The proposed development is to comprise an external lift shaft at The Vulcan, one of Cardiff’s oldest pubs. The development is required so that the museum could consider the opening for use of the upper floors of The Vulcan, as at present only the ground floor is accessible to all users.
We initially reviewed of available geological and historical information, supplemented by a ground investigation.
Our review indicated that the development area (and location of the existing Vulcan) had previously been occupied by fields and woodland, until incorporated into St Fagans Park in the 1900s. A review of the geological setting identified that the site, whilst located on Glacial soils and the Mercia Mudstone bedrock, was located very close to a boundary with the Marginal Facies which can demonstrate solution feature hazards.
A ground model was identified comprising, a cover of Made Ground, underlain by Glacial soils and the Mercia Mudstone Formation bedrock. Frequent evidence of shall groundwater was identified during the investigation, likely associated with a former water course, which was recorded within the confines of the development boundary. This shallow groundwater required consideration due to its potential impact on foundation design and excavation stability. Whilst a cover of Made Ground was present, no obvious sources of contamination were identified, and laboratory testing has indicated generally low levels of contamination.
We provided the Client and design team with a comprehensive site investigation and assessment including recommendations for foundations, floor slabs and the potential for differential settlement between the proposed new construction elements and the historic Vulcan building. We also issued advice for a watching brief during open excavation, so any evidence of solution features could be recorded and assessed.
As part of this project we have implemented a review of available historical and geological information, and our geotechnical engineers have undertaken a geoenvironmental and geotechnical investigation and assessment for the proposed development. Our findings and conclusions allowed design to be completed and were within budget and timeframe agreed.
The Vulcan
The Vulcan Hotel, named after the Roman god of fire and metal, opened in Adamsdown, Cardiff in 1853 and served the mainly Irish community of “Newtown”. This was one of the ‘five towns’ of Cardiff at the time, along with Crockherbtown, Butetown, Grangetown and Temperance Town.
The Vulcan closed in 2012, after decades of being threatened with demolition and was taken down, to be reconstructed just a few miles away at St Fagans National Museum of History. It was moved and then rebuilt from 2020 onwards, welcoming the first guests at its new home in St Fagans from 2023.
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