4D modelling of MEP in the nuclear sector
The Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) is a facility under construction at Sellafield, Europe's largest nuclear site. The purpose of SRP is to retreat and repackage spent plutonium to make it suitable for safe long-term storage — for at least 100 years. Currently under construction, SRP is intended to be operational by 2029 with a projected lifespan until 2060.
Needs analysis throughout the contract chain.
As a Government Major Project Portfolio (GMPP) project dealing with volatile infrastructure, safety, security, and quality (RFT), are paramount to successful completion. Morgan Sindall & Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick are currently engaged within a 15-year PPP framework. The SRP project will be one of the first significant projects to be delivered under the new framework approach. The PPP framework sees BBK as a Key Delivery partner, responsible for providing the Mechanical Pipework and HVAC systems, with Morgan Sindall as the principal contractor supporting the construction phase.
Bridging the skills gap
The client mandated the use of 4D modelling for the MEP works within SRP. Following previous experience working together, BBK invited Majenta to respond to a tender in order to support these requirements. Majenta was the only respondent that could demonstrate the necessary combination of experience and expertise to take on a project of this magnitude in such a sensitive sector as nuclear, with its attendant challenges and constraints. As a result, BBK engaged Majenta to assist in the execution of MEP works within the project's 4D model, which involved integrating project geometry with schedules using Synchro 4D.
Embedding expertise within project teams
To maximise efficiency, Majenta assigned a team of 4D specialists to embed within BBK’s project team, acting as an extension of their existing resources. This allowed Majenta to take on full responsibility for the management of specific packages and direct stakeholder communications, adding vital capability without increasing management overheads.
Impact
Quantitative:
Majenta’s involvement in SRP adds measurable value in managing and mitigating risks in advance of scheduled work. Missing activities can lead to unforeseen expenses, resulting in budget overruns. Without all the necessary information included within the schedule, coordination among different teams or subcontractors may be impacted, leading to conflicts, delays, and potential rework. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the project schedule and facilitating smooth project progression.
Qualitative:
As well as delivering calculable project improvements, our work on SRP has delivered intangible benefits for our immediate partners, BBK, as well as to main contractor Morgan Sindall and the team at Sellafield — from streamlining overall project management, opening up more effective top-to-bottom communication and providing visibility of project progress and detail which can inform other contractors’ work.
Value add through the contract chain
Service development
The project has also had a positive impact on Majenta. As a result of our involvement, we have refined our capabilities and working practices, particularly in the context of the stringent security clearance requirements associated with working in the nuclear sector. We’ve added valuable PPP experience, and in turn, been able to share knowledge and educate our partners on the use of 4D modelling — opening up new use cases for future projects.
