A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Improvements, Cambridgeshire, UK

Project Overview

Mekina was selected by Skanska to supply its Mek-Dek GRP Permanent Formwork Panels for the project. The works involved installing Mek-Dek Standard panels above and between precast W13 beams and our Mek-Dek Smart Edge L-shaped Cantilever panels to span over the outer beam and form the cantilever deck edge. The panels were engineered to provide a load-bearing cantilever solution, tailored to the project’s safety and installation requirements.

As part of a strategic initiative, Skanska trialled Mekina as a potential long-term GRP formwork supplier, replacing the previously specified competitor product. The decision was driven by commercial evaluation and the need for a durable, safe, and efficient formwork system that could integrate seamlessly with their preferred edge protection system.

A durable, safe, and efficient formwork system.

Safety was a key priority due to the cantilevered panel design and the need for precise beam positioning on site. To provide added assurance, design modifications were made to the panels prior to manufacture. Additionally, incorporating the customer’s preferred edge protection system was essential to meet safety load requirements and ensure compliance with on-site standards.

Mekina’s engineering team worked closely with Skanska using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to adapt the cantilever panel design, ensuring accurate on-site positioning and structural assurance before manufacture.

Each panel was produced with a smooth RAL 7023 Concrete Grey soffit finish to achieve a clean, high-spec aesthetic. Custom sockets were included within the cantilever panels to accommodate Skanska’s chosen edge protection system, maintaining safety standards and simplifying installation. The result was a durable, high-quality soffit solution with a neat finish, delivered on time and installed successfully on-site.

The panels performed exactly as required, confirming the viability of MEK-DEK GRP for future Skanska projects.

If you’re working on a project that demands a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable permanent formwork solution, get in touch with us today: Call us on 01377 255055 or email us your project details to sales@mekinaindustries.com.

Skanska selected us to supply bespoke GRP Cantilever Permanent Formwork Panels for this project. Confident in a system backed by FEA to ensure consistent performance and compliance with stringent safety and reliability standards.

Mark Johnson

Director at Mekina Industries

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Get to know the team behind Mekina Industries – who are dedicated to giving your project The Edge through the greenest GRP formwork in the industry and unrivalled technical assurance.