Formwork plays a vital role in the construction of long-lasting concrete bridges by providing the support needed by the sensitive intermediate stages of the structure, explains Keshab Chopra, Managing Director, India and SAARC, Doka. “As every bridge is unique, a tailored high-quality solution determined by experts during the design phase is vital. Equally important is the safe repositioning of the formwork and fast access at any height along with optimised cost-effectiveness.”

Doka offers a wide range of formwork solutions for the construction of bridges including design, supply, shoring and modular systems for crane-lifted or crane-independent projects. Professional training and the design of solutions help ensure safe handling and site safety.

“Bridge-building places very high requirements on the stability of load-bearing towers because they are usually freestanding,” adds Chopra. Doka load-bearing towers are made of welded steel frames and diagonal crosses for high stability.

In Mumbai, Hindustan Construction Co. erected an eight-lane coastline motorway bridge: the Bandra Worli Sea Link. The centre-pieces of this structure are its two 128-m-high pylons, each consisting of four legs. Owing to the complex fair-faced concrete requirements, Doka’s large-area formwork Top 50 was used here in conjunction with steel formwork.

CHARU BAHRI