Gulf Construction Online - Tubeshor supports key Shindagha project

Dubai

The Tubeshor system ... in use on the Shindagha Corridor Project.

Tubeshor supports key Shindagha project

01 April 2021

RMD Kwikform, a leading provider of formwork, falsework and shoring solutions to the global construction industry, says its versatile Tubeshor system proved to be the perfect temporary works solution for one of the biggest road projects being developed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The Shindagha Corridor project involves the development of a 13-km-long road network which plays a vital role in connecting and transporting people and commerce along the coastline of the city.

Due to the massive scope of the project involving an investment of AED5.03 billion ($1.37 billion), the RTA had to split work into five phases. Once completed, the corridor will have the capacity to accommodate larger traffic volumes and reduce journey times.

During Phase 2D of the project, covering the construction of the extension of Shindagha Bridge, RMD Kwikform was contracted by China State Engineering Company to engineer two 16-m-high, free-standing shoring towers, says a spokesman for the UK-headquartered company.

“The towers needed to be capable of supporting the proof loading of a fully-loaded 120-m bridge launching gantry and withstanding wind speeds of 160 kmph,” he explains. “The structures would support the precast segment launching gantry during its load testing operation. This involved testing of the launching girder for an increased operational load of 25 per cent.”

The client-given vertical load on each tower was approximately 7,000 kN and 240 kN lateral in both directions, excluding wind and dynamic effects. In addition, due to site limitations, RMD Kwikform engineers were required to create a solution without racking supports at the base, according to the spokesman.

Having considered the magnitude of the imposed loads and site’s footprint restrictions, a Tubeshor vertical assembly was identified as the best solution for the job. Because this was the first vertical application of RMD Kwikform’s hybrid hydraulic tubular shoring system, a special connector which enabled the tubes to be connected to horizontal members had to be designed.

Elaborating on the system, he says: “A strutted shoring system intended for use on larger and more complicated projects, Tubeshor was capable of providing the essential support needed during the critical load testing operation, with RMD Kwikform creating a bespoke solution using 5-m lengths of Tubeshor 610 props to meet the demands of the customer brief. The maximum design load on each leg was 3,035 kN and the upper bracing load limit 548 kN. Unlike competitor solutions, Tubeshor props can withstand pressures of up to 10,000 kN. This brings the added advantage of 40 per cent fewer struts being needed. Therefore, the system could be delivered with fewer components than what other suppliers would typically specify, ensuring the towers could be constructed easily and efficiently.”

The system is also offered in three different diameters, with varying lengths available to accommodate greater spans and loads, increasing its versatility. Featuring fewer components than competitor models, and capable of using hydraulics for pre-loading, the technology ensures it is easy to assemble, move, dismantle and manage on site, which in this case made the system more cost-effective and faster to assemble in limited space than many alternative shoring options, he says.

David White, General Manager for Ground Shoring at RMD Kwikform – Middle East and India, says: “China State Engineering Company was looking for a steel fabrication unit to design and supply the support towers, as this kind of heavy steel job is generally undertaken by steel fabricators, not proprietary formwork suppliers. However, based on the reputation of RMD Kwikform as a major player in the infrastructure and heavy civil spectrum, the job was entrusted to the technical department of our ground shoring team.

“This was the first vertical application project of the Tubeshor fleet and was designed to provide a cost-effective, safe and convenient solution for such a critical operation. The system supplied by RMD Kwikform consisted of minimal elements, which reduced the time required for installation and dismantling of the support towers, hence why it was chosen over alternative bespoke steel options from our competitors. We are delighted to have been involved in such an iconic development.”

RMD Kwikform offers a diverse range of formwork, falsework and shoring solutions, designed to maximise safety and on-site effectiveness, matched with engineering excellence. With established operations across the globe, the company says it has the ability to provide a truly local service, backed up by significant international experience.