RMD’s Grand Prix formwork formula

With the inaugural Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix now just seven months away (1 November), the race is on to complete the 6.5 km 10-lane highway that will link Abu Dhabi city, UAE with the new circuit on Saadiyat Island.

The highway project includes the construction of eight in-situ concrete box girder bridges and an 870 m long tunnel and is valued at over US$ 550 million. Leighton Construction (Abu Dhabi) was awarded the contract and chose RMD Kwikform to supply the falsework and formwork for all the bridges and the tunnel.

"This is a massive undertaking, where we are working with Leighton Construction to offer the level of service essential to keep the reinforced concrete construction for all the structures on track," said Andy Teesdale, RMD Kwikform's UAE contract manager.

"We are providing the formwork solution for some 1.6 km of bridge decks as well as the tunnel and overall we're going to either sell or rent some 215000 m³ of Rapidshor falsework for this project alone," said Mr Teesdale.

At 180 m in length and 80 m wide, the Golf Land Bridge (pictured) will not only be the largest bridge on the highway, but will also be the largest bridge - in terms of area - in the UAE.