+
Slipforms for hydropower projects
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Slipforms for hydropower projects

HCC opted for slipforms for the concreting of a 115-m-deep surge shaft for the Punatsangchhu hydropower project Stage I, a 1,200-mw, run-of-the-river project in Western Bhutan.

“We opted for slip-forming because it enables continuous, non-interrupted, cast-in-place jointless concrete structures that have superior performance characteristics compared to piece-wise construction using discrete form elements,” says S D Jeur, Senior Vice-President, Projects, HCC.

Slipforms with a three-layered platform structure were used. The entire formwork structure was built in-house. The top platform was used to erect the reinforcement concrete, the middle platform was used for general movement, and the bottom one was used to provide the finishing to the concrete surface.

Slipforms have to be in a continuous motion so that the concrete does not stick to them. The speed of this formwork depends on several factors like the weather condition, the amount of concrete poured at a time and the size of the structure. As the slipform can move (slipping rate, usually between 5 and 30 cm/hour) whenever the concrete can carry the load of its weight in the lowest parts of form sheet, the likely concrete setting time was determined based on the weather conditions (temperature, humidity, etc), cement ratio, type of cement, slump and admixtures.

Usually, the slipform structure rises up with the daily progress of 0.75 m/day in standard conditions. However, at Punatsangchhu-I HEP, the daily progress harnessed from slipform was at an average of 1 m/day. The concrete lining thickness varied from 850 mm at the top, 1,200 mm in the middle and 1,500 mm at the bottom. Concrete was poured into the forms in layers of about 200 mm.

CHARU BAHRI

HCC opted for slipforms for the concreting of a 115-m-deep surge shaft for the Punatsangchhu hydropower project Stage I, a 1,200-mw, run-of-the-river project in Western Bhutan. “We opted for slip-forming because it enables continuous, non-interrupted, cast-in-place jointless concrete structures that have superior performance characteristics compared to piece-wise construction using discrete form elements,” says S D Jeur, Senior Vice-President, Projects, HCC. Slipforms with a three-layered platform structure were used. The entire formwork structure was built in-house. The top platform was used to erect the reinforcement concrete, the middle platform was used for general movement, and the bottom one was used to provide the finishing to the concrete surface. Slipforms have to be in a continuous motion so that the concrete does not stick to them. The speed of this formwork depends on several factors like the weather condition, the amount of concrete poured at a time and the size of the structure. As the slipform can move (slipping rate, usually between 5 and 30 cm/hour) whenever the concrete can carry the load of its weight in the lowest parts of form sheet, the likely concrete setting time was determined based on the weather conditions (temperature, humidity, etc), cement ratio, type of cement, slump and admixtures. Usually, the slipform structure rises up with the daily progress of 0.75 m/day in standard conditions. However, at Punatsangchhu-I HEP, the daily progress harnessed from slipform was at an average of 1 m/day. The concrete lining thickness varied from 850 mm at the top, 1,200 mm in the middle and 1,500 mm at the bottom. Concrete was poured into the forms in layers of about 200 mm. CHARU BAHRI

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Digital First: Bridging the Skilled Talent Gap in India’s Construction Sector

India stands at a defining juncture in its economic journey as it accelerates toward becoming a US$7 trillion economy by 2030. India’s construction sector, encompassing infrastructure and real estate development will play a pivotal role in its economic transformation. Expansion in developments such as the national highways, smart cities, airports, metro networks, logistics hubs, housing, etc. underscores the physical expression of India’s development ambition. The construction sector is already the second-largest contributor to India’s GDP, accounting for nearly 18 per cent of total..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Titagarh Rail to Raise Rs 2 billion via Preferential Allotment to Promoters

Titagarh Rail Systems has announced a proposal to raise approximately Rs 2 billion through a preferential issue of 21,16,402 convertible warrants to members of its Promoter Group. The board of directors approved the move at its meeting held on July 9, 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The warrants, priced at Rs 945 each, will be allotted to Mrs Rashmi Chowdhary and Mr Prithish Chowdhary in line with Chapter V of SEBI’s ICDR Regulations. Each warrant is convertible into one equity share of ₹2 face value within 18 months from the date of allotment.   ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Hindware Strengthens Eastern Footprint with New Brand Store in Kolkata

Bathware major Hindware has expanded its retail footprint in West Bengal with the launch of a new state-of-the-art brand store in Ichapore, Kolkata. This marks the company’s fourth brand store in the city and 30th in the state, underlining its strategic focus on the eastern market. The newly launched store, operated by Tirupati Sales Corporation, showcases the entire spectrum of Hindware’s bathware offerings, including sanitaryware, faucets, showers, basins, and products from its premium lines — Queo and the Hindware Italian Collection. It is aimed at providing an immersive experien..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?