Altrad RMD Kwikform Recommends Ground Shoring Equipment for Excavations to Combat Steel Price Hikes
With steel prices on the rise, global formwork, falsework, and ground shoring provider, ALTRAD RMD Kwikform (ARMDK) is advising the construction industry to consider alternatives to structural steel for excavations.
Peter Atkinson, Business Development Manager, ALTRAD RMD Kwikform, says, “We have seen the price of steel fluctuate wildly over the past year or so, and what used to be a predictable market has now become volatile, driven by the cost of energy and supply chain issues. We’re seeing long delays and extended lead times, exacerbated by the backlog from 2020, where the economic slowdown halted construction projects, and both steel production and consumption.
“As steel is sold at market price, the fluctuations we are seeing can impact project planning significantly, and it can be impossible to forecast costs. Plus, as suppliers are highly unlikely to offer fixed rates, it creates even more uncertainty, meaning the price can vary between initial project plan estimate and the time the steel is required when the project commences.”
With this in mind, ARMDK is suggesting alternative equipment such as its ground shoring propping systems that can offer a more stable solution when it comes to price and lead times, as well as additional benefits. Peter explains: “The cost of our equipment is more predictable than using structural steel, and we can fix prices for our clients in advance, meaning the price they are quoted is the price they will pay. We also offer options to hire equipment, rather than buy – this is often a more cost-effective option for short duration projects of less than 10 months. “For longer projects of 10-12 months+ we can sell the equipment to the client and then buy it back, or the customer can choose to keep it for reuse in other projects, which is also a more sustainable way of working.”
ARMDK provides engineering solutions in the specialist field of temporary structures, needed to deliver major infrastructure and building projects. Its key sectors include civil engineering and infrastructure, energy, and industrial, commercial, and multi-storey residential buildings. The company strives to deliver the most efficient, safe and easy-to-use temporary works solutions, which encompasses its digital engineering expertise. From 3D designs and BIM-compliant models to its visualisation software LocusEye, these tools help clients minimise risks and streamline workflows, while enabling greater collaboration across the supply chain. With over 70 years’ engineering experience, ARMDK operates in 15 countries including the UK, Australia, India, and the Middle East, and is supported by a network of 400 global and local suppliers.
“As steel is sold at market price, the fluctuations we are seeing can impact project planning significantly, and it can be impossible to forecast costs. Plus, as suppliers are highly unlikely to offer fixed rates, it creates even more uncertainty, meaning the price can vary between initial project plan estimate and the time the steel is required when the project commences.”
With this in mind, ARMDK is suggesting alternative equipment such as its ground shoring propping systems that can offer a more stable solution when it comes to price and lead times, as well as additional benefits. Peter explains: “The cost of our equipment is more predictable than using structural steel, and we can fix prices for our clients in advance, meaning the price they are quoted is the price they will pay. We also offer options to hire equipment, rather than buy – this is often a more cost-effective option for short duration projects of less than 10 months. “For longer projects of 10-12 months+ we can sell the equipment to the client and then buy it back, or the customer can choose to keep it for reuse in other projects, which is also a more sustainable way of working.”
ARMDK provides engineering solutions in the specialist field of temporary structures, needed to deliver major infrastructure and building projects. Its key sectors include civil engineering and infrastructure, energy, and industrial, commercial, and multi-storey residential buildings. The company strives to deliver the most efficient, safe and easy-to-use temporary works solutions, which encompasses its digital engineering expertise. From 3D designs and BIM-compliant models to its visualisation software LocusEye, these tools help clients minimise risks and streamline workflows, while enabling greater collaboration across the supply chain. With over 70 years’ engineering experience, ARMDK operates in 15 countries including the UK, Australia, India, and the Middle East, and is supported by a network of 400 global and local suppliers.
NBM&CW October 2022
