Tag: concrete

The world of concrete forming has many details and intricacies. Concrete forming is necessary for almost any kind of large-scale construction. There is a lot to concrete forming and to be consistently successful with forming, you need as much expertise as you can get. Luckily, here at Form & Build, concrete forming is what we do best. Stacked with a team full of experts, we’re glad to be able to share our expertise. What’s the point of having this knowledge if we aren’t going to share it right? Today we’re going to discuss the ins-and-outs of everything related to concrete forming. From helpful and important advice to the specific details of accessories, we’re here to help educate.

Concrete forming involves creating molds or frameworks into which concrete is poured and allowed to harden, taking on the shape of the mold. This process is crucial in construction for shaping concrete into desired structures such as walls, columns, beams, and slabs. Formwork can be made of various materials like wood, steel, aluminum, or plastic, depending on the project requirements. It requires careful planning, precise measurements, and skilled labor to ensure the resulting concrete structures are strong, durable, and meet design specifications. Proper formwork is essential for achieving desired aesthetics, structural integrity, and overall project success. With the proper materials, accessories, and knowledge, one can complete vast diversity of projects.

Forming Systems

A concrete forming system is a set of components and techniques used to create molds or frameworks for pouring and shaping concrete during construction. These systems typically include formwork materials such as wood, steel, aluminum, or plastic, along with supporting hardware like braces, ties, and connectors. The system is designed to be adjustable and reusable, allowing for efficient construction. There are a wide variety of concrete forming systems you can use. We are proud to be carriers of Advance forming systems. Concrete forming systems come in a diverse selection of sizes and measurements, ensuring that the systems can work for any kind of construction job.

The standard for 1-1/8” Advance forming systems are the 8FT 4Bar system and the 8FT 6Bar system. The 8FT 4Bar system is the most economical of the 1-1/8” systems using the fewest ties and being the lightest. However, less ties and bars result in more deflection in the form. Deflection is when the form expands outwards under the pressure of the concrete. Due to the last bar being 20″ from the top it tends to spread wider than the desired wall width. Pouring higher walls can be a little more difficult with this system. The tie capacity is 3000lbs and tested to a ​safety factor of 1.5 (4500lbs). The location of the bars is measured from the​ base/bottom of the form to the center of the bar. Some manufacturers measure to the bottom of the bar. Some to the top. Advance uses the centre of the 2” bars. Pictured below is the diagram for the varying options with the 8FT 4Bar system.

The 8FT 6Bar system’s consistent spacing allows the forms to be cut down and used​ as smaller sizes i.e. the 8ft 6bar can be made into a 5ft 4in 4bar. There is less deflection due to more ties and closer spacing and has a faster rate of pour. The staggered stacking makes higher pours possible. However, with more ties, there is an increased cost on regular foundations. The forms are also heavier with this system as opposed to the previously discussed system. Just like with the 8FT 4Bar, the tie capacity is 3000lbs and tested to a safety factor of 1.5 (4500lbs) and uses the centre of the 2” bars for measures. Pictured below is the diagram for the varying options with the 8FT 6Bar system.

Corners

Corners play a vital role in providing structural integrity, alignment, support, and reinforcement for concrete forming systems. They help maintain the shape and stability of formwork, ensure accurate alignment of formwork panels, act as anchor points for bracing, and contribute to the overall strength of the system. Corners are essential components that help achieve precise and reliable concrete structures during construction projects. Each system has matching corners, the most common being:

  • 1×1 Outside – the standard outside corner for the Advance system.  The corner security locks the outside abutting panels in place at a 90-degree angle.
  • 2 Inch Offset – used on a continuous wall when the wall thickness changes by 2″.
  • 2×2 Outside – This corner adds 2″ in each direction enabling you to switch from an 8″ to a 10″ wall and utilize existing fillers.
  • 4×4 Hinged Inside – used for a variety of varying degree angles for the inside of the wall.
  • 4×4 Fixed – 135 Degree – This fixed inside corner locks the inside panels in place to achieve a 135-degree angle for bay windows regardless of the thickness of the wall.
  • 4×4 Inside – the standard inside corner for the Advance Concrete forming system.  The corner locks the inside abutting panels in place at 90-degree angle.
  • 4×6 Inside – is used when the ongoing wall thickness changes 2″ at T wall.

Ties

Ties are essential components of concrete forming systems, securing formwork panels together during concrete pouring and curing. They ensure proper alignment, support, and stability of the formwork, contributing to the structural integrity and quality of the resulting concrete structure. Ties come in various designs and are selected based on the specific requirements of the project. Properly installed ties help prevent formwork failure and ensure safety on construction sites. Here are the various ties and their uses:

  • Resi Tie – Commonly used in residential construction projects where simplicity, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and minimal surface damage are prioritized. Come in straight and bent. Bent ties feature a v-notch on the inner breakback for ultra-reliable breakoff with a single hammer blow (only used in 1-1/8” system)
  • Resi Coil Tie – With a resi-tie electronically welded to a 1/2″ coil tie end, this tie gives the user the versatility of threaded coil rod for one-sided forming, long ties, and other purposes, while still using the quickest, handset modular form system (only used in 1-1/8” system)
  • Offset Resi Tie – Are precisely bent resi-ties meant to strengthen offset sections of foundation walls where it is not possible to use a straight tie (only used in 1-1/8” system)
  • Aluma Coil Tie – This unique tie is a standard aluminum form flat tie on one end and a 1/2″ coil rod adapter on the other end. You can connect your aluminum forms to industry-standard 1/2″ coil rod to deal with difficult forming situations, such as one-sided forming or field-adjustable length ties
  • Aluminum Form Tie – Offer a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and reusable solution for securing formwork panels
  • Cam Lock Loop Coil Tie – With a loop tie end and self centering cone, electronically welded to a two-strut, 1/2” coil tie end, this tie allows the user to take advantage of the versatility of threaded coil rod for one-sided forming, long ties, and other purposes when using Gates Cam-Lock forms and hardware
  • Combo Tie – Used to transition between Steel Ply and Job-built forming. One side is offered as a loop tie and the opposing end is a button head snap tie
  • Custom Snap Tie – Used in situations where standard form ties may not be suitable due to specific project requirements. Typically designed and manufactured to meet unique specifications and dimensions, tailored to the needs of a particular project
  • Deep Breakback Tie – With an 1-1/2” breakback and optional waterstop, it makes it possible to pour commercial-specification concrete walls with 1-1/8” form panels. The precisely crimped ends of this round wire tie fit the swing latches of standard 1-1/8” forms in the same way as standard flattened wire ties
  • Fiberglass Tie – Never rusts, resists water seepage, and it eliminates the need for breakback requirements and patching
  • Loop Coil Tie – The unique design allows you to make a convenient connection between Steel Ply style formwork and 1/2” coil rod for one-sided forming, adjustable-length ties, blind-side forming, etc.
  • Loop Tie – Secure two parallel formwork panels together. They consist of a continuous loop made of wire or steel rod, with each end of the loop inserted into the formwork on opposite sides of the panels. Carry a safe working load of 3000 lbs with optional cones and waterseal
  • One-Piece Hook Tie – Provide a fast way to connect your formwork to the rebar studs on blind side walls
  • Snap Coil Tie – A multipurpose transition tie for “job-built” plywood concrete forms. With a button head snap tie electronically welded to a 1/2” coil tie end, this tie gives the user the versatility using of threaded coil rod for one-sided forming, long ties, and other purposes, while still using familiar, low-labor-cost means of attachment to formwork (slotted wedges, Jahn brackets)
  • Stud Tie – Clip on to existing weld studs for connection to 1/2” coil rod. Provide a quick, secure way to attach formwork to existing 3/4” headed weld studs (shear connectors) with 1/2” coil rod. Special coil loop and retainer clip combine to make secure in-line connection of 1/2” coil rod to weld stud
  • Turnbuckle Loop Coil Tie – A way to adjust the length of a tie after it is in place and attached to the formwork. Like the industry-standard LC Loop-Coil Ties, these ties provide a convenient connection between Steel Ply formwork and 1/2” coil rod, for one-sided forming, adjustable-length ties, blind-side forming, etc.

Clips

Clips play a crucial role in concrete forming systems by providing secure connections between formwork panels, ensuring the integrity and quality of the resulting concrete structures. Here are the varying clips and their uses:

  • 90° Corner Clips – Provide a quick, low-cost alternative to full height outside corners. The standard 90° corner clip replaces outside 1×1 corners. Corner clips are less expensive, more durable, and more universal than fixed corners.
  • Angle Corner Clips – Again, provide a quick, low-cost alternative to full height outside corners. The standard 90° corner clip replaces outside 1×1 corners and angled clips replace expensive outside angle corners. Corner clips are less expensive, more durable, and more universal than fixed corners. Come in 22.5 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees
  • Curved Wall Clips – Are a quick way to connect standard 1-1/8” filler panels together to form curved walls. By adjusting the widths of inner and outer filler panels (to keep opposing panel joints roughly aligned) curved walls of any radius, down to approximately 3ft, are possible
  • SideBar Extension Clips – Allows you to easily add extra heights or secure job-built fillers to modular steel frame forms. Available in two sizes for 1-1/2” lumber and 3/4” plywood. The clip holds itself in place when lumber is installed, or for additional security a wedge bolt can be installed
  • Small Clips – Used in forming situations where a full panel latch is unavailable. This may occur where there are step-up in a wall, or when using narrow fillers that don’t have a latch
  • Stacking Clips – Thin, strong, steel clips for joining 1-1/8” plywood panels to other 1-1/8” stock or to 1-1/2” lumber. Gives you a quick, inexpensive way to pour a slightly higher wall with your existing form panels

Accessories

Now there are plenty of accessories as well in the wide world of concrete forming that have yet to be discussed. Some jobs require some to many of them while others might require none. It’s all dependant on the construction project. Here are some additional accessories and their uses:

  • Aluminum Foam Clamps – Make it easy to form brickledge and other blockouts on foundation walls when using aluminum form panels. The adjustable clamp attaches to the top of the form panel with a standard form pin and wedge and holds consumable foam panels tight against the inside form face without fasteners
  • AnchorBar – Use the fastener or mechanical anchor of your choice (up to 5/8” diameter) to connect formwork to existing structures, whether wood, concrete, or steel. Or, weld the body of the AnchorBar to steel structures for an inexpensive weld-on tie point with swivel coil loop
  • Cages – Are designed to hold up to twenty-two 1-1/8” form panels. A unique, solid steel, forged lifting bar allows for convenient placement of forms at job sites using a boom truck, crane, or other lifting equipment
  • Coil-Lag – Designed to provide a temporary means of attaching formwork to wood structures. Typical application is one-sided forming against soldier piles with wood lagging
  • Coil Loop – Designed as a universal means of attaching to rebar and steel studs. The loop features a bulb shape which is large enough to accept up to a #9 rebar, or easily slip over a the head of a Nelson Stud
  • Coil Rod – A threaded rod that is cut to length and then rolled which means it’s free of burrs and threads easily
  • Coil-Stud – Fast, low-cost method of attaching formwork to steel structures. Provide low-cost attachment points for coil hardware-based form ties onto steel structures. Typical application: one-sided forming against soldier piles or sheet piling
  • Foam Nails – Make it easy to form brickledge and other blockouts on foundation walls when using Steel Ply, 1-1/8”, or other plywood faced forming systems. Simply attach the desired foam block to the face of the panel with two nails per panel
  • Hold Down Bracket – Used for securing 1-1/8” form panels to footings or underlying slabs against uplift on battered walls or similar applications. Attaches to waler bolt on lowest panel bar (for panels with bars 8” above bottom)
  • Rebar Coil Clamp – A heavy duty version of the popular Rebar Hook. This clamp will allow you to tie onto rebar up to size #11. Available in multiple threadforms for virtually any form system
  • Rebar Hook – A low-cost, fast means of connecting threaded rod at right angles anywhere along the length of rebar for a variety of purposes. The unique arrangement of two opposing hooks makes it easy to make a field connection to rebar with limited clearance
  • Scaffold Bracket – Have keyhole slots to attach to the hex head shoulder bolts of panels or compatible 1-1/8” form panels. Each scaffold bracket attaches to two bolts to safely carry the load. Heavy duty, welded 1/4” steel and angle iron construction. Keyhole slots provide a strong and secure means of attachment to form panel shoulder bolts
  • Stacking Plate – Are used to secure a tie at the joints between panels on the 1-1/8” plywood forming systems. Commonly used when stacking 4- or 5-bar panels between the successive courses
  • Strongback Clamps – Securely fasten strongbacks to formwork panels, enhance structural support, prevent bowing or buckling, and improve formwork strength
  • Waler Brackets – Provide support and attachment points for walers, enhancing stability, ensuring uniform pressure distribution
  • Waler Clamps – Used  to secure walers horizontally to the formwork panels. Sets securely with a quick blow to the wedge, and strips just as easily

There are a lot of components in a concrete forming system. You need a high level of expertise to effectively complete concrete forming jobs. The knowledge gained today on types of systems, corners, ties, clips and many more accessories should give you an excellent foundation for your concrete forming knowledge. Form & Build is your go to spot for any and all concrete forming needs. From full on systems to small ties, we have it all. With a full team of experts we are always ready and eager to help with all concrete forming needs. You can check out our full display of products here on our website now, or feel free to call any of our six branches to speak with a representative yourself.

Devan Martel, Outside Sales Representative

We experience harsh winters in Canada. As the cold weather approaches, you may be thinking “I need to buy some salt”. For years, salt has been the go-to solution to combat ice build-up on our concrete sidewalks, patios, and driveways. However, de-icing salt can cause damage that lowers the value and aesthetic of your concrete investment.

So what if I told you there was an alternative?

Don’t Blame it all on the Salt
Strictly speaking, salt doesn’t react with cured concrete. However, it does lower the freezing point of water, attract moisture, and increase the presence of water within the slab. If your concrete has a weak surface, it can ‘pop-off’ when the water in the slab expands during the freezing process. This will leave you with a patchy mess come Springtime. Salt remnants can also migrate through your slab and corrode any reinforcing steel and cause problems for the structural integrity of your slab.

In these ways, excessive salting in the winter can diminish the value of your concrete flatwork.

Strategies to Keep your Investment Looking It’s Best
Let’s face it, Canada is a challenging environment for decorative concrete. The temperature change from season to season is dramatic. Despite the universal use of air-entrainment products to manage the freeze-thaw cycle, spalling is often times likely.

As we would always recommend, your first line of defence in this situation is to make sure you use a trusted professional for any concrete flatwork. Quality workmanship always goes a long way to the longevity of your concrete investment. In addition to this, products and techniques exist to further protect your investment. Assuming the installation of your slab was completed to the highest standards, the following strategies should help guard your concrete from the harsh winter elements.

Sealing Concrete Does More Than Make It Look Pretty
The easiest way to protect your concrete is by sealing it. By using a sealer, you’re creating a barrier between your concrete and moisture. This prevents water from penetrating into the slab thereby reducing the risk of pop-offs due to the freeze-thaw cycle.
With hundreds of sealers on the market all claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to find the right product for you. However, through our decades of experience, we are confident to present you with what we consider your best options below.

Topical Sealers
Topical sealers are a great option for protecting concrete surfaces. They’re available in water-based formulations for interior work and solvent-based formulations for exterior substrates. They work by creating a UV-stable film membrane on the surface. Although they can be slick when wet, they protect from abrasion, stains, chemicals, and moisture. Topical sealers have the added benefit of enhancing the look of your concrete by darkening accent tones which can really make the colours pop. They’re available in a low-gloss, matte finish, or a high-shine wet look finish.

Looking for a sealer that offers both high-shine and durability? We recommend using W.R. Meadows Hiac-Plus  with Shark-Grip  for added slip-resistance.

Penetrating Sealers
Penetrating sealers work differently. Rather than forming a film at the surface of the slab, these sealers are absorbed into the pores of the concrete. They react chemically with molecules naturally found in concrete to form a hydrophobic, water-repellent resin within the slab’s pores.

Although providing no visual enhancements, penetrating sealers work better than topical sealers at preventing the intrusion of moisture into the slab. This ensures complete protection from freeze-thaw cycles. Keep in mind, though, that penetrating sealers can ONLY be applied if there are no existing coatings or sealers already on the slab.

Penetrating sealers are available in various formulations depending on the porosity of your slab and the corresponding protection requirements. Greater porosity means you need a higher active solids content in the sealer to get the proper protection. Therefore, for a porous slab, we would likely recommend you purchase a penetrating sealer with 100% active solids content versus one with only 40%.

We are proud to carry W.R. Meadows Pentreat sealers among our line of penetrating sealers. This line of sealer comes in both a 100% and 40% active solids content formulation. For a list of all our sealers, click here. If you are unsure which sealer best suits your job, feel free to call any one of our five branches for advice.

Contractor’s Choice Ice Melter – Your Salt Alternative
We began this discussion on the corrosive aspects of salt. By now, it should be apparent that proper sealing techniques go a long way to protecting your concrete through the winter. But the problem of ice build-up – and how to get rid of it – remains.

To avoid the corrosive and damaging aspects of salt, we recommend you use Contractor’s Choice Ice Melter. Contractor’s Choice Ice Melter effectively melts ice even when the temperature drops to -25 Celsius. By contrast, salt melts ice down to -3 Celsius. Additionally, Contractor’s Choice Ice Melter’s composition does not have the corrosive elements of salt and will mitigate damage to your concrete.

Our Recommendation to You
In summary, by following the steps below, you should be able to keep your concrete sidewalks, patios, and driveways ice-free while protecting the quality of your investment:
1. Seal your sidewalk, patio, or driveway before the winter:
a. To enhance the look of your concrete, use a topical sealer.
b. If no coating or sealer has ever been applied before, use a penetrating sealer for enhanced protection.
2. Do your best to keep all walkways, driveways, and patios free of snow through regular shoveling or snow-blowing.
3. When ice builds up, use Contractor’s Choice Ice Melter to take care of the problem.

Still Have Questions? No problem!
We hope this article has been helpful and informed you on ways to reduce the risk of slip-and-falls in the winter while protecting your concrete. If you still have questions or require further assistance, feel free to give us a call at Form and Build. Our experienced sales team have been helping our valued customers battle Canadian Winters for 45 years. Call your local branch to have a member of our team put your mind at ease and keep your concrete looking brand new for years to come!

Devan Martel, Outside Sales Representative

Corrosion is one of the leading factors when it comes to the durability of materials and structures. By battling corrosion, we are able to prolong the life of existing structures and minimize corrosion damage in new construction. Many manufacturers have flooded the market with products claiming to be the next best thing since sliced bread, but not every corrosion inhibitor works the same. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard finding the right product for your application. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and found them for you.

Who is Cortec Corporation?
Cortec Corporation is the world leader in innovative corrosion protection solutions. The company has developed solutions to tackle corrosion problems in packaging, construction, oil and gas, and many other industries.  With over 400 products developed and 60 patents since 1977, it’s clear that Cortec Corporation are experts in what they specialize in – corrosion. Cortec MCI Cortec MCI is a division of Cortec Corporation that focuses on the construction industry. Cortec MCI products maintain structural integrity, rehabilitate vulnerable structures, and alleviate environmental concerns. Their product offering includes admixtures, surface treatments, rust converters, and more.

What Are Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors
Migrating corrosion inhibitors penetrate through the concrete to surround the structural steel, thus preventing corrosion. They work to penetrate the substrate in 3 ways;
• Capillary Action
• Vapor Phase
• Ionic Attraction

Once in contact with the embedded metals, a protective molecular layer is formed to stop corrosive elements dead in its tracks. Not only does it work to prevent corrosion, it also reduces existing corrosion rates as well.

Choosing the Right Product for The Job
With such an extensive product offering, choosing the right MCI product for your job may be a daunting task. Luckily for you, our sales team has undergone extensive training to help make your decision easier. Below we’ve taken the time to highlight 3 key products from their offering.

MCI-2005NS
MCI-2005NS is an organic corrosion inhibiting admixture that is added to the mix water of ready-mix concrete at the plant. It is effective at enhancing the durability and extending the service life of concrete structures. It is dosed at 1L/m3 – a huge benefit over other products that may be dosed as high as 30L/m3. While calcium nitrite based inhibitors will accelerate the set of the concrete, MCI-2005NS wont affect it at all. In fact, MCI-2005 may be used when a delayed set is required.
For more information on MCI 2005NS, click here.

MCI-2020
MCI-2020 is surface applied, migrating corrosion inhibitor that is capable of penetrating through concrete, mortar and limestone. It can be used in new or existing structures, such as highways, parking garages, and potable water structures. As a surface treatment, it’s crucial to know that MCI-2020 will not stain or discolor the existing concrete surface. It is easily applied using a brush, roller or sprayer.  For more information on MCI-2020, click here. 

MCI-2018
Much like MCI-2020, MCI-2018 is a surface applied product that migrates into even the densest of concrete. It is a 100% silane concrete sealer that provides water repellency by reacting with the substrate.  Once applied and cured, the treated substrate will become hydrophobic and retain its original appearance. Application is made easy through the use of a sprayer, roller or squeegee. For more information on MCI-2018, click here

Where Can I Buy MCI Products?
Cortec Corporation sells their products through distribution. This means that the general public cannot purchase their products directly from them but must do so through one of their distributing partners. At Form & Build, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best products in the market. That’s why we’re excited to hold exclusive rights to Cortec MCI products within Ontario.

Contact your local branch or sales rep today for all inquiries.