01 December 2014

IN A bid to fast-track work on key interchanges in Oman, a Portuguese joint venture (JV) opted for RMD Kwikform’s formwork and shoring to construct five bridges.

The new interchanges connect Muscat Expressway with the new Muscat International Airport terminal, which is nearing completion.

Having recently entered the Oman market, Portuguese contractor Soares De Costa teamed up with Oues to form a joint venture to secure key Muscat infrastructure projects. Tasked with building five key bridges connecting the existing expressway with the airport, the joint venture opted to work with RMD Kwikform, following its high-profile role in supplying formwork and shoring to deliver the new Muscat International Airport air traffic control tower – the tallest building in Oman.

With the bridge project now part of a fast-track scheme to deliver the interchanges ahead of time, the Soares De Costa-Oues JV had to change its single bridge sequence of works to a multi-bridge construction programme, working on three structures simultaneously.

The five bridges, which have just been completed, open up a stretch of new road connecting the expressway with the Muscat International Airport, helping to reduce traffic throughout the area.

Commenting on the challenges of the project, the JV’s project director João Fernandes says: “As a business that was new to the Oman marketplace when we secured this first project, we looked around the market for a formwork and shoring supplier we could work with. RMD Kwikform had a good reputation for delivering projects by working hand in hand with contractors, so along with others we invited them to tender for the temporary works.

“Having been involved with a number of flagship projects in Muscat and the region, RMD Kwikform was able to show us a strong portfolio of work and, most importantly, how they worked. For me and the team, it was about a complete service from design to construction. So it was not just about the equipment; it was the complete design, engineering and site support package that RMD Kwikform could bring to the table. Anyone can just supply equipment, but what use is it without the technical support?

“For example, one of the more complex structures – Bridge Three – not only had an interesting camber, it was also on quite a strong curve, meaning we had to make sure that the approach we came up with would satisfy both of these challenges.”

Designing a solution combining the strengths of its Rapidshor shoring product with other standard equipment, including timber GTX beams and Steel Superslim soldiers, RMD Kwikform was able to provide a cost-effective, simple-to-erect system for each of the five bridges on the expressway. The engineering team worked with the JV throughout the project, with site support technicians on hand to both train the erection teams, check and sign off each section before it was poured.

Commenting on its work with the Soares De Costa-Oues JV, RMD Kwikform regional sales manager Bellphine Campbell says: “Increasingly, contractors like the Soares De Costa-Oues JV are looking for a more end-to-end solution. When you are faced with tighter and tighter programme times, you need to know that each element of the construction process, from design to concreting, is going to be managed properly by both your team and suppliers. When you can trust your formwork and shoring supplier to deliver, you can then concentrate on the other elements of the project.

“For RMD Kwikform, our design and customer service-led approach is something that has really appealed to the Soares De Costa-Oues JV. We have quickly developed a strong relationship with the team and they have benefited from our increasing investment in engineering and site support staff.

“In particular, our site support technicians have helped train the JV’s erection teams and supported them through from the final checks to the striking phase, right the way through to safe formwork and shoring dismantling techniques. This has proven to be a great success on the project and the fact that we were able to ramp up our support when the multi-bridge sequencing was launched, enabled the Soares De Costa-Oues JV to have all the equipment onsite when they needed it.”

RMD Kwikform, a global formwork, falsework, safety and access provider with more than 60 years of experience, uses its extensive expertise to deliver tailored solutions for the benefit of its customers.

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