How to Use Concrete to Do Anything!

Posted on: 15 September 2021

When you build a concrete water tower, you have to decide how to construct the tower. While some people install ready-made structures or use precast components to build the tower on site, you can also use slipforming for this kind of build.

What are the benefits of building a water tower using slipformed concrete?

1. Speed of Construction

Traditional water tower concrete construction takes time. If you order a tower or component parts, then you have to wait for the concrete to be made, delivered and then installed. If you have any delays in your supply chain, then your construction time increases.

If you use slipforming, then you construct the water tower on site. This technique pours concrete continuously through a specialist mould. As the concrete at the base of your tower comes out of the mould, it starts to set immediately. It can then hold the concrete that is poured above it.

This immediate pour-and-set process reduces construction time. Your tower takes shape instantly, and you get a much quicker build.

2. Continuous Pouring

If you construct a water tower from precast parts, then you have to slot everything together, attach the parts and then finish off the surface. You have to make sure that any joins between pieces are secured and connected. After all, you don't want to leave weak spots that could cause leaks later.

The continuous pour you get from slipformed concrete has more advantages. For a start, your tower goes up in one piece. You don't have to worry about joins and joints. As long as the concrete stays in good shape over the years, the tower will hold its integrity and water seal.

Plus, slipforming gives you a controllable concrete size. You can create a tower with walls that exactly meet your width and depth measurements. The concrete walls will be the same size all over the build.

3. Reduced Costs

A water tower build can get expensive, especially if you're constructing a larger tower. For example, you'll need a large crew to work on the build. The longer the job takes, the more you'll pay in labour costs. Plus, you might need to hire specialist equipment such as scaffolds and cranes.

Slipforming is typically more cost-effective. You don't need as many people or as much equipment on the job. Your labour costs stay low because you have a faster build, and you won't need to hire or buy a lot of specialist equipment.

For more information, contact a local slipform concrete contractor with experience in building water towers.