Ecological, practical, good

The Goal

To build a shopping centre using local installers and materials
Alkosto’s aim is to build a shopping centre that is tailored to customer requirements whilst using local companies and materials to reduce the distances travelled to site, in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Project

Summary:
The shopping centre’s basement retaining wall required integrated columns in order to increase the wall’s stability, making it a complex build.

Challenge:
The local formwork contractor on the project, García Vega S.A.S., had no prior experience with MEVA formwork systems. In addition, the tight site constraints meant that no crane could be used to lift the formwork in, and the location within the basement excavation created wet site conditions to work in. 

The Solution

1. Superior customer support

   Supporting the project with their aim to use local companies, the MEVA formwork specialists from Bogotá first of all trained the workers on-site on how to handle the new formwork and then supported the construction company in its use. This direct support and technical expertise were greatly appreciated by the contractor, who was able to efficiently use the formwork as a result.
    
   

2. Easy, crane-free Installation
   Choosing the AluFix formwork was the solution to installing the formwork without a crane. The low weight allows each individual panel to be moved by hand, which was helpful when working in the tight spaces of a basement excavation.
    
3. Durable products for all applications.
   With their torsionally rigid aluminium frames, the panels are also very durable. Thanks to the AluFix cross stiffener with grip profile, it is also possible to work safely in wet conditions – a huge advantage here, as easy handling was an especially important factor when working in the basement.
    
   
4. Technical expertise

   Because the formwork was being installed without a crane, the retaining wall in the basement was not poured directly against the earth using support frames but rather produced as a freestanding unit. In order to tie conventionally, it was necessary to leave a one-metre wide working area between the wall formwork and the earth wall.

   In addition, for structural reasons, it was also necessary to integrate several columns into the retaining wall in order to increase its stability. Due to the integrated columns with a width of 1.65m and a depth of 1.00m, it was not possible to form the wall in one piece, as it was reinforced with the columns at intervals. Thanks to the large range of panels with suitable outside and inside corners, it was possible to use the AluFix wall formwork alone without the aid of other systems and without special job-built solutions.
    

5. High-quality finish
   As the basement serves primarily as a parking area, the concrete would be on show. Therefore, a high-quality architectural finish was required – and could easily be achieved with the AluFix formwork. Equipped with alkus all-plastic facings as standard, the MEVA formwork systems produce high-quality concrete finishes.

   The plastic is UV resistant, so no discolouration occurs even when used several times. Unlike wooden facings, the material does not swell or shrink, is easy to clean, and can nevertheless be nailed just like wood.
   

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   The Outcome

   The department store was able to be created with local companies who, working together with MEVA, were able to overcome the challenges that this project presented.

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   The direct support and the technical know-how provided by MEVA were an important factor for us on the construction site. Our staff were very satisfied with the formwork itself, as it is very flexible and easy to handle due to its low weight

   Fabio José García, Owner, García Vega.

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   It was possible to use the MEVA formwork easily and flexibly and the concrete finishes were excellent

   Byron Restrepo, Site Manager, AIA Constructora

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   Featured Products

   • Alufix wall formwork

Client:
AIA Constructora

Project:
Shopping Centre with Basement and Retaining Wall

Location:
Floridablanca, Bucaramanga, Columbia

Developer:
Alkosto

Engineering & Support:
MEVA Sistemas de Encofrado S.A.S, Bogotá, Colombia