DOKA, a global leader in formwork solutions that have been shaping a number of Qatar’s iconic projects, says it is fully committed to providing outstanding, customer-tailored products and a comprehensive package of services in the country through its local subsidiary, Doka Qatar.

“Doka is a brand that enjoys worldwide recognition and has become a synonym for quality, innovation and capability in formwork technology,” says Jenoe Rulff, general manager for Doka Qatar.
He continues: “Given the fast pace of construction today, construction companies are keen to ensure that they have the right formwork to speed up the forming phase of a structure. This is particularly true in the case of Qatar, where skyscrapers continue to mushroom. Here, contractors are increasingly turning to Doka to ensure safe, fast and cost-effective formwork systems and solutions.”
To meet the needs of the Qatar market, Doka has introduced a number of innovative products, which are currently being used in numerous mega projects. Following the launch of its large-area formwork Top50, the handy small-panel framed formwork Frami, the crane-independent wall formwork Frami 270 Frami 300, the framed formwork Framax Xlife and SKE automatic self climbing formwork, the formwork specialist is now set to introduce in Qatar two timesaving innovations – the Table Lifting System (TLS) and Dokamatic Table.
“The TLS table lifting system lifts preassembled table-forms from one level to another without using a crane, thereby freeing the crane for other jobs and enabling work at the construction site to progress faster,” says Wolfgang Berger, the technical manager of Doka Qatar.
The other innovation, the Dokamatic Table, has been engineered to cast large floor slabs in the shortest possible forming time, according to Berger.
“The Dokamatic Table system is versatile in terms of statistics and geometry in various applications. Standard, functional components can be installed to ensure straightforward, speedy and safe adaptation to changing requirements on the construction site,” he adds.

Top50
Already in service on several projects is Doka’s well-known large area formwork Top50.
“The Top50 system was invented to fit different forms and areas, allowing it to taken on the requirements of various projects,” says Berger. “Its flexibility in applications with diverse structural geometries makes it also perfect for fair-faced concrete, where the surface of the concrete must conform to very high requirements.”
Among the projects where the system is currently being used are Dubai Towers-Doha, the tallest skyscraper in Qatar at a height of 437 m, Al Faisal Tower and Al Dareen Tower, to ensure that the client expectations are met.

Frami
Meanwhile, Doka has also provided an ideal solution for foundations and small areas with its lightweight small-panel formwork Frami. The clamp system, with a 15-cm grid and five-panel width, is designed for fast, economical foundations and small areas as it simplifies planning, forming and logistics on the construction site.
The Doka framed Frami 270 and 300 are crane-independent wall formwork systems for storey heights of 2.7 m and 3 m. It is a comprehensive system, which includes high-end safety and working accessories, for foundations, walls and columns.
On sites with a crane, it is also possible to lift several panels at a time, in a gang-form. The ingenious modular design (with six different widths and three different heights of panel) makes for optimum adaptability to all job site conditions.
St Regis Residential Towers and Hotel is using Doka Frami products for all different sizes of columns.

Framax Xlife system
Turning to the framed Framax Xlife formwork, he says: “This system was developed to meet the increasing demand for faster forming and high performance on large-area walls.
“Offering stability and durability, the pre-designed and ready-to-use Framax Xlife panels are ideal for constantly changing geometrical structures. Due to the matching panel formats, Framax Xlife can be adapted quickly and reused for the new application. With its plastic-coated Xlife panel and galvanised, powder-coated steel frame Framax Xlife ensures excellent durability and cost efficiency”

SKE climbing formwork
For all challenging high-rise construction projects, Doka recommends the use of its automatic self-climbing formwork system SKE, which has been applied successfully at many job sites across the country, such as Twin Palm Towers, Al Fardan Towers, City Tower, Dubai-Tower and others.
Elaborating on the system, Berger says: “The SKE system is a crane-independent climbing formwork for structures of any shape and height. Developed using the expertise gained from countless projects all over the world, SKE is applicable on various types of tall buildings requiring highly adaptable and safe formwork solutions. The wide working platforms of the SKE are enclosed on all sides and the units are lifted hydraulically with no need for a crane, ensuring both safety and speed.”

Project Qatar 2009
Most of these products will be showcased at a major exhibition in Qatar next month.
“Doka Qatar will, once again, participate in the Project Qatar 2009 exhibition, which will be held from April 27 to 30,” says Rulff. “The company’s wide spectrum of products including the latest product developments and formwork technology trends will be presented at Doka’s exhibition booth, which will be double the size set up at last year’s event. We are looking forward to the exhibition and to respond to any enquiry about Doka formwork technology and service offerings,” he adds.

Services
Doka’s efficient systems are backed by quality service provided locally by its office in Qatar.
Amer Al Zawydeh, sales and area branch manager, Doka Qatar, explains: “Doka has experienced engineering staff who can advise customers on the right formwork systems for any kind of project application, and work out formwork drawings for the entire Doka product range. They can provide a quick response due to their wide expertise in formwork and construction works.”
“Doka Qatar’s team provides a wide range of services to customers, right from assisting with the RFQ (request for quotation) to after-sales service and the materials that customers need at any time are stocked in a large warehouse and yard for immediate dispatch to their sites,” Al Zawydeh adds.
One of the Doka’s most important strengths are timely deliveries planned and handled by its logistics department. “With more than 30,000 sq m of warehouse within our Qatar facility and support from other Doka Middle East subsidiaries, we are able to deliver the right quantity of material on time and meet our clients’ requirements at short notice,” emphasises Stefan Schedel, operation manager Doka Qatar.