Innovative Substitutes for Steel and Aluminum in Formwork

How to submit

• Submission template (mandatory): A standard template is available. The template will help you structure your solutions and approaches. Download the Submission Template here
• Optional Content: You can try to stand out and also supplement your submission with prototypes, image and video materials, or other concepts or visual elements.

Mandatory Questions

These three questions should definitely be addressed as part of your concept:

• Solution & Doka Fit: What specific material or technology are you suggesting as a substitute for steel and aluminum in Doka's product lines? Which Doka products are most applicable for your solution?
• Durability & Functionality: How could your material perform in terms of mechanical properties, durability, transportability, and ease of handling on construction sites? How does it maintain structural integrity in different construction environments?
• Environmental Impact: How does the environmental footprint of your proposed material compare to that of steel and aluminum? Include quantitative metrics if possible.

Criteria

To ensure that the proposed solutions align with Doka's sustainability goals and technical requirements, participants should consider the following criteria:

• GHG Emissions: Solutions should aim to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with steel and aluminum. Specific targets include: Aluminum: 10.023 kg CO2eq per kg. Steel: 2.3278 kg CO2eq per kg.
• Sustainability: The material or process should be sustainable throughout its entire lifecycle, from production to end-of-life disposal or recycling. “Do no significant harm” thresholds (water, biodiversity, pollution, etc.) should be considered.
• Structural Integrity: The substitute material ideally meets or exceeds the structural requirements of traditional steel and aluminum. A substitute material with lower static properties will be assessed on the basis of the load-bearing capacities. It should ensure safety and longevity, especially under the high-load and dynamic conditions typically found in construction applications.
• Durability: The material should withstand harsh environmental conditions typical for construction sites (eg. temperature, UV, water, release agents, alkalinity), with minimal degradation over time. This includes a certain resistance to corrosion, impact, and other forms of wear and tear. If this not applicable the material should be coatable or protectable in order to achieve the necessary resistances.