#slipform formwork

Construction of large structures has always been a technical field that requires high expertise. Thus, construction companies that specialize in these techniques are needed for such projects. Since the last couple of decades, a lot of technological improvement in construction methods has occurred. Three such methods called slipforming, caisson launching and skidding are used for building large constructions.

Slipform Construction

Slip forming construction technique is popularly used for building tall structures. This technique involves a continuous pour of concrete along a predetermined path. The method is controlled in such a manner that as the new concrete is poured, the old one starts to harden. By using the slipform formwork, construction can be undertaken in a continuous and a non-interrupted manner. This method mostly relies on the fast-setting concrete properties, coupled with easy workability (theconstructor.org, SLIPFORM CONSTRUCTION METHOD, 2015). With this method, a high production rate can be achieved if construction processes are carefully planned. Slipforming is more efficient than traditional cementing methods. This negates the use of a building crane that moves vertically upward and downward manner.

Caissons

A caisson foundation is also sometimes called a pier foundation. It is used as a watertight retaining structure for constructions whose foundations are below water. This technique is quite popular for building bridges, undertaking ship repair, building piers, etc. The caisson structure is prefabricated as a hollow cylinder or a box, which is sunk into the ground. Air pressure is sued to empty the caisson of water and keep the area dry. This hollow structure rests at a desired depth beneath the water level. Concrete is later filled inside the hollow cavity (theconstructor.org, WHAT IS A CAISSON FOUNDATION? 2015). Caissons can be initially floated to the desired site and are then sunk down till they reach the bed rock. This process consists of dredging or excavating the bedrock material. Caissons can be easily adapted to different site conditions. As compared to traditional foundations, caissons are more economical to set-up. Caissons have a high load capacity and are very sturdy.

Skidding

The skidding technique is used for moving extremely heavy loads. This method has been popular for several years. Skidding is particularly effective where space is a constraint. For this reason, hydraulic skidding tracks are used. In this method, the heavy load is pushed along a guided track by hydraulic cylinders. The tracks are made with a ratchet design. This enables them to retract so that they can mechanically reset to the next position for the next loading cycle. The moved load can be lifted with the help of the help of rod climbers and strand climbers. These are operated in a hydraulic manner. Skidding systems are generally used to move heavy industrial equipment, factory machines, transformers, construction equipment, etc.

Slipforming is a method of construction, which is used for building huge concrete towers and bridges. The term "slipform" refers to a moving form in which concrete is poured, and which moves continuously at a slow pace. The concrete that has been poured previously hardens as the form moves. This technique has also been implemented in construction.

It is a construction technique, which has been used for several years for the purpose of production of concrete structures. A huge variety of vertical structures such as bridge columns, towers, offshore platforms; and horizontal structures such as canal lining and rigid reinforced concrete pavement are slipformed. Besides vertical structures with uniform thickness, the said technique is also useful even if geometry of a structure or wall thickness varies. This technique is a continuous working operation, which needs proper supervision, supply of materials, and management. One must make sure to solve the problems occurring during this process. Compared to other techniques, slipforming consists of complex operations. Still, there are a number of advantages of implementing this technique.

The advantages of the slipform formwork are as follows:

1.      The construction speed increases, and thus projects are completed rapidly. This saves a considerable amount of time.

2.      As formwork is lifted with the help of hydraulic jacks, this technique requires minimal usage of a crane.

3.      As the slip formwork system requires the use of its own platforms for implementation of works, optimal quantity of scaffolding and work platforms is delivered. This helps in maintaining cleanliness and order at the construction site, as there is no unnecessary material that needs to be stored.

4.      This technique constitutes uniformity of wall sections with project drawings, and thus smooth wall surfaces are created.

5.      The speed of the working process reduces labor costs.

Bygging-Uddemann is a company that supplies two systems for slipforming, namely light jacks and heavy jacks. Each jack is designed to be as resourceful as possible, so that it can be used for a wide range of applications and project. All models of slipform jacks can be combines as they all have the same stroke.

Everything from the foundation to rooftop of tallest projects, installing steel reinforcement and pouring concrete becomes much faster and easier with the help of the system’s hydraulic jacks. In addition to this, the construction process can be controlled more efficiently to assure the best quality of finished cement structure.

Civilizations have been constructing grand structures for many thousands of years and many of the tried and tested methods of building and engineering still hold strong in today’s construction industry. With advancements and technological revolutions, however, it is currently possible to construct any mega structure from start to finish in a matter of a few months. One method which was first pioneered around the beginning of the 20th century is slipforming construction. Slipforming, or also called continuous poured construction, is used to build tall or huge structures in a manner where concrete is steadily poured into a form that is continuously moving (theconstructor.org, “SLIPFORM CONSTRUCTION METHOD”, 2015).

There are two broad ways in which the slipforming method can be used: horizontally and vertically. Horizontal slipform methods are used mainly in the construction of roadways, walls that demarcate or separate traffic, and for pavements. Vertical slipforming can be said to be more widely used in the construction of structures such as bridges, skyscrapers, tanks, dams, towers, etc. There are many reasons why slipforming methods are so popular with construction projects today. Given below are a few of these reasons:

Polished Finishing

The main attraction of slipforming construction is that the finished structure turns out flawless and has a higher performance mark as compared to structures constructed using traditional techniques with piecewise elements. The slipform formwork works by itself, which means that core formation taking place in advance leads to a more stable and sturdy structure.

Cost-Effective

Slipforming eliminates the need for a very large workforce of construction workers, thus cutting costs for organizations who take up this method for building a structure. There is also a considerable reduction in costs where materials, supplies and equipment are concerned. In particular for very large or tall structures, such as towers with more than seven or eight floors, slipforming can be very cost-effective.

Fast & Efficient

Once the process of continuous concrete flow starts, there might not be much room for flexibility in terms of structural or design changes. However, this method results in high production rates and takes place in a fluid, fast manner. The use of a smaller, albeit skilled, workforce also means that each stage in the process gets carried out in a more controlled and efficient manner.

Safety of Workers