How digital technology is forging a smarter future for slipform construction

With increasing pressure on contractors to deliver projects faster, more accurately and with greater cost efficiency, technology is playing a crucial role in modern construction methods. Arthur Postl, Head of Sales at formwork and scaffolding specialists Doka, explains how digital innovations are transforming slipform construction and improving on-site control, precision and efficiency.

Q: Why is innovation becoming increasingly important in slipform construction?

The construction industry is facing growing time and cost pressures, meaning contractors are looking for smarter ways to improve productivity without compromising on quality, reliability or safety. Slipform construction is a good example of how technology can refine an established methodology. Over the past three decades, advances in digital systems, sensors and laser technology have significantly improved the precision and control available to site teams during the slipform process.

Q: How has verticality traditionally been monitored during slipform construction?

One of the most common methods uses a floor-level ‘bullseye’ laser point and a laser target attached to the slipform rig. This allows operatives to measure the structure’s verticality as the rig climbs. Another long-established approach is the plumbline method, which uses a vertically suspended weight to check alignment.

While both methods are effective, they rely heavily on visual checks and manual intervention. Poor weather conditions can reduce laser visibility, while operatives often need to travel between the rig and lower building levels to verify alignment and positioning.

Q: How is digital technology helping to address these issues?

Doka developed a sensor-based solution called DokaXact Slipform, which provides real-time measurements of plumbing, alignment and height throughout the construction process.

Part of the DokaXact family of sensors, DokaXact uses multiple lasers and sensors mounted directly on the slipform rig. These communicate with a wireless processing unit, providing site teams with continuous positioning data based on predefined survey points.

The information can be accessed on site and remotely through a dedicated app, allowing teams to monitor the rig’s position safely and efficiently without relying on constant manual inspections.

Q: What benefits does this provide for contractors and site teams?
The biggest advantage is greater certainty and control. Because the system continuously tracks alignment and positioning, operatives can make informed adjustments immediately. The app also provides guidance during positioning activities, helping to ensure the rig remains accurately aligned and plumb throughout the climb. The resulting as-built data can then be used as a reliable reference for follow-on trades and the installation of additional structural elements.

Q: Can project stakeholders also benefit from the system?

Yes. The cloud-based platform allows live project data to be shared with contractors, clients and other stakeholders. For example, users can remotely monitor the rig’s height above ground level and track overall project progress. This provides additional confidence that key milestones are being achieved, and supports better planning and coordination across the project team.

Q: How accurate are these sensor-based systems?

Modern sensor systems can achieve accuracy down to ±2mm. The level of precision helps ensure structures remain within predefined tolerances, reducing the need for corrective finishing work later in the programme. As a result, follow-on trades, such as lift installers, can work more efficiently, helping to reduce project timescales and costs.

Q: How does this technology support surveyors?

The automated nature of the system reduces the need for repetitive manual measurement activities. By providing continuous, reliable positioning data, surveyors can spend less time carrying out routine checks and focus on other critical project tasks. This helps accelerate progress and reduce potential downtime.

Q: What other digital developments are being introduced to slipform construction?

Doka's Concremote digital concrete monitoring system has been successfully deployed on slipform building programmes. The technology uses embedded sensors to continuously measure concrete temperature and calculate compressive strength in real time. This provides a clearer understanding of how the concrete is performing during curing, helping site teams make informed decisions throughout the construction process.

Q: What advantages does real-time concrete monitoring deliver?

Real-time curing and strength data improves quality control while giving contractors greater flexibility in their construction programmes. It also supports the growing demand for more sustainable concrete mixes by allowing teams to compare performance, cost efficiency and environmental impact with greater confidence. Because the data can be stored and analysed over time, it also contributes to improved future project planning and more informed specification decisions.

Q: What does the future look like for slipform construction?

Digital technologies are reshaping slipform construction by delivering greater control, consistency and transparency throughout the building process. From sensor-based positioning systems to real-time concrete monitoring, these innovations are helping contractors improve accuracy, manage costs, support sustainability goals and deliver projects more efficiently. As the technology continues to evolve, digital solutions are likely to become integral to modern slipform construction.