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USE OF STRUCTURAL DOME FORMWORK SYSTEMS IN SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Transportation agencies are actively seeking new and innovative solutions to build more
sustainable infrastructure, while maintaining or improving economy and durability. A structural
dome formwork system is one innovative product that is currently being evaluated for use in
transportation applications. This product consists of interlocking, modular, dome-shaped units,
made from recycled plastic, that serve as a permanent formwork for concrete floors, sidewalks
and pavements. The resulting product is a concrete slab with a system of interconnected vaultlike
voids below the surface.
This concept provides a number of environmental and economic benefits. One major benefit of
the dome shaped system is the ability to provide structural carrying capacities equivalent to
conventional slabs, but requires less concrete to do so (up to a 20% reduction in concrete
consumption). A significant savings in raw materials can be achieved. The system has also many
additional demonstrated benefits, including reduced reinforcing steel, granular base and hard
fill requirements, protection of the concrete from excess moisture due the ventilated design,
and protection of tree roots from damage in urban areas.
This paper presents a number of Canadian case studies involving the use of the structural dome
formwork system in transportation applications, including roadways, sidewalks, floor slabs and
urban tree root protection. For each case study, details about the design, construction, and
performance are provided. Performance results to date indicate that this technology has great
promise as a concrete pavement technology and in various other transportation related
applications. The economic and environmental benefits are diverse, and help agencies meet
their sustainability goals, while providing a good return on investment.

Conference Paper Details

Session title:
GREEN TECHNOLOGIES – INNOVATION TO IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION (A)
Author(s):
Kivi, A.
Hein, D.K.
Topics:
Pavements
Year:
2014