom middle (as viewed from the cam). Looks to be going round in a ring to me! Then they'll do all again, but this time the proper floor will be layed with all that rebar (steel mesh) reinforcements in with the second load of concrete.

What would be great is if one of the on-site workers who posts here could give us an overview of what's happening where. There's a lot to see, but looking at the tiny cam pictures, it's difficult to make head and tail of it all. It it would also be brilliant (without giving away any secrets) if someone could just give us a basic timeline of what's expected to happen on site between now and Christmas.

It would also be nice if the developers could dig into their pockets and install a few more webcams, or at least one live controllable cam. One picture every ten minutes for such a prestigious project is pretty meager. Although, better than nothing!

Mario, nice pics too.

Great pics borderboy. With regards to your question, it looks like they're building a wall on the perimeter, but not sure.


AFAIK the perimeter wall as you call it is infact the pile cap of the perimeter piles - which is in effect a big ring beam around the site.

This really has become a piece of live construction theatre... there is constantly a group of people watching from the bridge above, watching the workmen you almost feel like your watching history... the start of something very important to London.

is it just me or does that look really sexy!!

Ive discovered wetwipes just in time for this one!

Seriously...so many years of waiting and speculation...Its really happening! Only Armageddon is likey to delay things a week or two now ;)