Epiroc Attachment Tools in hospital development project
Published 12/9, 2024 at 14:46The University Mother and Child Hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has begun the demolition of one of its old buildings using state of the art Epiroc equipment. This step marks the start of ‘Phase B’ in an ambitious expansion and renovation project that will culminate in the construction of a modern nine story paediatric tower with two underground levels.
The execution of the works, awarded to the consortium UTE Ampliacon Materno Infantil, composed of FCC Construcción, S.A. and Satocan, S.A., is scheduled for 32 months, with an estimated completion date in 2026. The major challenge is to maintain the hospital’s proper functioning during the construction, which is why the project has been divided into three main phases, aiming to minimise disruption to staff and patients.
Through Epiroc customer, Excavaciones Graval S.L., the contracting company is utilising various Epiroc silent demolition equipment for the controlled deconstruction of the old building previously used for maintenance and laundry. Specifically, they are using two ‘CombiCutters’ CC 1600U for cutting concrete structures, reinforcement, and metal profiles; a bulk pulveriser, BP 2050R, for concrete pieces on the ground, such as pillars, floor fragments, or beams; two multi grapples, MG 1500R and MG 400R, for material selection and loading; and a scrap shear SC 2500R for metal structure cutting.
Epiroc’s silent demolition tools are said by the company to be the perfect choice for this job because their high precision and performance allow for noise and vibration control while maintaining a swift pace throughout the demolition phase. The new hospital tower, totalling nine floors (including two below ground), will house specialised units such as neonatology, oncology, and haematology, as well as areas for infant hospitalisation, paediatrics, and a breast unit. The integration of this new building with existing structures will be meticulously planned to ensure a seamless physical and technical connection between facilities.
Impact and benefits
The demolition of the old building represents a significant milestone in the hospital’s transformation, addressing urgent demands from professionals and users. The expansion is part of a broader, ambitious plan that also includes the future expansion of the Insular Hospital. The total investment in this infrastructure amounts to nearly €41M, with 85% of funding provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Canary Islands 2021-2027 Operational Programme.
