Gulf Construction Online - Formwork raises metro’s profile

Concrete Technology

RMD Kwikform ... helping shape Doha Metro’s Red Line South.

Formwork raises metro’s profile

01 September 2017

RMD Kwikform says its systems have helped tackle the challenging aspects on the elevated sections of Doha Metro’s Red Line South.

Formwork and shoring solutions from the UK-based RMD Kwikform have helped shape key elevated concrete sections of the Doha Metro in Qatar.

With Phase One well under way, the construction of the Red Line South (RLS) elevated and at-grade section of the project is being led by the FYAP JV which comprises FCC, Archirodon, Yuksel and Petroserv. The RLS project includes the construction of a 5.8-km viaduct at a grade line of 0.4 km, three elevated stations with one at grade, and a 1 km underpass structure.

The RLS features one of the few elevated sections across the entire Doha Metro project, and FYAP JV turned to RMD Kwikform to provide the solution to support the in-situ bridges and stations.

Ahmed Awaly of RMD Kwikform comments: “The overall design process was very complicated as the project was divided into several sub-projects, each with its own team and challenges. As the soffits sloped in all different directions across each section of the bridge, at the tender stage, we worked closely with FYAP JV’s technical, planning and construction teams to determine which system would accommodate every element of the project.”

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RMD Kwikform ... helping shape Doha Metro’s Red Line South.

At the outset, due to the elevation and varying slopes of the soffit, RMD Kwikform produced 3D designs and conducted 3D frame analysis to create a solution that was fit for all sub-project teams, using only standard components. In total, RMD Kwikform delivered 3,536 tonnes of equipment to site, which included Megashor and Kwikstage, Rapidshor, GTX and Alform aluminium beams, and Superslim Soldiers.

Awaly continues: “We provided our heavy-duty Megashor system to support the launching gantries during their erection, and at the location where one of them passed above the 13-m bridge deck. As the system can be adjusted to support various heights and lengths, and due to its high load capacity, Megashor granted flexibility and stability to each team. For the large piers, we used Megashor legs and steel Superslim Soldiers to laterally support the permanent works.

“Rapidshor, Superslim Soldiers and Alform aluminium beams were also used in tandem to provide support for the construction of Al Wakra Station. Using the Rapidshor tilting heads, the curvature and sloping segments of the bridge were accommodated without additional support or timber wedges.”

Awaly says the site team were able to erect the equipment faster and safely by using only the ‘standard’ kit, instead of specially designed solutions. This was essential due to the strict project timelines and the close proximity to nearby busy streets in Doha and Al Wakra. The RMD Kwikform site assistance team were also a constant presence on site to provide training and ongoing support, he adds.

Awaly continues: “Alongside the design complications, another challenge we faced was effectively managing the logistics and delivery of all equipment. On securing the project, we assigned a dedicated team to manage each facet of the project, from engineering and training to customer service and logistics.

“Despite the volume of drawings and materials being delivered to site, all within an incredibly tight programme, FYAP JV handed over the superstructure to Qatar Railways on time. The entire team at RMD Kwikform is extremely proud to have been involved in this project, and contributed to its success.”