Forming Long Spans Of A Slab Bridge – Demotte, Indiana

Slab Formwork Bridge

Gariup Construction had to construct this immense slab formwork bridge over a ditch that local farmers use as a water overflow. Due to the water being used for crops and other purposes, Gariup Construction was prohibited by the State of Indiana to work in it. This project needed to be as efficient, economical and safe as possible. After hearing about EFCO’s quality formwork for long span bridges, Gariup Construction selected EFCO to design and supply the sturdy slab formwork system to successfully make the spans without the need of a mid-support. A slab bridge differs from a traditional bridge in that there are no girders to support the deck. Meaning, the deck has to be the support between spans.

PLATE GIRDER – The Steel Girder

In a short timeframe, the EFCO Design Team developed a solution using the EFCO PLATE GIRDER® bridge system. The steel girder is known for its durability and spanning capability, the PLATE GIRDER panels were used to self- span across the ditch.

Girder Truss Spans

EFCO E-BEAMS® were used in a truss-like fashion across the span of the PLATE GIRDER to tie the panels together and to also give the contractor a member to secure their plywood to. Twelve of these setups were placed adjacent to one another to form the width of the bridge.

Faster Assembly and stripping of formwork

Taking down or stripping formwork is more efficient when using steel formwork, because it can remain ganged together, allowing more square footage to be removed per pick. Thus, EFCO’s innovative design helped Gariup Construction assemble, form, and strip the slab bridge before the scheduled road opening date. ◊