FORMING YOUR PROGRESS

Focus: Steel fiber reinforced concrete in segmental construction

The all-day event, held in English with simultaneous translation, focused on the use of steel fibers in segmental construction—from design to quality assurance. The program covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Design principles for fiber-reinforced segmental rings
• Material technology and testing methods for fiber-reinforced concrete
• Manufacture and installation of segments
• Connection systems and formwork technology
• Quality assurance and project examples

The high-caliber series of presentations offered insights from experts from the US, France, Germany, and Poland.

Focus on mould systems

Our division manager, Stefan Medel, gave a presentation on formwork technology. He began by discussing the unique requirements of fiber-reinforced segments, such as the absence of conventional reinforcement and heightened sensitivity to manufacturing parameters, and then highlighted the practical role of formwork systems in the production process. He addressed the following aspects, among others:

• Precise tolerances in manufacturing
• Automated process steps to ensure consistent quality
• Flexible form solutions for integrating project-specific features (e.g., seals, inserts)
• Reproducible surface quality in series production
   

International expertise and exchange

Further contributions came from Verya Nasri (AECOM, USA) on the history and design approach of steel fiber segments, and from Prof. Barzin Mobasher (Arizona State University) on concrete technology. Leading companies such as Bekaert, Optimas, Cordes, Gulermak, and PORR Polska also participated with technical presentations and project reports, including examples from the Warsaw subway construction and the Swinoujscie tunnel.

Conclusion

The Segment Short Course event in Warsaw was a successful example of international professional exchange on forward-looking technologies in tunnel construction. For Herrenknecht Formwork, the course provided a valuable platform for sharing expertise, helping to shape trends, and further developing innovative solutions together with partners.