Cornell Engineers / Project Archive
Besser Block Swimming Pool – Kedron, Brisbane
A look inside the construction of a reinforced concrete masonry swimming pool, including the structural engineering and construction-stage inspections undertaken by Cornell Engineers.
This project involved a Besser block swimming pool forming part of a residential outdoor recreation area in Kedron, Brisbane.
Cornell Engineers prepared the structural engineering design and undertook construction-stage inspections during 2021.
The photographs below document the pool during construction, before completion of the reinforced concrete masonry and associated concrete works.
Construction photographs
Inside a Besser Block Swimming Pool
These eight photographs show the pool during construction, providing a useful visual record of the concrete masonry arrangement and structural work before completion.
Project background
Structural Engineering and Construction
The builder, Jake from JMC Carpentry and Construction, approached Cornell Engineers with architectural plans prepared by JMH Design for a swimming pool, gymnasium and pergola area.
Rachel Tsang undertook the structural engineering design for the pool. The design was commissioned in October 2021, with the structural drawings issued in November 2021.
Following building approval, construction commenced and Cornell Engineers attended the first construction-stage inspection of the pool base and walls in December 2021.
Project Team
Builder: JMC Carpentry and Construction – Jake
Building designer: JMH Design
Structural engineering: Rachel Tsang, Cornell Engineers
Construction-stage inspections: Rachel Tsang, Cornell Engineers
Engineering principles
How Does a Besser Block Swimming Pool Work?
Besser blocks are concrete masonry units. When appropriately reinforced and filled with concrete grout, they can form part of a structural wall system capable of resisting the loads for which it has been designed.
Swimming pool walls must be considered for the forces arising from retained water and surrounding ground conditions. Depending on the pool arrangement and site conditions, groundwater, soil pressures and other actions may also be relevant.
The engineering design must consider the relationship between the walls, reinforcement, foundations and other structural components.
For this project, the structural design drew on concrete masonry engineering principles and relevant industry guidance.
For more information about concrete masonry, see our article What Is a Besser Block?
Existing structures
Investigating Problems With Concrete Masonry Structures
Our experience with the design and construction of reinforced masonry structures is useful when investigating problems in existing buildings, retaining walls and other concrete masonry structures.
Cracking, movement, water entry, deterioration and unexpected structural behaviour may require investigation to establish the cause and determine whether repairs are necessary.
Understanding the original design, reinforcement arrangement, construction details and site conditions is an important part of that process.
Cornell Engineers
Independent Structural Investigations
Cornell Engineers specialises in difficult structural problems involving existing buildings and structures. Our work includes damage investigations, forensic engineering, assessment of construction defects and advice on practical rectification.
Our role is to establish what has happened, explain its engineering significance and provide clear recommendations for what should happen next.
Have a complex structural problem that needs investigating?
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