GERMAN formwork specialist Paschal’s solutions having been helping speed up construction of a variety of projects ranging from towers to infrastructural developments in Abu Dhabi, thanks to the efforts of Paschal Concrete Forms, the regional office based in Bahrain.

Since the inception of its regional office in January 1998, Paschal has emerged as a leading supplier of modern formwork solutions to the region’s contractors. The regional office is supported by offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The company counts among its recent successes in the emirate several landmark projects in Al Reem Island including a 51-storey residential and commercial tower, Reem Investment’s four-storey (basement, ground, mezzanine and four upper levels) headquarters and the Corporate Tower, where its systems were used by the contractor National Projects and Construction Company; Blocks B1 and B2 in Zone B of Marina Square, built by SPK-Binapuri joint venture; and Paris Sorbonne University (Wright ADSF Contractor joint venture).
Its modular formwork systems have also been used in the construction of a five-storey (and three basement, ground and parking levels) commercial and office building at Danet Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, and Plot 24, Danet – all of which were constructed by National Projects and Construction Company; Yas Island sewage treatment plant (equalisation tank) by Metito Overseas; Phase 1A, Core Six of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology by Al Ahmadiah Contracting and Trading; six villas in Bin Jisrain by General Construction; and Zayed University Convention Centre by Wright ADSF Contractor joint venture.
Paschal systems have also been used in the construction of Emirates Aluminium’s (Emal) smelter complex in Abu Dhabi.
The German formwork expert’s ongoing project portfolio is equally impressive. Its system have been supplied all vertical elements for the substructure of Corporate Tower, having been leased to the contractor for about five to six months. Currently, work has reached the second podium level and the main contractor National Project and Construction is awaiting the go-ahead on the project from the client, the Royal Group.
At the Al Wifaq Tower project, Paschal formwork systems are currently being used on the first basement for the retaining wall, columns and water tank.
“We produced a formwork design based on their available stocks,” says a spokesman for Paschal.
The Al Wifaq Tower comprises two basement levels, a ground level, three podium levels, and 28 storeys. Al Shafar General Contracting is the main contractor for the project, which is owned by Al Wifaq Finance Company and managed by Northcroft Construction Consultants. Mayer Consulting Engineering is the consultant.
Another major ongoing project for Paschal is a development at Plot C1, Deerfields Time Square, at Al Bahia in Abu Dhabi, where main contractor Thinet Emirates Building, Civil Engineering and Contractors is currently completing the substructure works.
“For the project, we supplied materials for the retaining of Area 10, which comprises a 200 m, single-sided wall. Our proposal was to use 40 m of formwork to finish it within five castings,” explains the spokesman. “Later, the contractor decided to cast the retaining wall together with the ramp wall to avoid a construction joint. Hence, as per their request, we have produced the design and list of materials required for the ramp wall.”
Apart from Abu Dhabi, Paschal’s formwork solutions are being utilised on various high-rises in Dubai including the 51@Business Bay, an office tower being developed by Deyaar and Botanica Tower, a commercial and residential tower with three basement levels, a ground level, three podium levels and 36 typical floors being developed by the Global Group, as well as a substation for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and a sewage treatment plant. Other projects include the Dubai Autism Centre and a water production plant expansion in Jebel Ali, both in Dubai.
Paschal’s modular panels are manufactured with 6-mm-thick frames of special steel, with their surface covered with high-quality birch plywood (density 780 kg/cu m) that has a 220 gm/sq m phenolic coating. The edges of the plywood are protected by the steel frame and the gap between them is filled with a special sealant. Hence, the plywood can be reused up to 250 times and the steel frame will remain sound for more than 20 years, according to him.
“Thanks to easy erection and dismantling, with or without the use of a crane, contractors can save up to 30 per cent of their superstructure cost through savings on labour, material and time. Being modular, the formwork system offers contractors versatility, flexibility and durability, among other benefits,” says the spokesman.
He continues: “Paschal offers a competent service and complete solutions that are user-friendly for concrete construction sites. Our consistency in quality is reflected in the DIN EN ISO 9001 certification. In addition, Paschal service professionals are ready to act as consultants and find optimum solutions for particular applications.”