Findings from an independent engineers report by Atkins have been released by the Government as it consults bereaved families, survivors, and residents about the future of the ravaged tower.
The government has said that there would be no change to the Tower before the fifth anniversary of the tragedy in June 2022.
The Metropolitan Police, the Coroner and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have also now confirmed that they have all the required evidence from the tower.
And the Government has reiterated its support to help the community with a fitting memorial to honour those who lost their lives in the tragedy
The structural engineer’s report recommends that the government proceeds carefully to take the tower down after another programme of safety works to add further propping have been completed.
It said this needs to happen no later than May 2022, based on protecting the safety of those working in and living around the Tower.
Structural engineers said: “The rate of deterioration and expected life of the building is very difficult to quantify with any degree of certainty, however, what can be categorically stated is that the condition of the building is worsening.”
The propping designer Cantillon has advised that the Stage 2 propping in place is nearing the end of its design life making it necessary to introduce a supplementary and more robust propping system.
This extra propping system has been designed to minimise risk of collapse and facilitate the floor by floor deconstruction of the building.
Installation will commence this summer.
Diagram showing next phase of propping needed to stabilise Grenfell tower
Two supplementary propping designs have been developed. One design has props from 4th floor to roof level and relies on the less damaged slabs supporting the damaged slabs.
The second design has props from basement to roof level to carry more of the damaged slab loads to the foundations, but still relies in part on the less damaged slabs supporting the damaged slabs.
This would be needed if dismantling the tower is delayed beyond May 2022.
Atkins engineers warn that installing propping to the basement has extra safety risks and cost implications since it involves removing equipment from the basement and installing props within a confined space.
The 4th floor up option will be taken if a decision is made by July this year to commence partial or deconstruction of the building before May 2022 and will obviate the need to prop to the basement.
It is expected to take around three years to prop and then subsequently dismantle the building.
An MHCLG spokesperson said: “We know how important and sensitive this decision is and no final decision has been taken.
“Following important independent safety advice from structural engineers, we are engaging closely with the community as we consider the evidence and what the future of the Grenfell Tower should be.
“We have now published this advice to ensure those most affected have access to the information that will inform a decision on the Tower, before one is reached.”
