Introduction

It is a mould used to shape the concrete and support the

concrete until it attains sufficient strength to carry its
own weight.
No desirable structure can be built without the use
of formworks.
Such is the importance of formwork that it constitutes
30% of Cost

60% of Time

Construction

Apart from that the quality of concrete finish and

soundness of concrete depends very much on the
formwork system.

INTRODUCTION
Slipform method is used for horizontal and vertical
concrete structures
Typical types of concrete structures constructed with
slipform method
Highway pavements
Single-cell silos
Multicell silos
Buildings
Piers
Towers
Water reservoirs
Vertical shafts for tunnels and mines
Vertical shafts for missile launching bases
Chimneys

SLIPFORM
Slipform means a continuously moving form moving at
such a speed that the concrete when exposed has already
achieved enough strength to support vertical pressure
from concrete still in the form as well as to withstand
lateral pressure caused by jack rod, wind etc.
Can be classified as :

Straight slipform

Tapering slipform

Slipform for special applications

It is a method of vertically extruding a reinforced concrete section
and is suitable for construction of core walls in high-rise structures
lift shafts, stair shafts, towers, etc.

Slipfoming components

Jacks
Jacking rods
Sheathing
Yokes
Form platform (working dec)
Finish scaffold

 The forms move upward by means of

jacks
Climbing on smooth steel rods embedded
in the hardened concrete
Anchored at the concrete foundation base.
Jacks operate at a speed up to 24 in /hr
Hydraulic
Electric
Pneumatic

 Yokes
Are frames supporting lateral loads
It transfer the vertical loads to the jack rods

Working platform

Continuous vibration is done to prevent honeycombing

Upper Working platform is attached to the inner form
It slides with the form
Provides a place from which concrete placing and steel
reinforcement fabrication works are done
Lower working platform is suspended from the outer form
It allows workers to apply curing compound and to repair any
honeycombing that may occur

 Setting up slipforming
The jacks rods are placed in the foundation
A grid of steel girders constructed and
supported by jack rods
From this grid of steel girders a system of
sheathing and decks are placed and
supported.
The process of setting up of slipform takes 3
to 5 weeks

Section through straight slipform system

1 waler frame
2 trusses
3 adjustable yoke units
4 steel panel forms
5 hydraulic climbing jacks
6 steel jack rods
7 electro hydraulic pump unit
8 hydraulic hoses
9 scaffold brackets
10 hanging scaffold brackets
11 hanging scaffold slings
12 handrail posts
13 water level tank
14 water level distributor
15 working platform
16 steel reinforcement
17 timber joist
18 plywood dec
19 vertical reinforcing guide
20 10mm clear plastic water

Slipforming operation
Slipform system is hydraulically operated formwork system
3 ton hydraulic jacks are mounted on strategically located steel
yoking frames to lift the formwork as the concrete is poured into
the forms
The system uses 1066mm high steel panels held rigidly by a
frame work built up from steel waler frames, trusses and bracings
The framework provides rigidity to slipform and support for timber
decking forming a working platform for placement of rods etc.
Concrete is poured into the forms in layers of approximately
200mm
The setting rates of concrete is constantly monitored ensuring that
it matches with the speed at which the form is raised
The jacks lift the form approximately 25mm per stroke generally
producing a slipforming rate of 300mm per hour. The forms leave
the concrete after it is strong to retain its shape and support its
own weight

Example of filling the forms during slipforming

 As the formwork is raised reinforcement

cast in items and blockouts are installed
and secured
Vertical reinforcements are held in correct
position using guides fixed to the top of
the yokes
Horizontal reinforcement are threaded
under the yokes and tied to the vertical
reinforcement

Section through tapered

slipform system
1 upper distribution and working
deck
2 working deck
3 hanging scaffold
4 radius screw
5 screw for adjusting wall thickness
6 screw for adjusting inclination
7 horizontal turnbuckles
8 spider beam
9 lifting yoke
10 three ton hydraulic climbing jack
11 jack rod
12 six ton hydraulic climbing jack
13 hydraulic jack pump
14 hydraulic turnbuckle pump
15 six ton climbing rod extractor
16 three ton climbing rod extractor
17 high pressure hose 3/8
18 high pressure hose 1
19 distribution pipe

SLIPFORM
Features of Slipform:
Suitable for tall structures with limited variation of shape
and size in plan with level
Rapid construction
Uses hydraulic jacks instead of cranes for lifting
Continuous casting avoids construction joints.
Avoids expensive consumables

 The formwork system has three platforms.

The upper platform acts as a storage and
distribution area
The middle platform, which is the main
working platform, is at the top of the
poured concrete level.
The lower platform provides access for
concrete finishing.

The basic construction sequence using this formwork

The formwork and the access platform are assembled on
the ground.
The assembly is raised using hydraulic jacks.
As the formwork rises continuously, continuous concrete
and rebar supply are needed until the operation is
finished.
At the end of the operation the formwork is removed
using a crane.
The entire process is thoroughly inspected and highly
controlled.

Slipform construction method for piers

Process efficiency

Prudent and careful planning of construction can achieve high rates

of production.
The slip form does not require a crane to move upwards so the need
for crane time is reduced.
Concrete supply, on the other hand, can be heavily dependent on
crane time or lift availability since volumes required are well below the
capacity of normal concrete pumps.
As this formwork operates independently, formation of the core in
advance of the rest of the structure takes it off the critical path. This
can help to provide stability to the main structure during its
construction.
The availability of the different working platforms in the formwork
system allows the exposed concrete at the bottom of the rising
formwork to be finished, making it an integral part of the construction
process.
Certain formwork systems permit construction of tapered cores and
towers.
Slip form systems require a small but highly skilled workforce on site.

 Safety
Working platforms, guard rails, ladders and wind shields
are normally built into the completed system.
Reduced use of scaffolding and temporary work
platforms results in a less congested construction site.
The completed formwork assembly is robust and
provides a stable working platform.
The strength of the concrete in the wall below must be
closely controlled to achieve stability during operation.
The uniform and continuous nature of the work ensures
that site operatives can quickly become familiar with
health and safety aspects of their job. Formwork
suppliers provide materials and resources to help train
the labour force.
High levels of planning and control mean that health and
safety are normally addressed from the beginning of the
work.

Other sustainability features

The repetitive uniform nature of the work,
combined with the engineered nature of
the formwork, allows fine tuning of the
construction operations, which in turn
leads to reduced concrete wastage.
The formwork system is reusable with little
waste generated compared to traditional
formwork.
Slip form systems can offer safe and cost
effective solutions for certain high-rise
building structures.

Other considerations
This formwork is more likely to be economical for buildings
more than seven storeys high.
Extensive planning and special detailing are needed as
the process has little flexibility for change once continuous
concreting has begun.
Standby plant and equipment should be available though
cold jointing may occasionally be necessary.
The structure being slipformed should have significant
dimensions in both major axes to ensure stability of the
system.
The setting rate of the concrete has to be constantly
monitored to ensure that it is matched with the speed at
which the forms are raised.
Assembly and operations require personnel to be
comprehensively trained to ensure competence. It is
necessary to understand and comply with suppliers
method statements at all times.

 The following is based on a project in North

Carolina.
Stringless Concrete Slip Form Paving Using GPS
Controlled Spreaders Using Stringless
Technology
The paving machinery is produced by GOMACO
Corporation and the controlling instrumentation is
produced by Leica Geosystems.
The machinery configuration included 2
GOMACO PS 2600 spreaders controlled by RTK
(Real Time Kinematic) GPS.
The role of the spreaders was to receive and preshape the concrete for the GOMACO GHP 2800
slip form paver which is controlled by robotic total
stations.

 Figure 1 shows the lead spreader; note the GPS

antenna at the left of the machine.
Each spreader has 2 GPS antennas, one on the
left and another on the right.
In this configuration, the lead spreader receives
single truck loads of greenconcrete and spreads
the material to create a mass of material for the
second spreader.

 Figure No.2 shows the second spreader working

in front of the slip form paver.
Note the GPS antenna on the left side of the
spreader and the robotic prism on the left of the
slip form paver to the rear of the spreader.
The role of the second spreader is to receive
more green concrete and to place that material to
the approximate dimensions of the final product.
Ideally, the second spreader will have placed just
enough green concrete that the slip form can
mold it into the final paved lane.

Figure No. 3 shows the GOMACO GHP 2800 slip form paver.
The robotic prisms are located on the left and the right of the
machine.
In front of the paver you can see the results of the 2 spreaders and
how the material is placed almost perfectly for the paver.
Since there are no stringlines, if more material is needed, it can be
placed very easily by a skid steer or front end loader without the
paver needing to stop production.
On the other hand, any excess material can be removed and placed
in front of the first or second spreader without having to lower the
strings, stop the forward progress of the paver and reset and adjust
the strings.

 Advantages of slipform
Greater speed and earlier completion of
construction projects
Early completion of lift motor rooms and early
installation of lifts, plumbing and electrical service
Reduced carnage as forms are lifted by jacks
Reduced scaffoldings and temporary working
platforms as it contains its own platform for
working
A uniformity of wall sections and layouts can be
achieved which is not possible through
conventional formwork system
Reduced labour cost as it provides an intensive
work environment

BLCP COAL FRIED POWER PLANT

MAPTAPHUT, RAYONG, THAILAND
Method Statement
Chimney Windshield Operation
Slipform assemble includes
Setting out for the wall line on the foundation.
Set up the proper scaffolding to support the top part
frame.
Assemble Top Part Frame on the ground level and lift up
to sit onto the prepared scaffoldings.
Erection of Yoke legs and all associated components
embodying the slipform.
Installation of working platform i.e. inside decking ,all
necessary decking & plumb bob system.
Safety environment part i.e. handrail ,covering the rig by
safety nylon net.
Testing of Hydraulic system.

 The Slipform Unit

Consist of wall form 1000 mm in height and is backed by
walers, formed into a rigid form giving support to the panels
by form support.
The walers are in turn joined overlap to each other by bolts
at the back of yoke legs which resist distortion of the form.
Adjustable screws on the cross beams are on the inside
and outside together to allow for the adjustable of the wall
thickness.
The yokes are suspended from horizontal spider beams
and can be drawn along the spider beams by radius screw
which allow very accurate adjustment of the radius of the
slipform.
The circumference is adjusted by turnbuckles and
hydraulic rams in the inside and outside of the form panels.
The inclination of the yokes , attached to the form panels ,
which determine the wall taper , is adjusted by screws on
the yoke legs.

 The Hydraulic System

To achieve inclination rise of slipform hydraulic jack are
used. The hydraulic jacks are attached to the main cross
beams of the Yoke legs.
Each lift can be adjusted on each hydraulic jack . The
jacks climb on solid rods which are embedded in the
concrete between the sheathings of the slipform.
Climbing rod extractors are attached at the upper end of
the climbing rods for the purpose of reuse if it is
necessary.
The jacks are connected to central pumping units
through a system of hydraulic network. All hydraulic
components are controlled from the central unit.

 Hoisting Device ( Service Lifts )

Hoist will be used for the transportation of working
person , concrete , reinforcing bar, equipment and all
other materials.
Hoisting device will be equipped at the designated
location (see details in Chimney Superstructure
Construction Outlining Method Statement) and raised
simultaneously with the windshield slipform.
Specification for the hoist is as follows : - Double Hoist
- Lifting capacity for each hoist : 1500 kg.
- Lifting speed : 40 m / min.

 Slipping of the Slipform Equipment

At the earliest stage of slipping is the most important
period of the system , the following activities is to be
carried out: Remove all temporary supports & components.
The whole concrete poured within the slipform must be
exceeded the Initial Setting Time. This can be indicated by
pressing rebar to the poured concrete in the form .
The initial lifting is approximately 1 inch to check the
condition of the concrete that can self-withstanding or not.
In case that the concrete can withstand then the form will
be lifted at every designated time interval.
When the slipform is lifted approximately 1.50-2.00 in
height , install outside hanging scaffoldings in order that
the slipform system , power system & water level system
can be rechecked and adjusted as necessary by hydraulic
jack.
Time duration for each lifting is approximately 3-5 minutes
per inch so that rate of slipping per day is approximately 4
meters.( 2 shifts working )