Gulf Construction Online - RMD lends the right support

Scaffolding & Formwork

The tunnel ... internal steel formwork supplied by RMD Kwikform

RMD lends the right support

From tunnels to towers, RMD Kwikform is able to come up with cost-effective propping solutions that help ensure the smooth execution of projects in the UAE.

01 December 2002

RMD Kwikform is lending the right support to several major projects in the UAE, including a record-setting 1.2-km-long tunnel and the prestigious Dubai Marina development.

At the Dubai Marina, RMD Kwikform UAE is supplying propping solutions for what is believed to be one of the largest building developments ever undertaken in the Gulf, and due to be completed prior to the IMF and World Bank Conference in 2003.

The project's main contractor, a joint venture between Nasa Multiplex and Al Futtaim Tarmac JV, selected RMD Kwikform to provide Rapid Stage propping and decking for the Marina's prestigious north-complex podium structure.

RMD Kwikform's reputation for providing cost-effective design solutions, coupled with its ability to work to tight deadlines, led to the company winning the contract to supply up to 10,000 sq m of propping equipment at any one time for the podium's slab and beam support.

The structure's complex design specifications require special bracing-pattern recommendations from RMD Kwikform's engineers for each beam support application. Once complete, the two-storey podium will contain six swimming pools, a selection of sports facilities, shops, restaurants and underground parking for 2,000 cars.

RMD Kwikform project manager David Barrington comments: "The Dubai Marina represents a considerable challenge, both from a logistical and a construction perspective. Our engineers are working in collaboration with the main contractor to ensure that all propping components are designed and constructed to support the podium's enormous weight. We also have a developed infrastructure that allows us to transport the required equipment quickly and efficiently throughout the UAE."

The Wadi Muddiq to Gillay mountain-tunnel is being executed by a joint venture between Six Construct and Overseas AST, and RMD Kwikform UAE provided a number of formwork solutions for internal and external tunnel support, including Alform beams and external tunnel form accessories.

The 1.27 km tunnel, which is expected to be the longest in the Middle East, is due for completion this month (December). As part of the new 100 km highway between Kalba and Sharjah, it will help reduce travelling time between the two cities to one hour.

The tunnel's internal steel formwork solution supplied by RMD Kwikform UAE is designed with powered wheels, enabling the equipment within the tunnel to be easily moved and allowing safe and free movement for the site traffic. External tunnelface equipment consists of 10-m-long purpose-made steel formwork and bespoke steelface kicker forms.

Barrington says that a combination of the company's ability to supply a well-engineered and cost-effective solution, coupled with its previous tunnel construction experience led to it winning the contract. He explains: "RMD Kwikform's previous work on both the E18 Highway tunnel in Norway, and the Buranda Tunnel in Australia, demonstrates how effective the company's international formwork solutions are for large infrastructure projects."

He continues: "Each construction contract is unique, and at RMD Kwikform UAE, our team of engineers design the formwork solution to accommodate our customer's specific requirements - an approach that has proved very successful, especially when working on a complex project such as the Wadi Muddiq tunnel."

The Sharjah-based RMD Kwikform UAE also recently completed its part in the construction of other major projects in the UAE.

The first to be completed was the Tarif Interchange on the TMZL road contract in Abu Dhabi. This was for Saif bin Darwish and was completed in May. It was a mixed hire-and-sale project that brought into play the company's Super Slim Soldiers, Alform beams and Rapid Tie system for wall formwork.

The second major project was the Crystal Plaza Shopping Mall and Towers at the Al Buheira Corniche in Dubai. The project for Trans-Emirates Contracting was started in March and involved specially fabricated 1.5-m-diameter column formwork, single and double core wall formwork and slab support and decking. Again, it was a mixed hire-and-sale contract, where the company once more utilised its Super Slim Soldiers and Alform beams for the walls and, this time, its Rapid Stage shoring system for the propping and decking.

These followed the earlier completion of the temporary car-park ramp for the refurbishment of the Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai for Khansaheb Civil Engineering, the Ruwais polyethene project for the Al Habtoor Engineering and Murray and Roberts joint venture, and the Al Muqatara/Himeem road projects.

RMD Kwikform UAE is part of an international network of RMD Kwikform companies located throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australasia and South America. It provides customer-focused formwork and falsework solutions either on a hire or sale basis.