Rhodes House

Rhodes House, a Grade II* listed building constructed in the early 20th century, sits at the core of Oxford. This building is the seat of the Rhodes Trust, a charitable organisation focused on education. Over time, the Trust's needs have evolved, necessitating additional space with contemporary, adaptable designs. However, expanding this historic structure presents difficulties due to the city's and building's heritage importance.

Under Queensferry Consulting, I worked as a structural engineer on the assessment of the Milner Hall ground floor slab at Rhodes House, Oxford University. As part of a wider project worth £37 million, the Client (Rhodes Trust) and the Main Works Principal Contractor (Beard) proposed to modify the basement hall of Rhodes Building.

I was tasked to assess the feasibility of removing multiple columns supporting the basement ceiling slab as per the architectural aspect of the works information and to determine whether strengthening works via FRP laminates/reinforcements is required to maintain the structure’s stability and capacity.  his assessment was crucial to ascertain both the practicality of the proposed changes and the potential need for additional structural enhancements to maintain the integrity of the building.

Structural assessment checks were carried out in accordance with BS 8110, CS 455 and TR55 (for FRP strengthened section). Checks of the building enabled the architectural design to progress and supported the construction programme.

The building is intended to facilitate the Rhodes Trust mission to renovate and expand it properties ensuring that its is fit for purpose whilst maintaining it’s cultural heritage.