05 Feb The lead time of construction projects is getting shorter and shorter. Time to think about the vertical transport on site?

Speed up the construction process

Modular and prefab construction techniques are increasingly being chosen. With this efficient building technology, large elements are already manufactured in the factory. These then only have to be assembled at the construction site.

The lead time of a project can be further reduced by increasing the productivity on site. All machines for vertical transport such as working platforms, construction hoists, scaffolding, scissors lifts and tower cranes help considerably. These machines ensure that the workers can work efficiently and in a safe manner.

Stefan Eerens – CEO Sodemat:

“We clearly see that the lead time of the projects is getting shorter and shorter. For example, we used to have regular projects that lasted up to two years. Now 12 months is already long. This has a major impact on our organization. More assemblies and disassemblies are needed, but also more transports and more maintenance. That means that we as an organization also have to make some adjustments. As the schedule gets tighter, the material must arrive at the site in excellent condition. If this is not the case, it means an immediate delay and a negative impact on the margins of the construction project.

Moreover, we notice that more and more work is being done with prefab concrete elements. The work is done faster, but the tower cranes are also getting heavier. “

Johan Devriese:

“In order to speed up the construction process, we are increasingly seeing that the structural work runs simultaneously with the finishing. The lower floors are then already finished, including the façade, while at the same time concrete is poured on the higher floors. That is why construction lifts are increasingly being mounted in elevator shafts. This also ensures that the façade can already be finished, while the concrete structure on the rise. This considerably reduces the turnaround time of the project. We are therefore increasingly being asked to provide faster hoist. These are hoists with a closed cage that can go up to 60 m/min. This is certainly relevant for higher buildings. “”

And what about the project infrastructure? Is there an impact on that?

Stefan Eerens:

“The infrastructure on-site indeed is undergoing some changes, but it only benefits the employees. For example, we consider safety a priority on site. That is why we have decided within the Eiffage group to no longer work with ladders. This means that in the future we will work more with stair towers, work platform and construction hoists. “

Johan Devriese:

“Instead of using traditional scaffolding, people are increasingly working with working platforms to finish the facade. These can be built up faster than traditional scaffolding. It also ensures that the tower crane is relieved, because the work platform itself can take the necessary material up.