en.Wedoany.com Reported - PERI UK has recently disclosed its core role in the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station project in Somerset, detailing the construction process of one of the most technically demanding phases—the geometrically complex reactor dome.
Faced with the challenge of being unable to use traditional through-ties and needing to cast concrete for a multi-directional curved structure, PERI UK engineers developed a custom, non-standard solution from scratch. The solution combines SCS start-up supports with 550 stiffeners and load-bearing SB platforms, which are suspended horizontally around the perimeter of the reactor building. The system also includes 45-degree anchoring adapters to transfer concrete loads back into the structure without connectors.
To accommodate the multi-directional curves, PERI UK selected the adaptable VARIO formwork, manufacturing 199 custom panels specifically for the dome works. During the early transition phase from the vertical reactor walls to the dome curvature, RUNDFLEX circular wall formwork was employed. The formwork had to operate at a height of approximately 45 meters above ground, bearing significant construction loads. The SB platforms, typically used for single-sided wall construction, were reconfigured in this project to be approximately 5 meters wide to support curved concrete pours about 5 meters high, simultaneously carrying the formwork, fresh concrete pressure, heavy equipment, and live loads from operatives.
The design scheme underwent extensive digital modeling, progressively evolving from 2D engineering drawings to 3D CAD and digital models to illustrate the interaction between various systems. As the configuration exceeded standard system parameters, the PERI UK team also developed a complete structural model to verify loads, connections, and anchoring forces, designing the load path to transfer through steel RCS rails rather than timber decking, ensuring the system could safely withstand the substantial concrete pouring pressure.
Drawing on lessons learned from Unit 1, the construction speed and efficiency of the outer dome for Unit 2 were significantly improved. The entire platform solution was installed in less than 14 days, and the inner dome of Unit 1 was successfully completed by the end of 2025. Prefabricated components also played a key role, with many parts assembled before delivery, reducing work at height and accelerating on-site installation speed.
Gabriel Constantin, Head of Major Projects at PERI UK Infrastructure, stated that due to the project's unique nature, the design solution had to be built from the ground up, and the success of the initial phase was attributed to close collaboration throughout the entire process. Project engineers involved in the delivery of the reactor building noted that PERI's digital engineering approach played a crucial role in planning, risk mitigation, and the rapid generation of procurement lists, effectively transferring experience from Unit 1 to Unit 2, directly supporting the target of achieving a 20% improvement in both time and cost.
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