Liverpool Street Station - Roof

Overview

Mason Clark Associates (MCA) was commissioned by Everlast Rail, representing Murphy Group, to produce a comprehensive structural appraisal report for the roof of Liverpool Street Station, a Grade II listed structure. This iconic station required a detailed assessment to guide its proposed refurbishment, covering the renewal of roof coverings, rainwater system upgrades and a redecoration of the historic structure, including repairs to the glazing panels.

Challenges and Solutions

This project presented challenges due to the historic nature of Liverpool Street Station’s roof and the busy environment surrounding it. We addressed these challenges through precise coordination and careful inspection:

• Historic structure requirements: as a Grade II listed building, the station roof required sensitive handling during inspection and planning for any potential refurbishment work. Our team inspected the original cast iron roof structure to assess structural integrity while ensuring all recommendations adhered to conservation requirements.
• Access and coordination in a live station environment: accessing the roof’s underside in a busy station required meticulous planning. We coordinated with the client’s team to arrange high-level access using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), allowing for close-up inspection without disrupting station operations.

MCA's Contribution

We provided a detailed structural appraisal that informed both immediate repair needs and long-term maintenance planning for Liverpool Street Station’s roof. Our key contributions included:

• Visual inspection and defect analysis: our engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the cast iron roof structure, identifying key areas of concern such as material fatigue and failed protective coatings. Each defect was catalogued in a photographic report, providing clear documentation for the client.
• Recommendations for short- and long-term maintenance: the report included recommendations for short-term actions, such as reapplying protective coatings to prevent immediate corrosion. For long-term preservation, we suggested further investigations, including CCTV surveys of internal elements and material testing, to understand yield stress and detect any hidden corrosion.

Results

Our structural appraisal report equipped Everlast Rail and Murphy Group with the insights necessary to develop a comprehensive refurbishment and maintenance strategy for Liverpool Street Station’s historic roof.

Our report provided clear guidance on both short-term repairs and preventive measures, allowing the client to preserve the station’s structural integrity while planning for future enhancements.