Puente Rizo de Oro project | Chiapas, Mexico

Connecting Nations: The Rizo De Oro Bridge Project

Chiapas, Mexico

New Mexico-Guatemala Bridge Revolutionizes Trade Transit

The Puente Rizo de Oro project in Chiapas, Mexico, represents a construction achievement connecting Guatemala and Mexico across Angostura Lake—Mexico’s largest water reservoir. This new bridge will reduce transit time for commercial traffic from Central America through Guatemala, Mexico, and ultimately the United States, strengthening international trade relations and facilitating economic growth throughout the region. What was once the most time-consuming segment of international goods transport will now be a significantly shorter and more efficient route.

A Growing Partnership Built on Trust

Coconal selected EFCO’s formwork systems after seven years of successful collaboration. Led by Construction Director Ing. Alberto Gonzalez and Construction Manager Ing. Hugo Prendes, the team’s confidence in EFCO grew steadily throughout the project. The scale of EFCO’s involvement expanded significantly over time—nearly quadrupling from the initial order—highlighting Coconal’s increasing trust in EFCO’s solutions and their proven ability to address complex challenges.

Specialized Formwork Solutions for Complex Construction

EFCO provided multiple systems tailored to the project’s diverse needs. The foundation work utilized E-BEAM & SUPER STUD® systems configured as single-sided walls, anchored to reinforcement steel to handle massive concrete pours exceeding 1,050 cubic yards (800 cubic meters) each. Round Column® formwork created columns with a smooth architectural finish, achieving the specified fair-faced concrete appearance, while wall segments used the versatile HAND-E-FORM® panel system with spreader ties.

The PLATE GIRDER® system handled columns and headers, featuring an innovative self-supporting header design that eliminated traditional shoring requirements. Coconal recognized this as another example of EFCO’s continued engineering Innovation, appreciating how this advanced solution streamlined the construction process while maintaining their high standards for Quality and efficiency.

Overcoming Critical Structural Challenges

The project’s most demanding task involved constructing seven massive concrete elements called “dovelas”—inclined segments approximately 13’-2” x 32’-10” (4 meters long and 10 meters high) that form critical parts of the bridge’s arch structure. These segments required precise positioning near the existing dam, creating engineering challenges.

EFCO supplied E-Z DECK and SUPER STUD shoring systems to support the sloping soffit of the dovela. EFCO engineers collaborated with Coconal to design a stand alone foundation for the shoring systems, which reduced the number of posts when compared to other solutions.

Comprehensive Support in Remote Conditions

EFCO’s commitment extended far beyond equipment supply. The company maintained a dedicated field service team on-site throughout the project, despite the challenging remote jungle location that required transporting all equipment by ferry during initial construction phases.

EFCO Field Service worked directly with construction crews to develop and implement assembly and cycling operation plans, ensuring efficient formwork operations. This hands-on approach earned high praise from Superintendent Ing. Rodolfo Najera and Project Manager Ing. Jose Alfredo Jiménez. When rising water levels threatened equipment, EFCO’s engineering team quickly developed protective solutions, allowing construction to continue uninterrupted.

Why Coconal Chose EFCO

The formwork systems performed so well that Coconal retained the SUPER STUD® equipment beyond the original contract period, using it for additional safety support during steel arch erection. EFCO’s efficient design approach helped achieve significant cost savings through reduced material requirements while meeting all structural Integrity requirements within budget, directly contributing to the Lowest in-Place Concrete Cost.

This successful collaboration represents the second major bridge EFCO has helped construct across Angostura Lake, following the Concordia Bridge project several years earlier. The combination of innovative engineering solutions, reliable equipment performance, and unwavering project support has established EFCO as the trusted partner for critical bridge projects connecting nations.