Flexible formwork system and proper engineering in construction of new bridge over Essche Stroom River

Roel Schmidt, foreman at contractor Strukton Civiel South says that for the right formwork solution on this project, the help of PERI was called in.

Working together as construction partners

After removing the old bridge, Strukton installed tubular steel piles as a temporary steel structure for the new bridge. "This is where the PERI deck formwork will be placed on which the new bridge will be poured," Schmidt explained. "We know PERI from previous works. As a major player within the formwork market, we asked them to help us think of a suitable solution." Theo Vereijken, project manager at PERI adds: "There is quite little space between the steel structure and the underside of the bridge, so you have to take into account the low height of shuttering and stripping. Strukton made it clear what had to be done and we included all factors in the engineering of the formwork. That's working together with an optimal end result in mind."

Versatile formwork system 

"Using our versatile shuttering system VARIOKIT and in close consultation with the contractor, we delivered 18 complete precast elements pre-assembled to the construction site. This also benefits the throughput of the project." Vereijken explains that the pre-assembled elements were delivered in the correct radius because of the bulge in the bridge deck. "Our flexible VARIOKIT system makes it possible to build all kinds of different structures. Budget-friendly and extremely suitable for short-term projects. Thanks to skilled engineering, complex issues can be solved."

Fast and safe demoulding

"A project like this hinges on execution," Vereijken believes. "Strukton has a few professionals on the job who handle the PERI materials properly at the construction site." Schmidt: "That is only possible after careful preparation from PERI." After placing the PERI formwork system, the wickerwork was started and the edge boxes were set. Then the 110 cm thick deck with prestressing in it was poured on site, with as much as 250 cubic meters of concrete. For stripping, PERI created a stripping trolley using the VARIOKIT system so that no people need to get between the steel and pontoon. "The elements are stripped by means of immersion pots and with the help of the stripping trolley, the deck can be driven out." The new bridge, with a span of 34 meters and a width of 6 meters, is again fully compliant with the new standards and the current traffic class.