Innovations

The BETOMAT^® was developed by Bitschnau in 1993 and has since been a central component of every slipping operation. With the system we can pour concrete even more safe, faster and exactly into the formwork.

Doubling of concrete placement capacity per crane cycle. Full utilisation of crane capacity. Drastic reduction of injury risk on the working platform. More uniform concrete distribution and thus higher structural quality.

The BETOMAT^® is used on all Bitschnau construction sites – for circular and rectangular structures, for silos, stair towers, power plant structures and special projects. The system is part of the Bitschnau complete package and is not rented out separately.

The MONOBOX^® (2008) was the first complete safety- and noise-protection enclosure in slipform construction that slides as an integral part of the formwork. The MULTIBOX^® (2017) extends this principle to circular structures – with segments that adapt to the radius.

Modular aluminium frame system with panel cladding. Side-protection against rain, wind, snow and solar radiation. Keeps the working platforms safe and the noise inside the slipform-area.

First deployment in 2017 on a tank in Belgium (diameter 35 m, height 32 m). Segmented construction that adapts to the radius. Same protection and safety functions as the MONOBOX^®, adapted to the geometry of circular silos, tanks and LNG containers.

Both systems meet the highest occupational safety standards. All working decks are completely closed and safe. Also it keeps noise inside and works as a noise-reduction measurement for sites within cities and near residental areas.

LNG tanks place extreme demands on slipform construction: large wall thicknesses, complicated reinforcement layers, the tightest tolerances and cryogenic loads on the finished structure. Bitschnau has developed a dedicated formwork system for this application. Highest demands are on the installed vertical liner plates - also called steel embedements - to keep the accurate tolerances.

Massive wall thicknesses require particularly rigid formwork structures. The densest reinforcement must be installed in the slipping cycle. The highest demands on dimensional accuracy and surface quality – any deviation jeopardises cryogenic integrity.

Special heavy-duty load-bearing structure for maximum rigidity. Adapted hydraulic jack arrangement for uniform advancement under high weight. Integrated reinforcement expertiese and solutions. Experience from LNG projects in several European countries.

The switch from conventional steel panels to stainless steel in 2009 was a big leap in technology. The stainless steel panels are manufactured in the Bitschnau Group's own metalworking facility and are precisely tailored to the requirements of slipform construction.

Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, more wear-resistant and enables a smoother formwork skin than conventional steel. The surface is specially treated to achieve optimal release properties and concrete quality. The service life is many times longer – meaning fewer panel replacements and lower costs per project.

The stainless steel panels are mounted on an aluminium waling system. This saves weight, accelerates assembly and allows for larger formwork sections. The combination of stainless steel formwork skin and aluminium load-bearing structure is a unique Bitschnau feature.

The quality of a slipform shows on the surface. Over three decades, Bitschnau has perfected processes that ensure the concrete is optimally treated after stripping – for longevity, impermeability and, where required, fair-faced concrete quality. Highest demands on the surface quality are met when we polish the surface flat for meal- or flour-silos.

Controlled rubbing and floating immediately after stripping. Application of curing compounds to prevent early shrinkage cracking. Targeted curing treatment in extreme temperatures (heat/frost). Special processes for fair-faced concrete requirements. With our own invented machines and our skilled personnel we can achieve best surface-qualities for meal- or flour-silos.

Jointless, uniform surfaces with no rework required. The combination of stainless steel panels and our curing treatment delivers results that are considered the benchmark in the industry.

Structures need openings – for windows, doors, ventilation, cables, pipes and technical installations. In slipform construction, these boxouts must be installed during the ongoing process without interrupting the slipping operation.

Proprietary modular boxout-boxes made of aluminium and steel. Custom prefabricated in height and width. Quick-release fasteners for easy installation and removal. Compatible with all wall thicknesses and formwork types.

In addition to boxouts, Bitschnau also coordinates the installation of anchor rails, sleeves, brackets and other cast-in items. Everything is planned before the project starts and installed in precise positions during the slipping cycle – for exact implementation of the reinforcement plan.