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Flat Tie Forms
As the name implies, flat tie forms are the most basic of shaped concrete wall forms and only require a flat concrete slab. However, this type of form is the cheapest since it's easier to make and therefore, the preferred choice for budget-restricted buyers. Flat tie forms are commonly used in constructing residential houses where the wall does not need to have fancy textures or patterns. The end of the wall simply has a smooth finish concrete, and then drywall is mounted on the other side to mask the dimension. The only requirement is that the wall needs to be at least 4 inches thick for it to hold up.
Box Bolt Forms
A box bolt is a little more advanced concrete wall form that uses tensioning rods to bolt the forms together. This is done to resist the pressure of the poured concrete so that even thick walls can be formed. This form is ideal for foundations and retaining walls where higher strength is required.
Single-Sided Forms
As the name implies, these forms are only one-sided. They are set against the ground and concrete is poured on the other side, pushing it against the form. Although more practical than other options, single-sided forms are only used for temporary walls, such as in foundation pouring. Once the concrete cures, it becomes self-supporting and the form can be removed.
Insulated Forms
Insulated concrete forms combine the insulating properties of foam with the framing features of wall forms. Total wall thickness, including foam on both sides, can reach 12 inches or more for super-insulated walls. These forms can be reused multiple times as permanent forms, with the foam left in place as insulation.
Stay-in-place Forms
Similar to insulated forms, stay-in-place forms are designed to remain within a concrete wall post-pouring. Partially precast concrete panels snap together and are held in place by unique spacers. Once the concrete cures, the panels are attached to the building's structural framework. Stay-in-place forms are primarily used in commercial construction.
Concrete wall formwork consists mainly of plywood, oriented strand board, and steel and is usually supported by wooden and metal frames. Whatever the material, it should be adequately maintained for durability, and the specifications for maintenance may vary according to the type of formwork.
Thickness
The thickness of the plywood used for concrete forms depends on the load. Thicker plywood is needed for high-load areas because it is stronger and bends less.
Water resistance
Concrete walls are usually moist for days or weeks during construction. Therefore, wall forms must be water-resistant. Plywood marked as marine or concrete form plywood is water-resistant.
Weight
Plywood formwork sheets for concrete walls should not be overly thick. If too heavy, they will become difficult to handle and set up accurately. Lighter sheets that are below 18 mm are easier to work with.
Support properly
Plywood sheets should be supported at the edges to prevent sagging. This adds extra support at the centers of the sheets, especially if the plywood will hold a lot of wet concrete.
Correct cleaning
The concrete should be knocked off gently with a brush or by hand. Rigid scrapers that scratch the plywood surface should not be used. Harsh chemicals can also damage the wood, so only mild soap is advised.
Inspection
Before reusing plywood, look closely for cracks, splintered wood, and other damage. Any holes or large dings should be patched with wood glue and fiberglass repair fabric.
Strength
Steel framing can withstand the most force and lasts the longest, so it's ideal for high-load designs like tall apartment buildings.
Corrosion Resistance
Wet concrete will rust weak steel frames unless coated with zinc or waterproof paint. Stainless steel costs more but resists moisture indefinitely.
Keep wall forms clean
Concrete forms hold sludge and concrete chunks from prior jobs that are hard to remove. Before each use, the walls should be cleaned to prevent mixing debris with fresh concrete.
Check for damage
The concrete form walls should be checked for cracks or bending, and any issue should be addressed immediately. Even small changes can weaken the form and lead to issues like uneven pouring.
Reinforce weak spots
If any areas of the form start to bend or appear thin, internal wood supports should be added to shore them up for the next project. This helps prevent complete failure in high-stress sections.
Lubricate regularly
Reused concrete forms often stick to the first poured slab. This makes it hard to remove the form without damaging the slab. Before each use, a release agent like oil or wax should be applied to both sides of the forms. This repels the concrete and allows easy separation once the slab hardens.
Concrete wall forms are essential for creating strong, stable foundations that support the weight of the entire structure above. Used forms can be easily reused multiple times without much loss in performance, keeping foundation costs down.
On construction sites, especially when working on hilly or sloped terrain, concrete walls are needed all the time to hold back earth and prevent cave-ins. Formwork is critical for creating these sturdy retaining walls used for ground support and landscape features.
Concrete wall forms have a very important function inside homes for pouring basement walls that are durable and flood-resistant. A dry basement easily converts to living space, storage, or a workshop. Used forms make building basements more cost-friendly.
In retail stores, office buildings, and industrial facilities, concrete walls make the strongest and most fire-proof walls. Formwork helps shape these thick walls that are essential for the structural integrity of large commercial constructions.
Important civil engineering structures like dams and bridges often require immense forms to withstand the pressure of tons of poured concrete. Used forms can reduce costs while still creating space for massive water-control dams or stable overpass bridges.
Now concrete wall forms do more than just provide strength. Specially designed forms create decorative walls with interesting textures, patterns, and finishes that enhance a building’s style without expensive cladding.
In manufacturing, cement walls control vibrations, heat, and noise. Concrete wall forms shape these high-performance barrier walls needed for industrial safety, soundproofing, and energy efficiency.
The kind of wall an anchor bolt pulls tension on determines what kind of concrete form it uses. For example, thin wooden forms work well for small plaster and drywall interior walls. But thicker metal forms are needed for exterior heavy load walls. Insulated forms create high-R foundation walls too.
The wall forms should snap together easily without complicated tools. This will save time. Features like pre-drilled holes and alignment guides help make assembly quick.
Look for sturdy materials like marine plywood or galvanized steel that can withstand wet concrete loads and weather. Protective coatings should shield from rust. A more resilient form lasts through multiple pours.
After the concrete cures, it needs to be released without damaging the wall or the form itself. Release agents and built-in spacers allow the concrete forms to be reused many times while maintaining a smooth finish.
Builders rarely need identical forms. The ability to cut, modify, and order custom sized and shaped forms makes it possible to create unique walls for varying projects. Look for options like adjustable heights and patterned faceplates.
A1: The flat tie forms are the cheapest concrete forms because they are simple to build and mandrel less. They are the most straightforward type of shaped concrete forms, needing only a flat concrete slab. Since this kind of form is easier to make, it is the least expensive one. It is also the most common concrete form used when building homes because it is inexpensive and does not need stylish textures or patterns on the walls.
A2: However, with proper care, they can last 15 to 20 years and serve as a budget-friendly alternative. Approximately 4 million plyform is designed for a minimum of 300 panel uses on a 7-day basis, which means it can last for a very long time.
A3: Concrete block walls are the cheapest wall system. Concrete block is a very practical material because it is very cost-effective. Moreover, they last very long. They also give a home great resistance to wind and other storms.
A4: Before pouring the concrete, a release agent should be applied to the form surfaces. The release agent, often an oil or wax, creates a barrier between the concrete and the form that prevents sticking. This allows the forms to be stripped away cleanly after the concrete sets.
