Climbing in Corpus Christi

The challenge for Doka on the new Harbor Bridge in Texas was to use the same formwork for each pylon despite each pylon’s different geometry.
September 17, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Doka used its hydraulic climbing formworks SKE50 and SKE100 plus its large-area formwork Top 50

The new US 181 Harbor Bridge is being constructed to replace an ageing bridge across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel off the Gulf of Mexico. The replacement bridge, with nearly a 63m clearance, will also allow the passage of larger ships and possibly cruise ships into the docks. The current Harbor Bridge was opened in 1956 to replace a drawbridge and now handles 26,000 vehicles per day. When complete, the new Harbor Bridge will be the tallest point in southern Texas and the longest cable-stayed concrete segmental bridge in the US.

The upper and lower pylons were different shapes requiring two designs. The primary pylon structures have a geometry that narrows and angles at the same time. A reusable system was needed that would have minimal changes between pours.

Doka used large-area formwork Top 50 as well as hydraulic climbing formwork SKE50 and SKE100 platforms. The system was designed with telescopic platforms that adjust to the changing pylon shape. Doka says there were almost 520m² of formwork for one pylon.

Doka helped the contractor – a Flatiron and Dragados joint venture - remain on schedule because there was minimal rebuild between pours. Doka also saved crane time due to the hydraulic lifting systems employed.

The contract won by Flatiron and Dragados includes $854.6 million for design and construction of the bridge and another $128.2 million for the 25-year maintenance and operation of the bridge.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Swiss roundabout goes underground
    February 7, 2012
    The Swiss, well-known for their tunnel constructions, have enhanced their reputation with the recent Gotthard Tunnel breakthrough which has created the world's longest tunnel. And in Bern, a roundabout is being re-positioned almost 10m under the ground, which will transform a somewhat dismal road intersection into an attractive gateway to the country's capital. PERI provided a comprehensive formwork solution for the realisation of the massive beams, reinforced concrete slab along with the conically-sh
    Read More
  • Bridge uses new forming carriage
    February 7, 2012
    The Holzmatttal Bridge for the A98 autobahn in southern Germany stretches 410m across the valley, and on this build the newly-developed Doka forming carriage TU is said to have demonstrated precisely how it drives progress with extremely short cycle times and speedy forming and stripping out operations. The underslung carriage also permits unobstructed access for site traffic.
    Read More
  • ARTBA makes awards
    February 29, 2012
    A series of highway and bridge projects across the US have been recognised for their contributions to environmental protection and mitigation.
    Read More
  • RMD formwork for Qatar’s tallest bridge on Doha East Corridor
    July 6, 2016
    RMD Kwikform will be supplying tens of thousands of tonnes of its formwork and shoring for construction of Qatar’s tallest bridge on the Doha East Corridor project As well as the bridge, the Corridor contract comprises four interchanges at a total cost of US$612.5 million. Ashghal, Qatar's Public Works Authority, awarded the Corridor project to China Harbour Engineering Design and Construction. Built as a five-lane 11km bypass in Doha, the capital of Qatar, the project will also cater for a rail line
    Read More

Highlighted Content