The all-steel Max-A-Form^® forming system was an obvious choice for tieless construction. The strength of the system and the superior finish provided by the steel faced panels were real assets for the arch. To provide support for the long span, a support system was designed using Symons Soldier Beams. The support tower utilized short beams horizontally to tie the vertical Soldier Beams together like ladder rungs. To obtain a moment connection, ½" shim plates and ½" lag stud were used, enabling the assembly to act as a true shoring tower.

The original plan was to form the columns and then use the poured columns to support the center tower and cap form. But before construction, the contractor asked to adjust the plan so that they could set and pour the columns and cap at one time. This change would allow the contractor to rent the crane for a shorter period.

After working out some bracing details, Symons came up with a scheme to accommodate the new forming plan. The column forms, center tower and cap were redesigned to act as one unit. Soldier Beams with adjustable screw jacks aligned and braced the forms.

With this new set of forming plans, the column forms, shoring tower and cap would be assembled independently on the ground and joined in one day. The plan included a hinged soffit at the bottom of the cap forms to al-low it to swing out of the way for stripping operations.