PERI systems support telescope construction in Chile

PERI has supplied a full range of formwork and scaffolding systems to support the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile, one of the most complex and technically demanding concrete structures currently underway worldwide.

Located 3,046 metres above sea level on Cerro Armazones in the Atacama Desert, the ELT is being developed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and is expected to see “first light” in 2028. Once operational, it will be the largest optical telescope ever built, capable of gathering 15 times more light than current systems and equipped to search for Earth-like planets and study the early universe.

PERI contributed engineering design, formwork systems, and on-site logistics throughout the project’s structural concrete phase, working alongside main contractor Cimolai S.p.A. The company’s solutions supported the construction of the foundations, massive wall structures, and central telescope base—each requiring high load-bearing capacity and geometric flexibility.

The initial foundation works, begun in 2018, were formed using PERI’s lightweight Alpha panel formwork, chosen for its ease of handling and suitability for high-altitude construction. For the main superstructure walls, PERI supplied TRIO panel formwork in large 2.40 m x 2.70 m panels to accommodate the substantial concrete volumes and high pressure loads.

To support the cantilevered platform above, a complex shoring system was constructed using ST 100 stacking towers. These were assembled without bolts or screws using a stacking method that accelerated on-site build and removal. The towers were later combined with components from the PERI UP scaffolding kit to create access routes to the upper platform levels.