With the passage of time, technological progress and innovations have made its way into the construction industry as well. Today as we look back, there is a huge difference between the new and old construction methods. Engineers and architects have devised newer ways to build taller, stronger and more beautiful creations using game-changing materials and technologies like steel girders, earthquake-proof foundations, glass curtain walls and advanced machineries.Most of the building parts such as pillars, roofs, and concrete blocks are available in prepared forms that increase the speed of construction process greatly. Progress in technology has also introduced techniques to construct buildings fasters, thus reducing the go-to market duration. One such innovative construction technology is JumpForm Systems. It is one of the most commonly used technologies in India for core and shell works of high rise towers.
Jumpform Systems were implemented in the world before 1970. Today it is one of the most commonly used technologies in India for core and shell works of high rise towers.Specifically in India, it is the latest technology used for core and shell works of High Rise Towers.
JumpForm Systems is a special type of climbing formwork that is used for vertical concrete structures. The system consists of shutters which closes and opens with mechanical means. The entire system then jumps with hydraulic system through jacks. It provides a very safe environment to manpower working at high levels with three to four levels of platforms for finishing that area immediately after casting. While it is highly capital intensive, this technology is an effective solution for buildings that are either very repetitive in form (such as towers or skyscrapers) or that require a seamless wall structure. The formwork supports itself on the concrete cast independently and does not rely on support or access from other parts of the building or permanent works. The self-climbing core system offers faster cycle times.
We at Piramal Realty employ innovative and cutting-edge technologies in all our projects to ensure that we deliver homesthat meet the highest standards in quality and safety. Jumpform is one such technology we are using to construct three high-rise towers at Piramal Aranya, our signature development in Byculla.
The modern towers will be built upto 280 metres in height and will house hundreds of luxury residences with expansive views of the Mumbai Harbour and the lush 60-acre Botanical Gardens. The word ‘Aranya’ means ‘forest’ and Piramal Aranya is designed to embrace its location and create luxurious homes in which multi-generational families could set down their own roots.This technology reduces the cycle time considerably from 12 days to 7 days for core walls of two towers in turn helping us in giving possession to customers within the committedtime period or even earlier.
The JumpForm system at site allows inside and outside forms to be hung from a gantry, which allows the contractor to roll forms away from or towards the formed walls, while erecting and stripping. All of the formwork for an entire storey is raised independently of the crane. All operations can be carried out safely and quickly on the formwork’s large, fully enclosed workspace, as the climbing formwork system is anchored to the concrete at all times. The entire core formwork is repositioned hydraulically with just one lift. This self-climbing core system is a safe and efficient way to construct high-rise cores. It has room to accommodate all the site equipment needed and is enclosed on all sides for a safe, weather shielded working environment at any height. The permissible live loads on the platform mean lesser storage space required on the ground. The formwork for an entire floor is raised by powerful hydraulic cylinders from one casting section to the next.
The Jump form doesn’t require crane after first installation. Hence entire formwork is lifted through hydraulic jacks installed in jump form system. The crane usage therefore can be utilized for other lifting activities which in turn reduces the construction time to a considerable amount. Such an arrangement will also help in reducing the number of cranes required for a particular tower. The formwork is independently supported, so the shear walls and core walls can be completed ahead of the rest of the main building structure. High quality surface finishes can be achieved. Climbing forms can be designed to operate in high winds. Highly engineered nature of jump form systems allows quick and precise adjustment of the formwork in all planes. Some formwork systems can be used at an inclined angle. It is easier to plan construction activities due to the repetitive nature of the work.
To provide protection to the tower surroundings as well as to ensure a safe working environment even at a height of 280 metersabove ground, perimeter screens had to be fitted to the formwork systems. A ‘gapless’ enclosure at the top building-levels that is anchored to the structure at all times ensures that all work can be carried out protected from climatic influences and with highest safety.
In order to allow these formwork systems to work efficiently,Piramal Realty and L&T have provided a logistics network of high capacity luffing tower crane, large concrete pumps and placing booms, and high speed hoists to enable the workers and materials to reach the work fronts with minimal delays.
Overall, this combination of core/column/slabs and wind protection with the logistics network will enable a consistent, continuous, safe and speedy workflow. Competent technology, ease of operation and handling, high end performance and safeguarding features of all the systems will surely have a greater contribution towards a robust construction.
To summarize, deploying Jumpform Systems across a development ensures
- Constructions are completed faster thus delivering projects within the stipulated timeline
- Cuts down total project cost-Self-climbing formwork cuts down the requirement for crane time considerably, allowing the crane to be used for other construction work and thus reducing the total number of cranes needed on site.
- The formwork is independently supported, so the core walls can be built earlier than the rest of the main building structure.
- High quality surface finishes are achieved
- Enhances better planning of construction activities due to the repetitive nature of the work.
- The formwork system is easy to maintain, clean and reuse with little formwork waste generated as compared to the traditional formwork.
By John Guest, President, Construction, Piramal Realty
@EPC World Media
