(http://www.brighthubengineering.

com/building-construction-design/123381-a-non-stopmethod-for-building-concrete-structures/)
The slipform technique of construction allows for the continuous pouring of concrete
into walls of a structure and only stops when the full required height of the structure has
been reached.

Development of the Slipform Technique

Cement, and concrete by its association with it, has an initial setting time of just about
thirty minutes, after which the cement and the concrete have gained sufficient strength
to remain in the shape into which it has been poured. It is this property that led to the
development of slipform building that allows a non-stop method of construction.
It is this property of early setting that inspired engineers to develop means of moving
the formwork so that the concrete can be poured continuously. The height of the
formwork is designed in such a way that while the top of the formwork is being filled by
concrete the lowest layer of concrete poured earlier has already gained an initial set.
When the formwork is moved upwards the concrete that is then exposed remains firm.

Advantages of Slipform Building

A major cost of concrete structure construction comes in the form of the required formwork to retain
the concrete while it retains it necessary shape and gains the necessary strength till it can be safely
de-shuttered and be able to support itself and other imposed loads. It also requires the formwork to
be continually removed to newer locations and then re-erected. All this requires the continuous use
of manpower and lifting equipment like cranes. In the case of slipform building, the formwork is
erected only once and remains intact until the entire structure is completed.
This greatly reduces the cost of the formwork as well as any time that may be required to erect and
move it for re-erection, which can result in huge savings in time as well as money.

The continuous operations also allow for an evening-out of the manpower requirements
and also a huge saving in the labor that may have to be periodically employed during
otherwise intermittent concreting operations.
The reduction in the movement of formwork and workers also leads to far more safe
working conditions that also make it a major advantage.

The Components of Vertical Slipform

A slipform assembly can only start after the foundations of the walls have been correctly laid and a
starter for the walls laid out in its correct alignment with all the necessary steel for the walls already
in position. The slipform shuttering is then firmly aligned to this starter with the means of yokes on
each side of the shuttering that help to keep the panels in position. The yokes are all connected by
horizontal crossbeams. Hydraulic jacks are then installed rigidly to the crossbeams that can all act
simultaneously so that the entire slipform shuttering moves upwards. The heights of such slipform
shuttering will normally be between 1. 1 meters to 1. 5 meters in height. The yokes and horizontal
crossbeams are also used to support a working platform that can afford space for men and
materials. The jacks climb using jacking rods that are installed within the concrete and become a
permanent part of the structure, or can be retrieved if so desired.

The design of the working deck and the yokes and horizontal crossbeams are a
very vital part of efficient slipform construction. It is very important that the
entire structure be such that its rigidity and shape is maintained at all times. It is quite
normal for the two sides of the shuttering to be inclined towards each other at the top
with the correct wall dimension available at the center. This allows the shuttering to
move easily and eliminates any drag that concrete can cause on the shutters to prevent
its free upward movement. The rigidity of the supporting platform is also essential so
that all parts of the structure move simultaneously. If there is any lag from one part to
the other, this can cause the shuttering to drag and make it difficult to be pulled up. It is
also possible to reduce wall thicknesses as the construction gains height and
arrangements have to be made in the slipform structure that will enable such reduction
at regular intervals.

Non-stop method of Construction

Once the slipform shutters along with the jacks and support deck are in position,
concreting operations can then commence. Sufficient working space has to be created
on the deck to accommodate reinforcement bar activity. The bars have to be continually
lengthened and placed in position as per the structural requirements for the wall. The
concrete is poured in layers, and by the time the concrete level has reached the top, the
concrete at a level 300 mm above the bottom of the panel should have gained the
initial set. The rate of pouring of the concrete has to be adjusted so that this is
achieved. The slipform is then moved upwards in steps of 10 mm to 25 mm and both
the concreting and placing of the reinforcement bars is done continuously till the final
height is reached. All jacks are fitted with brakes that act automatically by mechanical
means and do not allow the jacks to slip on the jack rods.
Slipform methods of construction can also be adapted to horizontal structures and are
used for paving, canals, and tunneling. The technique is more in use for structures that
have continuous walls like silos, chimneys, and piers for very tall bridges. It has also
been successfully used for construction of buildings, although this requires the manner
of leaving inserts for openings like doors and windows to be decided well in advance, as
well as also any necessary inserts to support floor slabs after the walls are constructed.

Slip form
(http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_informati
on/building_solutions/formwork/slip_form.aspx)
Slip form is similar in nature and application to jump form, but the formwork is raised vertically in a
continuous process. It is a method of vertically extruding a reinforced concrete section and is
suitable for construction of core walls in high-rise structures lift shafts, stair shafts, towers, etc. It is
a self-contained formwork system and can require little crane time during construction.

This is a formwork system which can be used to form any regular shape or core. The formwork rises
continuously, at a rate of about 300mm per hour, supporting itself on the core and not relying on
support or access from other parts of the building or permanent works.
Commonly, the formwork has three platforms. The upper platform acts as a storage and distribution
area while the middle platform, which is the main working platform, is at the top of the poured
concrete level. The lower platform provides access for concrete finishing.

Benefits

Careful planning of construction process can achieve high production rates

Slip form does not require the crane to move upwards, minimising crane use.

Since the formwork operates independently, formation of the core in advance of the rest of
the structure takes it off the critical path enhancing main structure stability.

Availability of the different working platforms in the formwork system allows the exposed
concrete at the bottom of the rising formwork to be finished, making it an integral part of the
construction process.

Certain formwork systems permit construction of tapered cores and towers.

Slip form systems require a small but highly skilled workforce on site.

Safety

Working platforms, guard rails, ladders and wind shields are normally built into the completed
system.

Less congested construction site due to minimal scaffolding and temporary works.

Completed formwork assembly is robust.

Strength of concrete in the wall below must be closely controlled to achieve stability during
operation.

Site operatives can quickly become familiar with health and safety aspects of their job

High levels of planning and control mean that health and safety are normally addressed from
the beginning of the work.

Other considerations

This formwork is more economical for buildings more than seven storeys high.

Little flexibility for change once continuous concreting has begun therefore extensive
planning and special detailing are needed.

Setting rate of the concrete had to be constantly monitored to ensure that it is matched with
the speed at which the forms are raised.

The structure being slipformed should have significant dimensions in both major axes to
ensure stability of the system.

Standby plant and equipment should be available though cold jointing may occasionally be
necessary.