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Martyn Henry, UK export Manager at Altrad RMD Kwikform discusses how temporary works can play a key role in productivity, in terms of ease of erection and movement, cycle times, and effective design.
Altrad RMD Kwikform recently commissioned a survey that uncovered the opinions of leading general and specialist contractors and engineering consultants, highlighting that formwork and falsework have a vital role to play in increasing the productivity of construction projects.
The survey showed clearly that labour productivity is viewed as the major opportunity to improve efficiency on sites, whether freeing up workers for other tasks or speeding up time-consuming activities, such as the management of formwork and falsework.
The survey outlined that almost 60% of all respondents said that adopting building methods to reduce labour requirements is the main driver for productivity in large infrastructure projects. The next most important was using formwork and falsework products that reduce the time and labour required to assemble and strike such systems, chosen by 41% of those surveyed.
These two results indicate that improving staff work rate generally is a key factor for contractors and others involved in construction. The fact that the key driver is a generalised aim – to adopt measures to reduce timescales and workforce pressures – is a clear indicator that those involved in construction are looking for labour efficient processes and methods.
The second most cited driver - the use of formwork and falsework systems that reduce installation and dismantling times – suggests that this technology remains a key area to drive improvements in construction productivity.
With this in mind, how are temporary works solutions such as formwork and falsework enabling more efficient construction?
Utilising new technology
New wireless monitoring systems allow more accurate timelines for striking of formwork and falsework. Wireless monitoring can help with baseline monitoring at the start of the project. Throughout the temporary works industry, this technology helps retain the stability of crane bases, struts or retained facades, or the level of strain or load in props.
In formwork and falsework, the data provided by monitoring sensors gives a real-time picture of the environment or the condition of a structure and can help identify potential problems and avoid costly changes. Accurate monitoring can be productive because it allows contractors to possess data and constantly monitor their work in order to reduce mistakes and streamline the process on site.
BIM-enabled design
Digital engineering tools help everyone involved in a project view, interrogate, and communicate information and questions seamlessly. The latest digital engineering tools also offer high quality and realistic 3D visualisations of temporary works on a build, helping to break down any communication barriers and ensure transparency across the supply chain for any specified systems.
Digital solutions streamline work processes, as the systems and product details can be viewed in an accessible and easily digestible format. The outcome is a reduction in risk, as any potential issues can be raised quickly and remedied by contractors when seeing a temporary works solution in-situ.
Furthermore, digital technology not only helps to improve productivity and streamline decisions across the supply chain but can also play a crucial role in helping contractors win tenders for important projects. Early collaboration at the pre-tender stage can reap real rewards. By using digital engineering technology, recommendations on project structures and construction phases, not to mention the ability to identify any potential challenges, can be ascertained.
Improving cycle times
Although formwork and falsework are a major element of expenditure for contractors - typically representing around 5 to 7% of a contractor’s total annual turnover – the benefits and cost reductions that can be made in other areas outweigh the investment.
For example, the demand for improved cycle times for concrete pouring is crucial to minimise any disruption to construction work. As such, it’s important to have on-site assistance for equipment flow and training support to minimise erection and dismantling times.
To improve cycle times, lightweight and modular formwork systems allow greater flexibility and adaptability as well as ease of erecting the structure. Additionally, the layout of the formwork can be optimised by identifying the most efficient sequence for setting up the formwork, and placing it in the optimal location to minimise the need for dismantling or moving during the construction process.
During the design phase, digital construction technologies can also help reduce revisions, eliminate redundant conversations between parties, and ensure any errors are identified quickly. Improved health and safety standards and better workforce planning are possible too.
BIM, for instance, models all components of the construction process. This includes tools, people, resources, materials and so on, throughout a building’s lifecycle. In addition, digital tools can help illustrate to users how to best assemble, manoeuvre, and dismantle equipment ahead of delivery too.
It’s clear to see that there is vast potential for temporary works to play a key role in increasing productivity – whether that’s in terms of ease of erection and movement, improving cycle times, or using digital tools such as BIM to create a holistic and collaborative approach to design and construction.
*This article was originally created for and appeared in Construction Europe.