What is the Difference Between Jumpform and Slipform Formwork?

Jumpform, also known as jump system formwork, and slipform are both used in construction involving concrete. They are most often self-climbing forms that are used in the construction of tall buildings or other sizeable structures. They are particularly useful for the creation of shafts and cores as well as bridge pylons, silos, and chimneys. Jumpform as well as slipform may be referred to as a “climb-form” system.

Similarities

With both jumpform and slipform, concrete is poured into self-climbing molds until a concrete structure reaches a desire height. Electric motors or hydraulic rams may help facilitate the vertical climbing of these types of forms, eliminating or reducing the need for cranes. Jump system formwork and slipform both make use of work decks or platforms that climb vertically as the forms do to allow for the completion of concrete pours and reinforcement at various levels with ease. Neither jumpform nor slipform requires support from other parts of a building or construction. They are self-supporting, as they hold themselves up using the concrete that has been cast below each of their vertical levels or using other built-in support systems.

As you can probably tell, these form systems have quite a bit in common. There are some things that differentiate them from each other, however. Below are some of their key differences.

Jumpform Differences

The use of jumpform involves a progression of a series of “jumps” or levels of concrete pours. On each level, concrete is poured and sets before jumping or progressing to the next level. This ensures a supportive foundation to move up. For instance, if jumpform is designed to produce ten-foot sections, concrete will be poured and set in the first ten-foot section. After which, the form will “jump” up to the next level, and concrete will be poured into the second ten-foot section. This process will continue until a structure reaches the necessary height. Jumpform is well-suited to applications in which any joints in between levels will ultimately be concealed in the final construction of the building or structure.

There are a few different types of jumpform. These are the most common:

• Traditional Jumpform – This type involves using a crane to lift formwork to each level.

• Guided Jumpform – This is really similar to traditional jumpform except that formwork units stay attached/anchored to the concrete structure as formwork is raised by a crane. Guided jumpform can be a bit safer than traditional jumpform.

• Self-climbing Jumpform – No crane is needed for this category of jumpform, as it’s raised to new levels on rails.

Slipform Differences

As we’ve mentioned, slipform has a lot in common with jumpform. The main difference between the two is that slipform uses a structure’s core of shaft for its support, and it moves up slowly as concrete is poured in one long, slow pour. This eliminates the need for waiting for each level to dry. Slipform is great for creating tapered structures with walls that have thickness that contracts at various levels. In general, this type of self-climbing formwork system is considered to be more efficient than jumpform for particularly high buildings, especially those over ten stories. Slipform usually consists of three platform stations. The lowest station is used for the finishing of concrete. The middle station is used at the highest level of where concrete is poured, and the highest station is where materials for the project are stored.

Slipform creates a continuous, smooth, and highly precise concrete end product with no joints from jumping. This is ideal for structures where joints won’t be covered up, particularly for structures like chimneys and bridge pylons. A downside of slipform in comparison to jumpform is that it’s usually a bit more expensive, and it requires workers to attend to concrete pours for longer consecutive hours.

Overall, both jumpform and slipform come with unique advantages that make them excellent choices for the efficient construction of tall concrete structures.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace for heavy civil contractors to buy and sell new and used assets. Our equipment inventory includes various types of concrete equipment including concrete formwork, overhang stripping buggies, bridge overhang brackets, and more. Additionally, our material inventory ranges from crane mats, to access trestle, 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.