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PERI delivers five-day bridge cycle

By Richard High, 07 November, 2025
An under construction bridge in the countryside with construction machinery The HŽ-2 overpass in Križevci is a key link in establishing continuous connectivity between Zagreb and the Hungarian border. (Photo: PERI SE)

A new bridge on Croatia’s DC10 motorway is demonstrating how advanced formwork systems can accelerate steel–concrete composite construction. The HŽ-2 overpass in Križevci, part of the route linking Zagreb to the Hungarian border, has become the first project in Croatia to use PERI’s Variokit VCT Composite Track — an award-winning system designed to simplify and speed up carriageway slab construction.

Spanning the new M201 railway line, the Glogovnica River and local roads, the 502-metre structure includes a 489-metre steel composite section. The in-situ concrete deck is cast in 10-metre segments, achieving a five-day concreting cycle using the VCT system. The deck thickness varies from 220 to 350 mm to optimise weight and performance.

The Variokit VCT Composite Track – winner of the 2025 bauma Innovation Award in the Construction category – makes its debut in Croatia. (Photo: PERI SE) The Variokit VCT Composite Track – winner of the 2025 bauma Innovation Award in the Construction category – makes its debut in Croatia. (Photo: PERI SE)
The VCT Composite Track runs beneath the superstructure and eliminates the need for welded formwork carriage supports. This results in a higher-quality carriageway slab and faster, simpler construction processes, supported by a hydraulic drive system. (Photo: PERI SE) The VCT Composite Track runs beneath the superstructure and eliminates the need for welded formwork carriage supports. This results in a higher-quality carriageway slab and faster, simpler construction processes, supported by a hydraulic drive system. (Photo: PERI SE)
The composite track is quick and easy to operate and move, passing smoothly over any obstructions. (Photo: PERI SE) The composite track is quick and easy to operate and move, passing smoothly over any obstructions. (Photo: PERI SE)
Because the VCT Composite Track operates beneath the superstructure without supports or deck penetrations, work above can continue unhindered — simplifying and accelerating construction. (Photo: PERI SE) Because the VCT Composite Track operates beneath the superstructure without supports or deck penetrations, work above can continue unhindered — simplifying and accelerating construction. (Photo: PERI SE)
Hydraulic movement of the VCT Composite Track reduces the need for heavy machinery on site. A telescopic crane is sufficient for assembly, with no additional mechanical assistance required during operation. (Photo: PERI SE) Hydraulic movement of the VCT Composite Track reduces the need for heavy machinery on site. A telescopic crane is sufficient for assembly, with no additional mechanical assistance required during operation. (Photo: PERI SE)
Using the VCT system enabled a five-day concreting cycle, helping the project stay on schedule. (Photo: PERI SE) Using the VCT system enabled a five-day concreting cycle, helping the project stay on schedule. (Photo: PERI SE)

The VCT Composite Track, which won the bauma Innovation Award 2025, enables construction of carriageway slabs without welded supports or formwork penetrations, eliminating the need for later sealing and improving long-term durability. Its hydraulic drive and modular design allow easy repositioning along the bridge, even in confined spaces or on sites with limited lifting equipment.

PERI provided on-site supervision and training for the construction team, with around 60 tonnes of Variokit materials used on the project. The company’s engineers supported the use of compatible VARIOKIT system components to optimise formwork efficiency and safety.

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