Formscaff, the well-known supplier of formwork systems both within South Africa and internationally, boast many interesting and innovative support solutions developed on MasterSeries, structural design software from Allyson Lawless. On passing a construction site, one may marvel at the expertise which has gone into designing the structures, but see the scaffolding as an unappealing part of the construction phase. Once the scaffolding is removed, the construction process can be likened to a metamorphosis in nature, with the beautiful butterfly emerging from the rather ugly cocoon. As in nature, where the cocoon is a very essential part in a butterfly's development and is strong enough to support the worm during its transformation, scaffolding is also a very essential part of construction and much more expertise goes into this support system. Like the cocoon, which is eventually discarded, and forgotten about, so sadly are the support structures and their creators.

The economy of formwork supply is interesting in that formwork is temporary and developers and contractors work hard at ensuring that cost of temporary works or items are kept as low as possible. In the case of formwork, often the loads are higher than the final working structure. Formwork designers therefore face enormous challenges to balance cost and strength.

Formscaff have been users of structural software from Allyson Lawless for many years and the latest structural software, MasterSeries has been used extensively for design of the formwork over the past five years. MasterSeries is particularly strong in the design and detailing of structural steel as it has comprehensive design checks to SABS 0162 for local jobs and the British code BS5950 for projects in South East Asia and the rest of Africa. The connection design and detailing module sizes end plates, bolts, stiffeners, cleats etc.

One of the most interesting projects designed recently is the support structure for the construction of the Tin Kau approach bridges over the main Hong Kong Harbour. The bridge was constructed in cantilever segments and each phase was supported. The temporary top steel support structure had to support all the construction material, equipment and personnel during construction. The concrete structure was expected to sag an exact calculated amount in the final curing stage. The steel support structure had to accommodate this expected movement from the initial pouring stage to the final settlement stage.

For more details on the software, contact Dagmar Coombes on (011) 476 4100. Maybe the next time you walk past a construction site, the support structure will mean a little more to you and you will appreciate the thought and design process behind it all!