The Middle East has seen a huge increase in air traffic numbers in recent years and has had to build support infrastructure to accommodate this surge. And RMD Kwikform has been at the heart of this growth, says a spokesman for the leading global supplier of formwork, falsework and ground shoring solutions.

Engineers from RMD Kwikform, for example, used specialist 3D modelling techniques to design complex formwork and shoring solutions to support the delivery of the new Abu Dhabi International Midfield Airport terminal, where operational readiness and testing is under way.

The firm successfully provided a working solution, despite some challenging conditions, including horizontal loads in excess of 100 kN, overturning and wind load, which had to be catered for by a smart design and engineered connections.

The project presented a number of challenges, says the spokesman. “One of the most difficult design challenges was the formation of the main terminal building with its huge curved roof structure. This required the careful installation of some of the world’s largest steel archways and girders, to create the impressive visual impact of this important part of the project,” he says.

RMD Kwikform systems deployed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal.

Using the Megashor system, RMD Kwikform supplied temporary support to the arch roof trusses up to 45 m high for the construction of the building.

Meanwhile, at the Muscat International Airport in Oman which opened last year, RMD Kwikform’s self-climbing wall formwork system, Tru-lift, was used for the construction of the 100-m-tall air traffic control tower.

The firm’s engineers also provided a shoring solution to support the construction of the terminal and ancillary buildings at yet another airport in Oman at Salalah. Throughout the project, RMD Kwikform was on hand with continuous sales support, technical help and site assistance, the spokesman says.

With many airport terminal projects under its belt, RMD Kwikform is well placed to help with building projects for the aviation sector in the Middle East. It sees ample opportunities in  Saudi Arabia, which aims to become a top-class world transport hub – an ambitious vision that also involves the upgrade of its existing airports. There are currently 27 airports around the kingdom with construction of new ones planned.

RMD Kwikform has supported the construction industry for more than 65 years, and during that time it has been involved in bringing infrastructure projects to life around the world.

The company has recently launched a new range of products in response to the huge urban growth in the region and the need for supporting infrastructure.

“Fresh investment and higher market demand have driven a significant expansion of the construction industry and groundworks sector across the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) and India region,” says David White, ground shoring general manager for the Mena region and India of RMD Kwikform.

According to White, in a world where space is at a premium, going further underground is becoming a greater necessity, and as groundworks projects across the region increase, so too does the demand for safe, simple and productive solutions from consultants and contractors.

In response, RMD Kwikform has continued to add new products to its ground shoring fleet, which now boasts a range of trench boxes, manhole boxes and Tubeshor props. These cater to the need for safe and cost-effective ground shoring solutions in the region.

“There are some impressive structures being built across Mena and India but working practices are not always as cutting-edge as in other areas of the world. Decisions around ground support here seem to be influenced by culture, with consultants and contractors bringing working practices from their home countries to the projects they are delivering,” White says.

He continues: “More available space and cheaper labour mean that developments in Mena have two major advantages over similar projects in Europe and Asia. Ground anchors are frequently used to allow for an open excavation, along with manpower to fast-track construction.”

He sees the region’s high ambient temperatures, however, having a big impact on structural steel and proprietary props, with designers typically specifying products with the smallest area of structural steel to minimise thermal effect while maintaining an excavation.

And although for RMD Kwikform, each of its Mena and Indian markets differs slightly, in light of project, application and legislation, the company has developed ground shoring products to accommodate consistent requirements, which include a demand for simple and safe solutions, which improve productivity and reduce costs.

“Furthermore, with a growing emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint across Mena and India, we have ensured all solutions remain flexible and sustainable to support environmental targets. Similar to all of our above-ground formwork and falsework solutions, they are reusable.”

RMD Kwikform’s new Tubeshor prop – a hybrid hydraulic tubular shoring solution suitable for deep excavations, basement propping, and cofferdams – has fewer components, more handling points and is designed with the user in mind. With built-in safety features and the use of hydraulics for preloading, it can be installed, moved and dismantled safely, efficiently and in less time than comparable systems, he says.

An integral hydraulic ram unit is rated for an AWL of 2,500 kN rising to 4,500 kN once the unique mechanical lock-off collar is engaged, while a choice of multiple leg extensions (from 500 to 11,500 mm) and a hydraulic ram unit that extends up to 800 mm, means virtually all prop lengths can be achieved with standard components.

The huge strength capability of Tubeshor also means fewer struts are needed and assembly time can be reduced, saving time and money.

“We are able to deliver the local service RMD Kwikform is renowned for, thanks to an extensive network of branches and teams. Our entire ground shoring range is available for sale and hire,” concludes White.