Eiffel 101: 8 Tips for Efficiency with Concrete Formwork
The faster and more efficiently you finish concrete construction, the better for your project and for your pocketbook. Using pre-engineered concrete formwork as opposed to many other modes of concrete construction already gives you an edge in terms of efficiency. Still, there are mistakes you could make when you use concrete formwork that could slow your project down or even stall it. Efficient use of concrete formwork often involves adequate preparation and preventative measures to prevent issues. Below are 8 tips to help you boost the efficiency of using concrete forms:
1. Ditch Damaged Formwork and Equipment
Before you use any formwork or shoring equipment, you should carefully inspect it for cracks, warping, and any other damage. If forms or equipment are damaged in a way that may compromise the successful use of forms, it’s a good idea to either repair them or replace them. Doing so can ultimately save you a lot of hassle.
2. Get Ready for Concrete to Be Delivered
Formwork should be installed and ready to go, and any equipment should be ready to use. Proper preparation will cut down unnecessary down time. When the concrete arrives on-site, you should be prepared to start pouring immediately.
3. Install Formwork in the Correct Location
This is an essential preparation step and should be done before concrete arrives to a site. Once you actually start pouring concrete, it’s too late to move forms for a re-do until after the concrete sets. If you do install formwork in an incorrect location, correcting the issue after the fact can be time-consuming and costly.
4. Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines
You should be well-aware of manufacturer’s guidelines for any pre-engineered concrete formwork you use. You want to make sure you use the formwork to its full potential, and you also want to avoid any safety issues that may arise as a result of not using it properly. You should follow all manufacturer’s instructions for any equipment or additional materials you use as well.
5. Make Use of Concrete Vibrators
Concrete vibration allows for stronger, denser concrete. It also enhances product finish and reduces the amount of concrete required. You want to ensure that your final product is durable, and concrete vibrators can help you do so. You don’t want to have to deal with a collapsed wall because you opted to forgo concrete vibration.
6. Brace Formwork Correctly
Correct bracing of formwork is incredibly important. If formwork isn’t adequately braced, bulging and formwork failure is highly possible. Bracing is another preventative measure you should take to ensure that time-consuming and costly issues don’t arise as the project progresses.
7. Remove Forms on Time
Depending on concrete specifications, formwork should be removed approximately two days after pouring. Removing it at the right time allows the concrete to both maintain its shape and for you to finish and round it as necessary easily.
8. Re-Use or Sell Your Forms
Get the most out of your pre-engineered concrete formwork and re-use it for future projects. If you don’t believe you’ll be able to find any applications for it in the foreseeable future, consider selling it. Concrete formwork retains its value quite well, and selling it can be quite profitable.
BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING
Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is your one-stop shop for concrete formwork. Our inventory ranges from column forms, to barrier footing forms, and everything in between. In addition, our construction material inventory includes barrier wall, hdpe pipe, steel pipe, and much more.
All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.
Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.