Everything You Want to Know About Slipform Construction

With innovations taking place from a technological aspect, the construction industry is slowly changing with revolutionary construction methods being utilized. One of these methods is the slipform construction technique, which although was developed many decades back, is still an innovative solution for building modern structures. Slipform construction method is considered as the perfect balance between maximum construction capabilities and minimum expenses (Gleitbau Salzburg, SLIPFORMING, nd). This makes it is a reliable method for construction of towers, buildings and high rise structures, especially those with a lot of height. This method involves a continuous and uniform outpouring of concrete around a slipform formwork, wherein the concrete can cool in a steady manner (The Constructor, SLIPFORM CONSTRUCTION METHOD, nd). The following sections enumerate some key facts about this construction method.

Benefits of Slipforming

1. Slipforming requires minimum or no usage of cranes thus reducing dependency on equipment.
2. Using this method is very advantageous for making the central core portion of a building quite strong and enhanced.
3. As different working platforms are available, by the time the lower portions get cooled, work on the upper portions can be started, thus saving time.
4. This technique allows making towers and buildings with certain shapes, at least on the upper portions.
5. Construction business can save a lot of money by most times, the formwork is required to be erected only once.

(Bright Hub Engineering, A NON-STOP METHOD FOR BUILDING CONCRETE STRUCTURES, 2016)

Types of Slipforming

Slipform construction method is further divided in few sub-types. These are shortly explained below:

1. Vertical Slipforming?—?This subtype consists of pouring concrete around cross-sections mostly having the same diameter maintained throughout the height. The slipform formwork can be lifted with the help of working platforms and by using hydraulic jacks as heavy lifting equipment machines.
2. Conical Slipforming?—?This sub-type involves developing conical structures or monolithic constructions having variable cross section diameters with respect to height. Conical towers and industrial chimneys were earlier a common type of construction made with this technique. But, in today’s world, conical slipforming is also used for commercial projects.
3. Horizontal Slipforming: The horizontal slipforming technique can be adapted to various horizontal structures such as canals, tunnels, pavements, etc. The way of pouring concrete remains the same, but is done in a horizontal manner.

(Bright Hub Engineering, A NON-STOP METHOD FOR BUILDING CONCRETE STRUCTURES, 2016)

Construction Method

Before the construction process starts, a thorough check is done regarding the placement of equipment, instruments and the pouring equipment. The skeleton around which the pouring should be done needs to be stable. Sufficient working space is maintained to accommodate the workers on the platform. Now the platform height is raised as per requirement, and the pouring around the formwork is started. The concrete is poured in layers, and as the height is raised, the lower portions immediately start cooling down.

Apart from above described information, there are several other aspects associated with slipform construction such as cost, time taken for completion, training and supervision required for workers, etc.