Ocado CFC4 Erith

This project located close to the River Thames involved the construction of a new 46,500 m2 (500,000 sq. ft.) automated, temperature-controlled e-commerce facility, as well as 2500m2 of offices, a Technical Services Block, Staff Shop, Vehicle Maintenance Unit, HGV/Van docks, external yards, and surface car parks. The base-build was procured through a developer based on a detailed performance specification developed by EirEng for the civil and structural elements. EirEng completed Civil and Structural Engineering Design works on Fit Out stage of the project.

The foundations and ground floor slab for the Base Build and Fit Out works were supported on precast concrete piles, and EirEng liaised with the specialist piling contractor at an early stage to ensure that all of the future foundation design loads were catered for.

The fit-out consisted of mezzanines over three levels with a mix of concrete and timber floor slabs designed to meet the client’s strict performance and deflection criteria for their automated storage system. EirEng designed the steelwork for the mezzanine frames as well as the lightweight timber decking and detailed the reinforced concrete mezzanine slabs. EirEng were also responsible for specifying the internal drainage within the warehouse and for designing the slab and other structural elements associated with the freezer chamber.