Doka to hit new heights at Beetham Tower

Doka's hydraulic self-climbing formwork platforms (SCP) will be used for the construction of the UK's highest residential building, the Beetham Tower in Manchester.

The project's concrete pouring sub-contractor, MPB, has purchased two Doka SCPs for the building's two internal cores. The platforms will rise independently with one unit carrying a 36m Putzmeister concrete pump.  

The platforms consist of a decking area for workers and formwork assembly, and an all-round safety and wind enclosure.

According to Andrew Mair, Doka UK managing director, the company's systems are to be used because of the cycle speed they offer.

"Time is of the essence for this project and with our climbing systems and formwork one floor will be completed every four days," he said.

The systems will utilise Doka SKE50 and the heavier loading bearing SKE100 hydraulic climbers, with the latter making its UK debut.

Topping out at 47-storeys, the tower in Deansgate will comprise hotel accommodation and penthouse apartments.