|
|
 |
|
|
Dokamatic Table, the fast pre-assembled slab formwork system that has become the standard for forming slabs on many construction sites in Europe, was introduced to the U.S. market in 2004. Because the completely assembled (including plywood) system saves manpower and crane time, the Dokamatic Tables quickly gained popularity for medium to large single- and multi-story cast in-place slabs. Since the system is available in standard table sizes, it can be moved by just one field worker with the aid of a powered drive unit and shifting trolley. Large pre-assembled work platforms mount directly to the Dokamatic Table, which provide an extremely safe environment for working at the slab edge and also help increase overall production. Plus, when combined with the flexible handset system, Dokaflex S, it provides a fully engineered system that covers all slab areas and can adapt to any building plan.
|
|
|
|
The system has now been enhanced with the development of the Doka Table Lifting System (TLS). The TLS is an electric powered lifting platform that allows Dokamatic table forms to be cycled between floors without the need for a crane. The system is adaptable to any building structure and can be used from the ground floor up. It attaches to the previously cast slab with embedded anchors and cantilevers from the building as a mechanical outrigger platform.
|
|
“Crane time is a valuable asset on concrete building projects, and if not planned for properly, it can be the driving force of production on any jobsite,” said Michael Schaeffer, Product Manager of Doka. “The Doka TLS was designed with this in mind and takes the crane completely out of the formwork cycle schedule, thereby increasing production and greatly reducing bottom-line costs.”
|
|
|
Construction of the River House Condominiums, a 36-story horizontal and vertical post-tensioned concrete structure began in 2006. Upon completion, this structure will be the second tallest building in the state and will provide additional residences for people who want to live in the downtown area.
|
|
|
Concrete contractor Kent Companies of Grand Rapids is constructing the concrete frame for River House. During their visit to World of Concrete 2007, they quickly recognized how the TLS system was ideal for this project. For non-typical floors 1 through 5, Kent utilized the versatile Dokaflex system. Dokamatic Tables were then introduced with the start of typical Level 6 and the Doka’s Table Lifting System on Level 7. More than 30,000 square feet of tables have been supplied and all tables and loose Dokaflex formwork is being cycled from floor to floor, independent of the crane, with the TLS.
|
|
|
“Without the TLS, we would not be as far along on the project as we are,” said Paul Bowne, Kent Companies Project Manager.
|
|
|
The TLS also proved beneficial for the Renaissance Hotel, a new 10-story hotel structure with a post-tensioned slab built over two levels of parking under construction at North Hills, a new three-city block mixed-use district in Raleigh, N.C. The 229-room four-star luxury hotel will anchor the district and feature six luxury suites and one presidential suite as well as a club level, 8,000 square feet of meeting space, a 5,500-square-foot ballroom, and an upscale restaurant. The hotel will connect directly to a European-style day spa and guests will have access to a new 50,000-square-foot Gold's Gym Athletic Club. Construction is underway with an anticipated opening in 2008.
|
|
|
|
By installing the Table Lifting System to the structure in order to move the tables from floor to floor, the crane was free to move the shear wall formwork and rebar as well as unload trucks for all contractors at the same time. Juvenal Ibarra, General Superintendent of United Forming, said, “I like the TLS for two reasons -- it takes less labor and no crane time to move the tables, and it is much safer then pulling them out with a crane.”
|
|
|
Concrete contractor United Forming Inc. began using the TLS on level four in August and will top out in January 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
