Innovative, flexible bridge formwork systems | Global Highways

Innovative formwork systems have been used to construct a variety of bridge structures. Patrick Smith reports

FUVI introduces new system An innovative Honey MDC slab/beam system has been introduced by Vietnamese formwork specialist FUVI and it is said to offer greatly reduced striking programmes and increased re-use cycles. The Drophead design allows the slab/beam forms to be removed in 3-4 days for transfer to the next level or location, while continuing to support the newly-formed slab or beam throughout the full 14-21 days curing sequence. The new Drophead has been designed for use with Fuvi's Honey MDC slab/beam system, with a main panel size 500 x 1,000mm and 90mm thickness or smaller size panels and combinations. The Drophead comprises a core bar, a small plastic panel head, which supports the concrete labour beam at all times, and an outer shoulder which supports the adjoining Honey slab/beam panels. Both the Drophead and outer shoulder are fabricated in special plastic and the core bar is made of high strength steel. When the panel forms are removed, by releasing the outer shoulder down the supporting core bar, the Drophead remains in place to support the full weight of the concrete slab.

Canadian project for PERI The Autoroute 50 extension project involves a 90km long two-lane road connecting Gatineau and Montreal in Canada. As part of this project a 14.32m wide, 380m long bridge crossing the River Rouge is under construction by Construction Demathieu & Bard (CDB) from Saint-Jérôme, Quebec. PERI supplied the formwork for construction of the two abutments of the bridge and four piers which are between 21m to 66m high. The project had rigorous requirements for concrete formwork of the piers. The formwork system must be light enough to match the site crane capacity. At the same time the formwork must be strong enough to withstand high concrete pressures resulting from concrete in a 6m high pour. Because of very dense reinforcement in the piers, the tie location in the formwork should be flexible enough to allow for optimised layout of the ties. VARIO GT 24 girder wall formwork combined with CB 240 climbing brackets provided the ideal solution for the pier formwork. The climbing system supplied comprised six platform levels. The top three levels were for reinforcement and concreting work, the fourth level was the main level for formwork and the two levels of trailing platforms were dedicated for removal of climbing cones and concrete patching work.