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What is Formwork?

In a nutshell, formwork describes the mould wherein fresh concrete is poured and formed. The mould, which can be permanent or temporary, holds the poured concrete and shapes it until it solidifies and becomes strong enough to support itself and other loads.

Formwork is also known as “shuttering”. However, in certain parts of the world, shuttering refers to using plywood or timber to create the mould.

Formwork systems can be classified according to the following parameters:

  • Types of material used in creating the mould (plastic, steel, timber, aluminium).
  • Type of concrete structure it supports (slab, column, wall)

Construction costs are made up of building material (ca. 45%), labour (ca. 45%) and operating expenses (ca. 10%). Formwork material makes up 15% of the total building material and contributes roughly 44% of the total labour, while formwork construction accounts for up to 25% of the total cost of the structure being built. For this reason, many builders and construction companies prefer reusable forms (panel forms). Meanwhile, the process of removing formwork is called “stripping”.

Types of Climbing Formwork Systems

Climbing formwork systems come in different shapes and sizes, all with their own unique qualities and specifications. Keep in mind that a particular type of climbing formwork may be better suited to one project over another. Similar to the slab formwork systems we have on offer, climbing forms can be very diverse, we recommend that you seek expert advice from our team here at MEVA to ensure that you receive the best possible solution for your construction project.

Climbing Formworks from MEVA

At MEVA, we are committed to developing climbing and travelling formwork systems that promote maximum safety in the workplace while helping builders reduce construction time, costs and labour. As such, we provide climbing formwork systems with smart designs and features that will help you meet the specific requirements of your project and enable you to achieve your business goals.

Crane-dependent climbing formwork

Crane-dependent climbing formworks are often used in the construction of non-slab walls, dams, cooling towers and other similar concrete structures. As the name suggests, they rely on the appropriate lifting equipment to reach the next suspension point.

Crane Formwork On Site
Automatic Climbing System

Self-climbing formwork

Self-climbing formwork is an automatic climbing system that is lifted without using a crane. Instead, it has hydraulic rams that lift the scaffold, formwork and secondary formwork to the next pouring cycle. Self-climbing formwork systems, such as the ones we offer here at MEVA, are often used in the construction of tall concrete structures. These include bridge piers, towers, the cores of high-rise buildings and other projects that require seamless walls.

Since self-climbing formwork does not require any lifting equipment, it can significantly help reduce overall costs and labour. Another advantage is that it allows builders to continue their work even when it is very windy.

Single-sided climbing formwork

Besides the self-climbing and crane-dependent climbing formworks, there is also the single-sided climbing formwork. With this formwork system, the concrete pressure that develops during pouring is transferred into the wall below through braces and wall struts instead of being transmitted into an opposite formwork through ties. Single-sided climbing formworks are often essential in the construction of dams, sluices and other similar structures.

Single Sided Dam Construction
MAC Hydraulic Climbing System

MAC Automatic Climbing System

MAC is a self-climbing formwork system that promises speed and efficiency, especially when used at great heights. Due to its integrated platforms and ladders, it offers an excellent degree of safety. MAC’s clever design gives it a great deal of flexibility, allowing it to adapt quickly and easily to a building’s specifications. As an added bonus, it also features a high-performance hydraulic system that allows a stroke of 4.5 metres. 

Click here to learn more about MAC.

MGC-H Climbing System

Consisting of wall formwork and working platforms, the rail-guided MGC-H climbing system can be assembled quickly and easily on-site. It climbs as a unit, either hydraulically or by crane, and is equipped with guide rails. This ensures that the climbing formwork remains anchored to the building during the climbing and construction phase regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. 

Discover more about the MGC-H’s outstanding features by clicking here.

Rail Guided Climbing System
MGS-H High Safety Screen System

MGS-H Screen System

Designed for high-rise constructions, the MGS-H encloses entire storeys of a building, regardless of its height. Similar to the MGC-H, this formwork system climbs hydraulically or by crane. It can be used with MAC or MGC-H to ensure high levels of safety and efficiency during construction. Offering flexibility, this climbing formwork can be used with or without a working platform. 

Visit this page to learn more about the MGS-H.

Multifunctional Climbing Scaffold

KLK 230 Climbing Scaffold

The KLK 230 is a multifunctional climbing scaffold that offers all the technical benefits of large-area climbing formworks regardless of the building’s height while offering the same amount of safety at ground level. It can function as climbing formwork or as a working platform when rebarring, setting up the formwork or pouring concrete. 

To learn more about the KLK 230, please click here.

If You Want Safe, Reliable and Intelligent Climbing Systems, Contact MEVA Today

For many developers, building towering structures can be a huge challenge. However, thanks to modern climbing systems, construction work can be significantly expedited while improving overall efficiency and ensuring the safety and security of the on-site crew.

Get in touch with MEVA today to find out more about our climbing systems or to request a free consultation.

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