RMD Record

RMD Kwikform Iberica created a bespoke falsework and formwork solution to construct the world's widest, single pylon, concrete cable stayed bridge over the River Tajo in the Spanish province of Toledo.

Developer Ute Ronda Sur de Talavera awarded the formwork contract for the 316 m long bridge and two viaducts on the Ronda Sur road to RMD Kwikform in part because of the company's engineering expertise.

"Poor ground conditions meant our Kwikstage shoring wouldn't work on this project," said Julio Merino of RMD Kwikform Iberica's engineering department. "As such, we decided to use the foundations of the temporary piers as the mounting point for Megashore towers arranged in a ‘W' formation.

"This enabled the towers to be securely anchored against potential flooding while still providing a wide enough platform to support the three 12 m RMD450 beams joined together to create a 36 m wide deck formwork."

The bridge design incorporated a number of curves and polygons for which RMD Kwikform designed and created project specific components.

"The key to forming the deck was to ensure it could be poured and cast all at once," said Mr Merino. "This meant accommodating formwork for the bridge's four internal cavities as well as the transverse bars to stiffen the deck and prevent any distortions once the pylon's 76 cables were attached."