Infrastruct North has completed a specialist structural investigation of the historic handrails, brackets and landings at HMP Usk in South Wales, working for Clegg Associates with principal contractor Galliford Try.

The Victorian prison’s A, B and C Wings and central rotunda retain their original ironwork — a mixture of cast and wrought elements, historic repairs and later modifications. Ahead of proposed strengthening works, the project team needed to understand what the ironwork is made of, how it is fixed into the masonry, and what the existing fixings can carry.

Our team delivered a staged, minimum-intervention investigation combining a structured condition survey of every bracket and balustrade, XRF/PMI metallurgical screening and hardness testing, a full classification of the historic fixing arrangements, and a location-by-location strategy for in-situ pull-out testing — all delivered under the strict security, conservation and safety controls a live custodial environment demands.

The investigation has given the design team a structured evidence base for the strengthening design, and continues with targeted laboratory testing to formally confirm material classifications.

It’s a project we’re proud of: careful, traceable investigation that lets a heritage asset be strengthened with confidence. Read the full case study here: HMP Usk — Historic Handrail & Landing Investigation

Want to understand what your structure is made of? See our new Materials Testing & Metallurgy page or contact an expert on 0151 727 3796.