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Advanced Forming Research Centre, University of Strathclyde

A world-class research facility

  • £4M

    Construction Value

  • 744m2

    Floor Area

  • Inchinnan, Glasgow, Scotland

    Inchinnan, Glasgow, Scotland

A steel frame extension to a live research facility, to house the largest forge in Europe

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) is a critical hub for manufacturing industry research at the University of Strathclyde. The AFRC is a world-class research facility housing over £16 million worth of equipment, built to industry’s specifications, and it ensures their work has a direct impact on manufacturing performance in industry. It has the in-house capability to heat, shape, finish, measure, test, and analyse metal parts and components.

We were appointed as the civil and structural engineers to extend the AFRC with a new extension building—a steel frame structure supported on existing and new piling mats and housing an 8.5 metre (27.9 foot) high, 300 tonne hydraulic press forge, along with the associated isothermal, cooling, furnace, and manipulator plant. We also implemented additional car parking, plant enclosures, and enhanced vehicle access with the associated existing drainage alterations and new drainage.

This equipment will allow the university to extend its cutting-edge research for manufacturing industries and industry leaders. 

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • University of Strathclyde
Partners
  • David & McCulloch Ltd
  • Morrison Construction
Architect of Record
ECD Architects
Expert Spotlight

Martin Dix, Director, Buildings

We work with great clients on complex buildings—positively contributing to society while learning, evolving, and educating along the way.

Martin Dix

Director, Buildings

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