Everything to Know About Slipform Construction

While there are several construction methods and techniques used by construction companies, one of them known as the slipform technique ranks among the most popular ones. What does the term slipform mean exactly? Simply put, slipform is the name given to the mould into which liquid is poured. It is widely used in construction projects and is also called the continuously formed or slipform construction method. The well-known method is used for the construction of both tall and horizontal structures such as dams, roadways, bridges, buildings, and towers.

So, why is slipforming so commonly used? This is because it helps to provide an uninterrupted and continuous process for concrete that sets quickly. This way concrete structures that are cast in place can be designed to develop more durable and superior characteristics than usual. There are different types of slipform construction such as horizontal and vertical, as well as tapered and conical slipforming.

What is Slipform Construction?

Nowadays the way businesses build concrete structures has evolved enormously as compared to earlier times. It now included the utilization of the latest machines and equipment available in the market and the adoption of new construction methods that are able to simplify complex construction processes. Read on to know more about the meaning, benefits, application, and components of slipform construction below.

As mentioned above, this type of construction method entails concrete being poured into a continuously moving form. As the slipform method largely depends on the quick-setting properties of concrete, a great deal of balance is required to be maintained between its workability and quick-setting capacity. What are the advantages of slipform construction?

Benefits of Slipform Construction

There are multiple advantages of using this technique for construction such as the following:

Safety

Of course, safety comes first. Slipform construction greatly reduces the risk of workers getting injured on site. This is through the system’s use of small increments in the climbing process that is connected to the structure at regular intervals.

Easy Assembling

As the slipform construction setup is highly compact, it can be pre-assembled and saved the precious time of the workers.

Quality finish

Slipform assembling companies come highly recommended by many businesses as they offer a quality finish, with cost and time-effective as well as sustainable use of materials.

Slipform Construction – Uses, Components, and Features

Traditional Slipforming

Traditional slipforming is one of the oldest and most conventional slipforming methods used. It involves the use of hydraulic jacks along with other equipment in order to raise the levels of structures. It is mainly used in the construction of tall structures such as domes, skyscrapers, and towers.

Conical Slipforming

The conical slipforming method is a more developed version of traditional slipforming with the main difference in this technique being the change in the length of the cross section diameter, as the variation depends on the height of the structure being constructed. The change in the cross section is what eventually results in the conical shape of the structure.

Originally, conical slipforming was developed to construct concrete structures, with continuously changing dimensions like wall thickness. These thick walls are among the main features of slipform construction. The thickness of the wall constructed depends on multiple factors along with the cross sections such as the size of the cone, the material used in construction and of course, the height of the structure.

The tapering slipform method of construction is to construct high rise structures efficiently, which helps to reduce the duration of construction projects. In vertical slip forming, the concrete formwork can also be surrounded by a platform for the on-site workers to stand on as the concrete is poured. The horizontal slipform method is mainly used for the construction of traffic and pavement separation walls.

Applications of Slipform Construction

The applications of conical slipforming are seen in the construction of oil platforms, cooling towers, industrial chimneys, bridge pillars, and other tall concrete structures. Generally, these types of structures involve the changing thickness in shapes, diameters, and walls. While the technology was initially developed for constant cross sections with precise vertical orientations, it was later further developed for use in variable layout shapes. This process provides a monolithic construction method that enables the easy increase and decrease of layouts. Businesses can learn more about conical slipform supply by contacting a reputed construction equipment company.

Gantry Slipforming

What is a gantry? It is a bridge-shaped structure that can house a platform. This types of slipform construction utilizes a gantry in order to build and support various construction equipment. Gantry slipform has now replaced the traditional slipforming method in the construction of various structures and caisson-launching. Developed as a more cost-effective option, it foregoes the need for dismantling and reassembling during construction as well as the use of cranes. It has also proven to be much more convenient and safer for on-site workers because of the additional space for them to move around and store equipment.

Gantry slipforming is of two types: vertical and horizontal slip forming. In the first kind, the concrete is surrounded by a platform that is used by workers to stand upon and place steel rods into the concrete to ensure a smooth pour. Then the form and the platform are raised with the help of hydraulic slipform jacks. The second type involves the concrete being laid down, worked upon and settled in place.

Advantages of Slipform Construction

Due to speedy industrial development, a large number of chimneys are annually constructed using the conical slipform construction technique. The main advantage of methods such as conical slipforming is that the formwork is erected only once but remains intact until the entire project has been completed. With the implementation of careful construction processes such as conical slipforming, companies can achieve higher rates of production. Some of the other benefits of opting for the slipform construction methods are the minimal use of cranes, the need for a much smaller workforce, and the resulting availability of different working platforms. While there are a few minor disadvantages of slipform construction, they are outweighed by the advantages offered.

Safety tips for Slipform Construction

Building with slipform construction provides the safest, quickest and most economical results. As it does not require any dismantling and reassembling using heavy pieces of equipment, the entire process is very secure. The method uses hydraulic slipform jacks that allow the whole construction formwork to be continuously raised at a height. To learn about safety tips for slipform construction, businesses can contact reputed slipform engineering or slipform construction specialists and also get a better understanding of slipform construction.