Brief 

Meta Description: Did you know that concrete formwork represents almost half the cost of a concrete structure? Learn how to get the most out of your budget with these easy panel care tips, including proper stripping, cleaning, handling and storage, coating and agents, and the effects of admixtures.

 

 

Insight

Concrete formwork can represent almost half the cost of a concrete structure, making it essential to take care of the panels to ensure optimal performance and cost savings. APA-trademarked concrete form panels are designed to provide consistent performance and reliability from one job to the next, making them a smart choice for builders looking to reduce costs. Proper care and maintenance are key to getting the most out of these panels.

When removing concrete formwork, metal bars or pry bars should not be used on plywood, as they can damage the panel surface and edge. Wood wedges should be used instead, and the panels should be inspected for wear and tear and cleaned, repaired, and refinished as necessary. They should also be treated with a form-release agent before reusing.

It is important to handle and store the panels carefully to prevent chipping, denting, and corner damage during transportation. Plywood forms should be stacked carefully flat, face-to-face and back-to-back, for hauling, and cleaned immediately after stripping. They can be solid-stacked or stacked in small packages, with faces together, to slow the drying rate and minimize face checking.

Protective sealant coatings and release agents can increase the life of the plywood forms and aid in stripping. However, it is important to check the specifications before using any release agent on the forms, as some admixtures added to the concrete mix may decrease the life of the forming panel.

APA-trademarked concrete form panels are manufactured to strict product standards and are subject to rigorous quality verification and testing programs. It is important to look for concrete forming panels bearing the APA trademark, as they are manufactured by APA members committed to quality inspection and testing. APA-member manufacturers can be found throughout North America, with a wide selection of concrete-forming panels and engineered wood products available at distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The number of pours expected from a sheet of concrete forming plywood depends on several factors, including the expected finish on the concrete, the overlay, the concrete mix, maintenance, and care. With reasonable care, HDO Plyform can normally produce 20 to 50 reuses or more. Builders should consult their supplier for advice on maximizing the number of pours.

 

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Related Questions:

 

Related Books

  • ACI 347R-14, Guide to Formwork for Concrete Paperback      UK     USA
  • Formwork for Concrete Structures     UK     USA

 

 

Related Standards:

 

 

Related Challenges:

  1. Choosing high-quality plywood that can withstand the weight and pressure of wet concrete without warping or breaking.
  2. Ensuring that the thickness and size of the plywood are appropriate for the height and pressure of the formwork required for the structure being cast.
  3. Providing adequate support for the plywood formwork to prevent buckling or collapsing under the weight of the wet concrete.
  4. Treating the surface of the plywood formwork with a release agent to prevent the concrete from sticking, which requires careful and accurate application.
  5. Maintaining the structural integrity of the plywood formwork over time to ensure its safe reuse in future projects.
  6. Removing the plywood formwork after the concrete has set without damaging the structure, which requires careful and slow removal in sections.

 

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