Climbing full speed ahead with RCS MAX

Wembley Park Gardens, London

We are working with  Flatley Construction to deliver the concrete frame for this project. Phase one consists of three tower blocks, all of which will comprise energy-efficient apartments on completion. With the concrete shell on blocks A and B close almost complete, the focus is now on delivering block E in time for its projected completion date this summer. Work on the tower started in December 2023 and the project has been ahead of schedule ever since, partly due to adopting a crane-free climbing approach.

Jumping the core

After using the CB 240 climbing system to form the cores on the first two blocks, Flatley Construction wanted to speed up the pace of construction by automating the process on the final installment of phase one.

Given the 22-storey height of block E coupled with limited crane availability in this area and the site’s small footprint, reducing crane operation without causing delays to the project was crucial. 

We introduced our newest rail-guided climbing system, RCS MAX, which was the ideal system for the height of this tower.

Currently, RCS MAX is enabling all six formwork platforms to jump simultaneously, with additional capacity to lift up to eight. Using a rail-guided system has saved time as the site team can continue jumping the core even when the crane is winded off or busy with other lifting procedures.

The system has enabled Flatley Construction to achieve one pour per week, resulting in faster construction cycles and improved safety due to the absence of leading edges between platforms.

The rail-guided climbing method is also helping to overcome challenges with space as formwork units do not need to be removed from the core and repositioned with the crane at each level. Instead, the units are lifted seamlessly on rails with the push of two buttons, taking less than 30 minutes to cycle from one level to the next.

Equally, space inside the core was limited. Using flexible PERI UP scaffolding components to create an access system has ensured the available space is fully utilised from the bottom of the core all the way up to the working levels, with the option to adapt throughout.

Hands-on service

To optimise efficiency and space on site, all RCS platforms were prefabricated in Flatley's yard under the guidance of our site demonstrators. Demonstrators also assisted the team with the assembly of hydraulic components and ensured the smooth operation of the system upon installation.

Also participating in the prefabrication of RCS platforms for the first time to support the site team was our Technical Sales Representative, who has additionally managed and ensured timely deliveries throughout the project.

Archie Peck
Technical Sales Representative | PERI
As a former Formwork Designer, I understand how our systems are designed to work on site. However, being new to sales it was important for me to see the process from the customer’s perspective and gain a full appreciation of how they work with our systems once they are designed, and then delivered to their site by prefabricating the platforms alongside the operatives in our customer’s yard.

The importance of training

Training has been crucial on this project, especially considering the working at height requirements involved. We engaged early with Flatley Construction to maximise the benefits of accredited training for site operatives. This enabled them to get familiar with the RCS MAX system from the start, helping to maintain the pace of the project through safe and efficient handling of our systems.

As formwork qualifications and certification become compulsory prerequisites on more sites before system operation, training will play a crucial role in future-proofing Flatley Construction’s investment in RCS MAX and success on subsequent climbing jobs. By enabling their workforce to demonstrate competence through endorsed CSCS cards, it ensures project continuity and sustained efficiency moving forward.