TRS needed a formwork solution that reduced or even eliminated the need for onsite redesign or rework. Doka's customisable Radius Top 50 met that need.
Lochay Power Station delivers approximately 170GWh of renewable generation for the region each year. Its ongoing refurbishment, on behalf of developer SSE Renewables, includes replacing interior main generation components with modern, efficient technology. The upgrade will increase the station鈥檚 hydro power generation output.
Its complex angles, along with its integration with older concrete, excluded the use of some formwork techniques. In a setting where聽generator alignment and load transfer聽were critical, bespoke shuttering was crucial. Such a system needed聽to聽incorporate聽myriad contours and integrate聽with new and existing concrete details to create a smooth finish.
Doka鈥檚 timber-beam Radius Top 50 formwork was integral to this outcome. The system鈥檚 adaptability ensured each pre-assembled componentcomplied聽with the plinth鈥檚 intricate shape.聽The formwork鈥檚聽fast, easy assembly contributed to reduced cycle times and the project鈥檚 completion within the agreed 12-week timeframe.
Doka produced a 3D-led design of the plinth. Its engineers used this to calculate the formwork鈥檚 precise radii and angles, and create a shuttering form shaped from the design.聽
Teams also developed a bespoke connecting plate聽to establish a WS10 formwork ring, manufactured precisely to the required angle. This level of accuracy improved material efficiency and consequently helped reduce the project鈥檚 environmental impact.聽
Doka鈥檚 hybrid strategy involved its teams cutting and preparing forms off-site and supplying them partially constructed. This allowed for final adjustment in situ to align forms with the existing concrete.
Tom Scott, project manager at TRS Formwork, said: 鈥淲hat Doka provided us in terms of design, formwork and technical support was first class. The final design worked perfectly, without聽us making聽any on鈥憇ite adjustments.
鈥淭he resulting 12-sided plinth, with its complex corbels and angles, worked to the millimetre.聽The precision allowed seamless integration between the聽new plinth聽and the聽existing structure while keeping the power station operational and the refurbishment programme on track.鈥�
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
