What Is Self-Climbing Concrete Formwork?

Tips & Advice

Self-climbing concrete formwork is a type of formwork that is used to create tall concrete structures like core lifts and shear walls. It typically begins on one level and moves up to higher levels as concrete is poured into the molding to achieve the desired shape at each step of the process. Some examples of self-climbing formwork include jump system formwork and slipform. These types of formwork often climb hydraulically and include work platforms that climb with them to ensure precise and clean builds. Many types of self-climbing formwork either significantly reduce the amount of work involving cranes or do not require the use of cranes to move up levels. This is one of their major advantages.

Formwork that is not self-climbing often requires a sizeable amount of crane use and time when tall, vertical concrete structures are being formed. With self-climbing formwork, cranes are freed up and consequently projects can be sped up. This type of formwork also enables vertical as well as horizontal sections to be assembled at the same time. This ultimately translates to faster project completion, lessened congestion at project sites, higher productivity, and higher quality construction.

Other benefits of using self-climbing formwork include:

  • Increased safety

  • Forms support themselves as they move up levels

  • Easy to clean and re-use

  • Attached scaffolding/work platforms

  • Sturdy and can withstand harsh winds and inclement weather

  • Relatively affordable to use when considering long-term value and retention of value

  • A quick and easy process for workers who know what they’re doing

  • The ability to sell for a profit if forms are no longer needed

  • Simplifies planning of repetitive construction

Applications

Self-climbing formwork like jump formwork and slipform is becoming increasingly popular for construction involving:

  • Skyscrapers

  • Tall residential buildings (high rises)

  • Bridge pylons

  • Silos

  • Elevator shafts

  • Energy buildings

  • Airport traffic control buildings

Self-climbing formwork is useful for practically anything that involves creating concrete structures that repeat vertically to significant heights.

Concrete formwork for sale

Types of Self-Climbing Concrete Formwork

As we mentioned, jump system formwork and slipform are two popular types of self-climbing concrete formwork. The major difference between them is that jump system formwork involves pouring concrete and allowing it to set in jumps. Each level or module of concrete is poured and sets before moving up to the next vertical level. Slipform, on the other hand, climbs up slowly while concrete is being poured (in one long continuous pour). We outline some of the other differences in more detail between these two types of self-climbing formwork in another article. They both create similar end results and serve similar purposes and are suited to many of the same applications.

Certain types of jump system formwork may rely on cranes to lift formwork to each vertical level. This type of formwork is not considered “self-climbing” and comes with some of the benefits of self-climbing jumpform with some potential added complications due to the use of cranes.

Overall, self-climbing formwork can be an excellent investment for a variety of construction projects that involve tall, vertical concrete structures. This is especially the case when you consider the resale value of this type of formwork and the fact that it can be re-used for future projects as needed.

Concrete formwork listings

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace boasts a wide variety of concrete equipment, including various types of concrete formwork, overhang brackets, overhang stripping buggies, and much more. Furthermore, our construction material inventory ranges from sheet pile, to access trestle, to precast barrier wall, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.