Factors to Consider Before Undertaking a Slipform Barrier Wall Construction Project
Posted on: 15 February 2019
Landing the first project after sending several bids can be exciting for everyone in a startup construction firm. The startup firm gets an opportunity to display its abilities to potential clients. If your first project entails construction of a slipform barrier wall, then you need to know that these types of barriers have become standard features along public roads. The reason is that the barriers play a significant role in preventing out-of-control vehicles from entering oncoming traffic. That said, it takes more than having the right equipment to construct a quality slipform barrier wall. This article provides an insight into factors that you need to consider for a successful project.
Consistent Concrete Supply
Unlike other construction projects, slipform barrier wall constriction requires a continuous supply of consistent concrete. If there is any delay in the supply of wet cement, then the slipform barrier wall will not come out as expected. Besides, if the consistency varies with every truckload, then the quality of the barrier will be affected. Therefore, before the commencement of the project, find out if the local concrete suppliers can deliver continuous truckloads of consistent concrete. If the domestic suppliers can meet your requirement, you will have eliminated the first significant hurdle in slipform barrier construction.
Vehicular Traffic
The amount of traffic on the road can affect the successful construction of slipform barrier walls on roadsides. Therefore, it is critical to study the vehicle traffic before commencing any work. If the project is along a bustling highway, you need time to create a safety zone between oncoming traffic and workers. It might include setting up barriers or diverting traffic. Additionally, a busy road can affect the arrival times of concrete suppliers. If the supply trucks delay, then the consistency of the concrete will be affected thereby rendering the material useless. However, if the project is on a relatively less busy road, then you are guaranteed timely delivery of uniform concrete hence ensuring that the slipform barrier walls attain consistent quality.
The Mumber of Mould Changes
A mould is an essential component of slipform barrier wall construction because it determines the structure of the barrier. Since a slipform mould is only as effective as it is clean, moulds should be changed every so often during the construction of a slipform barrier wall. The reason is that after consecutive sessions of pouring wet concrete into a mould, it tends to harden on the upper walls, which can create inconsistencies in subsequent forms. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the number of mould changes you might need if you are going to produce slipform barrier walls that are structurally uniform.
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