Building on a hill requires more than just a standard plan. The dramatic topography of North Vancouver, Coquitlam, and the Tri-Cities presents unique challenges that demand specialized formwork strategies.
At Dinari Designs, we've spent years mastering the art of hillside construction. Here's what we've learned about designing formwork for sloped sites in BC's most challenging terrain:
Understanding the Terrain
Sloped sites in North Vancouver construction projects aren't just "a little uneven"—they often involve significant grade changes, rocky outcroppings, and complex drainage considerations. Our AutoCAD site plans start with a thorough topographic analysis to identify these challenges before they become problems.
Accounting for Elevation Changes
Every foot of elevation change affects your formwork design. We use AutoCAD to create detailed section drawings that show exactly how formwork transitions from one level to the next. This includes stepped footings, retaining walls, and multi-level slab pours—all coordinated to work with the natural slope.
Shoring and Support Requirements
Hillside formwork often requires extensive shoring to support both the formwork itself and the surrounding soil. Our drawings include detailed shoring plans that specify post locations, bracing requirements, and load calculations—ensuring that your formwork stays stable even on steep grades.
Drainage and Waterproofing Coordination
Water flows downhill—and on sloped sites, managing that flow is critical. Our formwork designs integrate with your drainage and waterproofing plans to ensure that water is directed away from foundations and retaining walls. This coordination prevents costly water damage and foundation issues down the road.
Local Experience in the Tri-Cities and North Shore
We've worked on hillside projects throughout the Lower Mainland—from the steep slopes of North Vancouver to the rolling terrain of Coquitlam and Port Moody. This local experience means we understand the specific soil conditions, building codes, and construction practices that define sloped site construction in BC.
Ready to lean out your overhead?
Hillside construction doesn't have to be complicated. With professional AutoCAD site planning and formwork design, you can tackle even the steepest slopes with confidence.
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