Slipform construction technique is an alternative for conventional formwork system

which helps in continuous vertical and horizontal construction. The slipform helps to
conduct continuous pouring of the concrete to the moving formwork. The process
stops only when the required length of casting is completed.

The features and advantages of slipform construction technique is explained in the

below section.

Development of Slip form Construction

The property of cement and concrete to gain sufficient strength to stay in shape once
cast within the initial setting time of 30 minutes lead to the development of slip form
construction technique. Engineers took this property to develop a moving formwork
system so that the concrete can be poured continuously.

The height of the formwork is designed such a way that, during the pouring of the
upper level formwork, the concrete poured in the below formwork would have gained
initial setting. The concrete exposed when the formwork moves up will remain firm.

Fig,1: Vertical Slipform Construction; Image

Courtesy: www.slipform.ae
Components of Slipform
The slipform system is designed with varied features. Generally, it consist of yoke
legs. Yoke legs are employed to lift and sustain the weight of the entire structure, so
that it behaves as a single unit. Yoke legs are also used to connect with the beams,
scaffoldings and working platforms to serve the supporting purpose.

To the yoke legs, walk-away brackets are connected. These walkway brackets will
enable proper placement of the concrete.

Fig.2: Components of Slipform; Image Courtesy: Kjell Tore Fossa, Department of Structural Engineering
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology N-7491 Trondheim Norway

The whole slipform assembly is lifted by means of strand rods and lifting jacks. These
primary components are located at equal intervals so that the uniform and good
distribution of weight is performed. In some construction, lifting process are
supported by means of hydraulic pump components.

Features of Slipform Construction

The slipform construction technique is a rapid and a economic construction method
compared to the conventional formwork technique. This helps to achieve huge cost
saving. The technique is best suitable for large building structures and bridges. When
small structures are concerned, the projects with identical geometry can be easily
completed by slipform construction.

Continuous movement of formwork in upward direction is performed in slip form

technique. The movement is facilitated by hydraulic jacks and jack rods. In the
construction of vertical structures, the rate of rising the formwork upwards will be
almost in the rate of 300mm per hour. These rise with the help of the supports from
other permanent parts of the building.

The technique of slipform construction will vary based on the type of structure
constructed. Based on this the frameworks required to support the system will vary.

Applications
1. Construction of Regular core high rise structures
The slipform construction technique used in high rise building construction will be
performed by vertically extruding the reinforced concrete section. Regular shaped
core structures and buildings are easily constructed by this method.

2. Slipform Technique for Chimney Construction

The slipform technique used for the construction of large chimneys, cooling towers
and piers are called as tapered slipform. This technique is used for constructing
vertical structures with varying wall thickness, or shapes or diameters.

Fig.3: Slipform Construction of Collie Power Station,

Western Australia; Image Courtesy: SRG, Australia

3. Construction of Steel Tanks

Slipform construction technique helps to construct the large volume cisterns in
industries and factories in a cost effective way.

4. Construction of Water Towers

The slipform technique helps to construct the walls of water tanks uniformly with
better quality. Tanks of thousands of litres are easily constructed by this method.
 Advantages of Slipform Construction Technique
1. Non-stop Method of Construction

2. Increase rate of construction

3. Increase the productivity

4. Provide more working space

5. Creates safe work environment for the workers

6. Employs less accessory equipment

7. Increase flexibility in construction

8. Reduced Labor costs

9. Scaffolding and temporary works in construction is reduced

10. Uniform wall sections and layouts are obtained

Disadvantages of Slipform Construction

Technique
1. High –cost for initial setup

2. Requires Specialized workers and expertise

3. Need sophisticated Equipment

4. Dimensional Accuracy can go low in certain conditions