Mast climbing work platform SK175

Overview
This cooling-tower formwork is a fully mechanised, self-climbing large-area formwork system designed for fast, repeatable cast-section cycles. After a short familiarisation period, crews can execute typical casting sections in a 1‑day cycle.

System
Developed on the basis of the automatic climber SK175 for hyperparaboloidal natural-draught cooling towers, the system has been proven on multiple sites and is optimised for large-area casting sections.

Platform system for a streamlined workflow
The permanently mounted telescopic platforms provide an uninterrupted circumferential walkway around the cooling tower, maintained throughout climbing operations to ensure efficient material flow and safe movement of personnel.

Complete safety

• Continuous anchorage to the structure provides safety in all work phases, including at height and in strong winds.
• Telescopic working platforms are railed and gapless during climbing, ensuring a protected working environment at all times.
• Optimised platform widths and integrated ladder/access systems improve on-site accessibility and safety.

Rapid working in a controlled sequence

• Formwork concept optimised for short forming times and reliable cycle times.
• Large-area formwork gangs simplify handling and cleaning on site.
• Overall inclination of the scaffold is adjusted easily from one central spindle per bracket.
• Built-in reinforcement holders enable rapid and precise positioning of rebar.

Outstanding cost-efficiency

• All-round platforms allow operational sequences to be decoupled and organised for efficiency.
• Low number of tie points per m² reduces installation labour.
• Steel form-facings deliver consistent concrete quality across casting sections.
• Formwork gangs are designed for typical cast-section heights of 1.50 m to maximise productivity.

Use and adaptability
The system climbs curves down to a vertical radius of 70 m and allows inclination adjustment up to 22° via the platform spindle per bracket, providing high geometric adaptability.

Placing the reinforcement
Reinforcement work can be carried out from the top platform in advance; reinforcement holders mounted on the scaffold secure reinforcement during placement.

A well thought-out system
Four permanently mounted platform levels structure the workflow and support safe operations. Electromechanical lifting systems raise the formwork and make the system independent of crane availability.

Formwork elements and cleaning
Steel formwork elements with compensating elements on both sides enable horizontal adjustment and consistent concreting results. Elements can be rolled back approx. 60 cm from the concrete for quick cleaning; opening is by spindle and rolling back is done manually on rollers.

Suitable products (system components)

• Edge protection system XP (safety)
• Ladder system XS (access)

Technical specifications

• Model/series: SK175 (automatic climber basis)
• Application: hyperparaboloidal natural-draught cooling towers
• Cast-section height (typical): 1.50 m
• Self-climbing: fully mechanised, self-climbing system
• Vertical radius capability: down to 70 m (can climb through curves)
• Inclination adjustment: up to 22° via platform/spindle adjustment
• Platform levels: 4 permanently mounted telescopic platform levels
• Walkway: uninterrupted circumferential telescopic platforms (railed, gapless while climbing)
• Lifting: electromechanical lifting systems (independent of crane)
• Formwork facing: steel form-facings for consistent concrete quality
• Reinforcement: integrated reinforcement holders on scaffold
• Formwork cleaning: elements roll back approx. 60 cm on rollers for cleaning
• Operational cycle: optimised for rapid cast-section cycles (1‑day cycle)