To achieve the best possible quality concrete in the construction manufacturing industry, one needs to own the best tools to manage. Budget-friendly gadgets, which are also easy to use, do reap good results and play a vital role in making construction cost-effective. Devices commonly used for this purpose include brackets, bolts, clamps, crimpers, screwdrivers, etc. At times, when these are short in supply, company members have to devise a plan B.

A lot of the time, these plans are not so profitable since they affect the wellbeing of the crew members, as well as increase total time duration. Furthermore, price increments lower overall productivity – making it safe to say that companies meeting the standard of providing research-proven, quality compatible products to clients can thrive off of it.

Concrete making has its grassroots that go back to 1300 BC when builders in the Middle East realized that a concrete covering over the walls of their fortresses could potentially make a pronounced difference in construction. They observed that just a thin, wet covering of limestone, when combines chemically with gases around, is enough to protect the outside walls of their palaces. This protection is from external air pollutants that could seriously tarnish their structures and cause early deterioration.

Later, in 1824, Joseph Aspdin in England came up with a method of mixing thoroughly pounded chalk with portions of clay inside a lime kiln so that the two elements would react together to give off carbon dioxide gas. The processed product would then be crushed a final time to be disposed of for construction. He named it Portland cement because of top-quality building stones situated in Portland, England.

Concrete formwork is a process known well to those well versed with the nitty-gritty of the job. In simple terms, it is a mold needed to give a specific shape to freshly brewed concrete till it dries and retains its shape, and remains sturdy after. It was a concept brought rise to first in the Roman Empire, the Romans always known for being far ahead of their time. It was there that the invention of the first concrete slabs took place and Roman engineers successfully pulled it off.

A few concrete formwork ties used in the process today are listed below:

HD Loop Panel Ties

It is vital to keep the forms in place with loop ties.

Commonly look like paper clips or hairpins with hooked edges.

These ties cut back onto the tension produced during cement framing and measure 2-1/8″ at the ends and 1″ break-back.

X Flat Tires

These do almost the same job as the panel ties-to hold the modular frames together and are most effective when used with Wedge Bolts.

It is a flat device with oval holes made at a distance along the length of it.

Available dimensions are 6″-84″ in 1/2″ additions. Break-back is at 1/4″.

Base Ties

This product is pretty self-explanatory, what with it used at the top or base of the cement mold.

Used without cones or break backs

The tool comprises two inverted U-shapes at the ends connected with a slim rod in between. These once again help keep the concrete secure for optimum manufacturing.

Wedge Bolts

These are more pointed in structure and act as anchoring tools in cement making.

Are galvanized/ zinc plated when worked with steel?

Its sturdy structure with steel threads running along the length of it helps make it one of the most effective construction tools

Controls vibrations

Used with a few tools described above, for example, Loop Panel Ties, X Flat Ties, etc.

Available in various sizes, for example, Long and Short Bolts

One Piece Waler Clamps

This specific tool is ideal for the job since it is safe to use and gets the job done quickly.

It works even better when paired with wedge bolts because wedge action provides a better grip on the forms.

Designed a way that there is a broader U-shape with a wooden rod passing through the upper edge.

Z Tie Holders and Waler Ties

When used together with Waler Ties, Z Tie Holders provide better support to hold twice the number of lumber wales in concrete form making.

Waler Ties come in 2 different sizes to secure varying sizes of lumber, ranging between 2×4 and 2×6.

J-Strongback Hooks and Strongback Ties

This tool has a more holistic purpose for the molds since it works in conjunction with the other devices. It is a structure that holds other devices in place for effective production in the following way:

The lumber is held firmly in place with a waler hooked onto the strongback.

Z Holders are used together with Strongback Loop Ties that are long-ended, thus providing a more solid grasp onto the mold.

The best part about Strongback Ties is that when it facilitates lumber walers and strongbacks, it eradicates the use of a Waler Tie.

It looks somewhat like two vertical wooden planks and is sturdy, specially designed to fulfill its purpose.

Brackets and Aligners

Often workers have to work above ground level, commonly called above grade or deck level in the construction industry. In such a case, the safety of workers becomes a matter of concern solved by using brackets.

Scaffold Brackets

Made use of when more than one form of safe flooring is required for the workers’ security because often equipment is placed above ground level.

Turnbuckles

These Aligners correctly place vertical forms for plumbing purposes.

It is carefully composed with a 1″ self-cleaning coil thread that adjusts swiftly and saves time. When talking about its measurements overall, it starts from around 37″ and can go up to 40″, providing room for adequate correction.

Pipe Form Aligners

As its name suggests, these aligners are shaped like a narrow pipe adjustable between 11′-7″ till up to 20′-9′ in length. It joins with side rails secured with coupling pins and hairpin clip and uses the Steel-Ply Pipe Form Aligner adaptor in doing so.

Just remember: You can save cost with concrete form rental provided by many suppliers.

Last Thoughts

Perhaps it is safe enough to say that even though different types of formwork exist, it is of utmost importance that some general concepts always play a role in determining the standard of output produced.

An approach to determining whether the equipment is suitable for this use is briefly listed as follows:

• it should be able to endure heavy loads
• manage to preserve its form when assisted with braces
• all parts of the machinery, especially the links, should be leak-proof
• reusable formwork for manufacture, if being made use of, should not cause damage to the concrete
• materials used should be as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible as well as lightweight for easy transportation

Alongside this, the pouring temperature has to be kept in check because temperature changes can drastically impact the pressure produced. It should be devised in a way that it can comfortably resist loads of both dry and wet cement.

However, proper equipment, if not backed by a skilled workforce, will still not reap the best results. Workers need to stay on a frequent lookout which can only be possible with efficient management.