Concrete Construction Formwork Solutions

Formwork in Construction

Formwork Construction, Large and Small, EFCO Supports It All

EFCO partners with concrete contractors on formwork construction projects globally. Many are infrastructure-related and include the construction of bridges, power plants, wastewater treatment plants, high-rise buildings, stadiums, foundations, culverts, retaining walls and wind turbine pedestals. Consider this: If you can drive over it, turn your lights on, enjoy clean water, attend sporting events and concerts and pursue the activities that help make our lives more enjoyable, EFCO certainly has a solution to help make it happen; even when it comes to renovations to a Zoo.

A journey through the jungles of Cambodia

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

The first records of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo date back to 1908 when the first animals on public display were two bears and several varieties of birds. Known simply then as the Roeding Park Zoo, and later renamed to honor Director Dr. Paul Chaffee, DVM in 1985. Throughout its 114-year history, the zoo has undergone dozens of remodels, enhancements, additions and reconstructions. The latest addition will take visitors on a journey through the jungles of Cambodia with its new “Kingdoms of Asia” attraction. The $38M expansion is the second of this investment size, the first being the zoo’s “African Adventure” completed in 2015.

Formwork Design Partnership

Planning the work – Working on the plan

Initial design development of the new exhibit included a partnership between the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and the Cambodian community in Fresno. The objective? To represent both the culture and aesthetics of the Cambodian Country, including an impressive entrance that replicates the entrance of the ancient temple of Angkor Wat. Once through the temple’s doors, each visitor experiences the sights and sounds of native flora and fauna of Cambodia, as well as the Angkor Wat temple itself with its massive walls, headstones and ornamental features.

Formwork Construction through teamwork

CENCAL Construction, a demolition contractor, is using this project and many others to diversify their business offering. CENCAL partnered with EFCO to help bring this Asian civilization to life inside the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

Optimization of formwork methods

Schedule of construction through teamwork

This project was EFCO’s first time teaming with CENCAL. EFCO’s all-steel formwork system was highly desired by them, because if it is cared for properly, the system can be reused hundreds of times. Teamwork involves effective communication and is essential in the planning and construction process. Both teams worked well together to optimize the formwork method and the production schedule to minimize the number of pours. All the height and angle changes of the formwork were considered to achieve cycling efficiency.

Field Service provides time saving advice on formwork

There were also wood fills at specific heights due to full penetrations and the facade shape. With the Chaffee Zoo only 10 minutes away from EFCO’s Fresno warehouse, EFCO was able to strategically deliver equipment to build gangs in the tight lay-down area. Experienced formwork craftsmen, EFCO’s Field Service Technician introduced the formwork system to the crew as soon as it was on site, communicating instructions, explaining how to use the system and how to maximize the safety and benefits of it.

Large Gangs and High Wall Formwork Solution

Construction of the Education Building went well, so CENCAL kept the formwork on site after the Education Building to use on other structures such as the Tiger Retaining Wall Enclosure. Once they got the hang of using the formwork system on the Education Building, they formed all other remaining concrete structures on their own. Durable all-steel EFCO LITE formwork can withstand constant reuse while producing a consistent concrete finish. This complete lightweight forming system was the solution to CENCAL’s formwork needs for this project.

EFCO Formwork for Bridge Columns and Bridge Caps | SUPER PLATE GIRDER