Automated Lifting System Integrated with Construction Hoists for Table Formwork in Tall Buildings

Abstract

In tall-building construction, the equipment-driven table formwork method is a useful alternative for improving productivity of horizontal formwork with less skilled labor. The lifting system significantly affects the productivity and costs of table formwork operation. This study proposes a new system integrated with the construction hoists for automating the lifting process of table formwork. The system targets crane-independent transportation for productivity improvements while overcoming the limitations of the existing independent lifting system, which include high initial cost and extra work for assembly and operation. In a case study, the proposed system showed 49.4% improved productivity over a tower crane, and equipment costs were 73.8% lower than those of the existing independent system. The simplified structure of the system through integration with the hoist could minimize the additional time and cost inputs for its assembly and operation. The proposed system could provide more flexible and stable scheduling at a lower cost in tall-building construction with short cycle times and excessive lifting loads. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.