Formwork and scaffolding from one source for problem-free construction progress

May 2, 2011 | Parco della Musica e della Cultura, Florence, Italy

The complicated architecture of the new cultural complex calls for an optimal balance between the formwork and scaffolding to be used. In addition, the building contractor requires large quantities of materials due to the extremely tight construction period. PERI planned a cost-effective solution and supplies the system equipment on a just-in-time basis from the on-site rental park. Through the compatibility of the systems, the transfer of loads is optimized along with simplifying the execution of the building work and accelerating construction progress.

The new, unique "Parco della Musica e della Cultura" cultural building is located very close to the "Leopolda" railway station in Florenz. The challenge for the contractor here is that the building shell must be completed in only 18 months. The opening ceremony of the theatre is already planned for 21st December 2011 when the Indian honorary conductor, Zubin Metha, will conduct Beethoven´s Ninth Symphony. The short construction period requires tremendous utilisation of personnel: a team of around 300 workers is working in multiple shifts which also includes nights.

The opera house will have a seating capacity of 1,800 with the base area in an inclined position. A 40 m a high stage tower is also being realised which allows a fast change of scenery. The external walls of the building feature a special type of architecture with the design of the architectural concrete areas and distinctive openings characterizing the exterior appearance. A second concert hall for approx. 1,100 music lovers will be equipped with a centrally-positioned front stage. The tower for the stage technology and equipment reaches a height of 24 m.

Shoring and formwork from one source – optimally matched
In particular, the planning and supply of the complete solution from one source was the decisive criterion for the contractor in deciding to realise the project together with PERI. The PERI shoring solutions are completely compatible with the formwork systems which facilitate an optimized transfer of loads. Interface problems are therefore kept to an absolute minimum, errors in the execution are avoided and productivity is maximized. Furthermore, the formal way for the building contractor is far more simple as PERI also coordinates the static for both the shoring and formwork.

In addition, with its extensive rental equipment pool, PERI easily meets the requirement of being able to supply the large quantity of materials extremely quickly. Through renting the required system equipment over the period of actual use, material costs are accurately adapted to the needs and cost-effectiveness is increased. Materials to the value of around € 12 million are in use on the construction site. Apart from the technical advantages of the scaffolding and formwork systems, customised site solutions and planning services, PERI´s logistics operations in particular contribute to a successful project completion.

High demands on loads and geometry – solved with system components
The "Parco della Musica e della Cultura" project is technically extremely challenging and, among other things, the entrance foyer of the large opera house requires a complex execution solution. At a height of 20 m, this area has a 16 m cantilever over a total length of 46 m.

Centrally positioned in the opera house is the stage – around 15 m above this, the rectangular stage tower with its 120 cm thick walls climbs upwards. The technical equipment is installed on three sides of the tower while the fourth side is open to the auditorium whose ground plan is in the form of an ellipse. The audience seating arrangement as well as the slabs are not only inclined but also feature varying slab thicknesses – thus forming complex, curved formwork sections.

The massive structural components used give rise to very high temporary loads which have to be safely transferred. In addition, large room heights along with numerous wall and slab offsets result in high requirements being placed on the load-carrying construction regarding the geometrical adaptation. The PERI UP Rosett modular scaffold and MULTIPROP post shores – often connected with MRK frames to form the MULTIPROP system – carry high loads and can be easily adapted to suit each building requirement. The MULTIPROP system not only carry the MULTIFLEX slab formwork but also the wall formwork of the stage tower – this means the loads from a 6 m high beam with a width of 120 cm. The wall sections are self-supporting after the initial 6 m high concreting cycle; subsequently, further sections are then concreted until the tower has been completed.

For larger heights, in particular the entrance hall, PERI UP Rosett modular scaffolding is being used as working scaffold and shoring. Depending on height and load, standard applications with pre-defined units as well as individually configured shoring towers are utilised. With nodes positioned at every 50 cm, PERI UP Rosett offers optimal adjustment. If required, the scaffolding could be adjusted in width and depth in a 25-cm-grid through the use of 25 cm long ledgers. Moreover, the metric grid dimensions allow bay widths to be divided as required.

All walls are being constructed with the proven TRIO wall formwork with the formwork elements positioned on FB 180 folding platforms at larger heights. The all-purpose work and safety scaffolding reliably transfers the high wind and working operation loads into the structure. For single-sided concreting of the walls in the basements, the construction team is using SB brace frames.

The "Parco della Musica e della Cultura" facility
This gigantic building complex places the Tuscan capital at the head of the art and cultural scene of the country again. It includes an opera house with 1,800 seats, a concert hall for 1,100 music lovers as well as a theatre for audiences up to 2,000. Generously-sized free areas and boulevards as well as an underground car park with 700 parking bays supplement the complex.

Construction of the "Parco della Musica e della Cultura" is being carried out to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy: in 1861, the individual Italian states were united to form a kingdom. At that time, Florence played an important and influential role, and the city was the capital of new Italy from 1865 to 1871.

Contractor
Società Consortile parco della Musica a.r.l.
Field Service
PERI S.p.A. Basiano (MI), Italy

PERI Systems In Use
- PERI UP Rosett Shoring Tower
- MULTIPROP Slab prop
- PERI UP Rosett
- TRIO
- FB 180 Platform System
- MULTIPROP System

PERI was founded in 1969 and is today the leading provider of formwork and scaffolding systems. Along with the headquarters in Weissenhorn, Germany, the company has 48 international subsidiaries and 100 stock yards around the world. The company has over 5500 employees. 2010 revenues was 825 million Euros.

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This release was published on openPR.