As we reported in Building Update 6, building D (research and laboratory complex for the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences) and I(CREA) have been completed and are currently being furnished. In January, the majority of construction work will centre on buildings B and C.

Buildings B/C

Structural cavities will be created on various floors of the B building tower, where the concrete column will also be demolished (this will be done using a mini crane with a demolition hammer. A temporary sound barrier will be erected to reduce noise levels). Wall cavities will be created for the elevator doors on the tenth floor. The sawing and cutting of balconies on the Sarphatistraat side will be completed, and we will continue work on the facades. The facades will be finished in various phases (according to the current planning schedule, the final façade section on the Sarphatistraat side will be finished by the end of April). Last year, part of the B tower façade was damaged as a result of fire. This section of the facade will be cleaned this month.

Piles will be driven on both sides of the Nieuwe Achtergracht in order to support the overhanging structure (this will be done by means of the corkscrew method, thus limiting noise levels). Components for a steel construction will be brought in and assembled in order to complete the stage (new main entrance). Completion of the stage will also involve some further demolition and snagging work. The final façade sections of building C will be demolished. There will also be further demolition work on the edges of building C.

Sprinkler well (courtyard between B and I)

Construction of the sprinkler well will also require pile driving. This work was originally scheduled for December. Due to delays during the installation of the sheet pile walls (obstacles in the soil) and the temporary shutdown of construction work during week 51 and week 1, a new planning schedule was drawn up. Work is expected to begin in early February. A pile driver will be brought in for this purpose (most likely at the end of week 4).