Forming systems have been used for construction since time immemorial. Whether it’s clay or concrete that needs curing and hardening, a forming system can hold it in place until the desired shape is achieved. For millennia, concrete forming systems have evolved into stronger and more efficient structures. They’ve come a long way since the day when the only available materials were stone and wood. Now, we have aluminum concrete forming systems to boot, and they offer a great deal of benefits.

Flexibility

Perhaps the greatest weakness of wood, the oldest and most popular concrete forming material, is that it has a very limited capacity, mainly because it’s organic and it’s lighter and less dense than concrete. Wood can’t even bend enough to hold circular columns or structures, so a complex support and scaffolding should be included in the formwork. Aluminum forming systems, on the other hand, come with aluminum plates, which bend well.

Recyclability

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal. It does not rust. Especially because concrete forms are exposed to the moisture from the concrete itself, they really have to be corrosion-resistant or else they will compromise concrete’s structural integrity as they rust. Not only is aluminum capable of holding up until the end of the curing period but it can also be recycled or even reused immediately for another project.

Smooth Finish

The aluminum plates and sheets manufactured into concrete wall forms for sale have a smooth finish, so you can expect the output to be coating-ready without the need for plastering. Unlike wooden forms that are likely to imprint grains and surface flaws on the concrete, aluminum plates don’t have any marks or traces to leave behind.

Higher Capacity

Forming systems are designed to resist the outward pressure exerted by the weight of concrete. This pressure creates tension within the concrete form, enough to break apart any material that has low tensile strength. It’s a good thing metals like aluminum are known for their high tensile strength. In fact, they are at the top of the chain when it comes to tension resistance.

With all these amazing features of aluminum concrete forming systems, any smart contractor like you wouldn’t hesitate to include them in their services. In fact, since it is considered an upgrade to have aluminum concrete forms in your options, you can mention it in your ads as an added perk to attract more clients. Just make sure to get the forms from a reputable supplier like LECO Corporation.

Source:

https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1446

Any habitable structure consists of at least five major elements—foundation, floor, wall, columns, and beams. You’ve probably heard much about a structure’s foundation, columns, and beams since they function mainly as load bearers, but haven’t given much notice to the other naturally non-load-bearing elements, particularly the walls.

Considering that walls function as mere covering and partition of a building, they are usually not the focus of most construction-related discussions. In fact, in actual construction, they are usually built last. Nonetheless, there’s more to these walls than you almost certainly know. Here are some information about them that you might find useful in making decisions for your own construction projects.

They Are Not Always Non-Load-Bearing

Walls are often classified as non-load-bearing, and it’s easy to understand why. If you remove them, the structure would most likely remain standing. But this is not always the case. Most architectural designs include load-bearing walls for added support. This is done to prevent a structure from collapsing on sections where column and beam support is expected to be weak. They provide either a continuous support along the girder or perpendicular to it.

They Come in Different Types

A concrete wall is often made of cement blocks, mortar, and sometimes reinforcement. The cement blocks builders use come in at least four types, each of which provides a different level of support and stability. Depending on their function in the structure, their construction may or may not require concrete forming systems.

• Solid Concrete Blocks – These are cement blocks that do not have holes or hollows for reinforcement, hence the name. They can come in the form of bricks, carved stones, or concrete itself. The only material that connects them is mortar.

 

• Hollow Concrete Blocks – Often used in small-scale construction, this consists of hollows, which allow the insertion of reinforcement bars. The hollows are later filled with mortar, making the final output compact.

 

• Lightweight Aerated Concrete Blocks – This is a lightweight, precast, foam concrete building material that provides support, insulation, and resistance to fire and mold. It is less dense than conventional cement blocks but makes a strong, solid material when bound with mortar.

 

• Fly Ash Concrete Blocks – They are technically a type of hollow block, except they are made from a mix of class C or class F fly ash and water. The high concentration of calcium in the class C fly ash makes the particles cement themselves when mixed with water and dried.

They Need Formwork, Too

In small-scale construction, with most walls anticipated to be non-load-bearing, strategic stacking of the cement blocks is enough to set up the walls. For more stable and finer result, forms can be used. Not only will the additional mortar further bolster the solidity of the walls, but it will also provide a finer finish that may no longer need manual plastering.

In case you find using formwork more efficient and safe for your structure, do so but make sure to comply with existing building standards. For best results, buy concrete wall forms for sale from one of the country’s leading providers, such as LECO. They sure have a range of choices that can help you find the most suitable one for your project.


Source:

How to Identify a Load-Bearing Wall, lifehacker.com

It’s hard to imagine a construction project that does not involve the use of concrete. For millennia, builders have used all sorts of composite material they produce by combining fine and coarse aggregates. The most trusted option, which is still extensively used today even with the growing popularity of “sustainable” materials, is concrete, and for good reasons. The following information may enlighten you on the real reason why concrete is still the best construction material available.
                                           
Fire and Water Resistance
 
Although the formula for making concrete includes water as the binder, the final output is actually impervious. Meaning, water or any other fluid cannot seep through it, except if the concrete was poorly done and has tiny voids within it. The final output is also essentially a rock, and so it doesn’t burn like wood or plastic. It has a higher thermal resistance than metal as well, which makes it a perfect material for constructing structures that are intended for applications involving high heat.
 
Impressive Compressive Strength
 
One of the biggest adversaries of builders is the inevitable force of gravity. The taller the structure, the greater gravitational force they have to resist. Failure to resist gravity can cause collapse. No other material can handle the compressive force of gravity than concrete. Metals like steel may seem capable due to their toughness but they are actually good at resisting tension, not compression. Concrete, with the right concrete forming systems in place, can perform that role better. In fact, to resist both compression and tension, which are both present in any structural system, builders have learned to reinforce concrete with steel bars.
 
Visibility and Safety
 
Concrete has always been the ideal material for building roads and other kinds of horizontal structures mainly because of its compressive strength, too. Unlike asphalt, it can efficiently handle moving loads without sustaining major damage. It’s also bright-colored, making concrete roads look visible even at night, consequently improving road safety. Unfortunately, because its source is unsustainable and building miles upon miles of roads may require a great volume of material, the cost of concrete is also disappointingly prohibitive.
 
Heavy Enough to Cause Compression
 
While concrete is excellent in resisting compression, it is heavy enough to cause compression itself. Nevertheless, its compressive strength is way too stronger to handle its own weight, making the construction of high-rise concrete structures possible, although that’s almost mainly due to the reinforcement within its core. 
 
With these basic facts about concrete, you can think of a better idea of how you should handle it during construction. For instance, as you anticipate the immense weight of concrete, it won’t be difficult to decide the type of concrete wall forms for sale to purchase and use. However, all of the considerations are already found in building codes. All you have to do is to follow them.
 
Source:
 
10 Surprising Facts About Concrete You Never Heard About Before, tiltwall.ca

Thirteen construction workers were severely injured while working at a mixed-use development in Oakland, California on May 2017. The cause of the accident was the collapse of a shoring system while concrete was being poured into the formwork it was supporting. Investigators later found evidence that point to safety violations committed by the three main contractors of the project, who were later fined $147,315 for damages.
 
This incident is a perfect example of the disaster that can happen if the concrete forming systems used during construction fall short of building standards, which begs the question, “what type of formwork is safe to use?” or “how do you know which type of material makes a good formwork?”
 
The truth is that there are a range of options to choose from, each of which can perform well depending on several essential factors, including the size of the project, the loading involved, the part of the structure that needs concreting, and the like. Here are the most commonly used types of formwork used for construction.
 
Timber
 
Before synthetic materials were introduced to the construction industry, builders had relied heavily on timber. They used it in almost anything, be it as formwork components or as the actual structural components. As a formwork material, timber exhibits exceptional strength and durability. While it is practically organic, properly treated timber can hold up to excessive weight and resist infestation. Even in modern construction work, this material is still a viable choice of material for building formwork systems. However, for large projects that involve incredible amount of load, timber is usually replaced with tougher materials, such as metal or plastic.
 
Plastic
 
While plastic in general has a reputation for poor quality, there are certain types of plastic that can rival timber and some metal alloys in terms of robustness. Not only are they easy to manufacture and use, but plastic formwork systems are also reusable. Unfortunately though, plastics have far lower tolerance to stresses compared to today’s high-quality aluminum concrete wall forms for sale from top providers like LECO Concrete Forms and Supplies.
 
Metal
 
Those who can’t afford to risk the success of their construction projects should go with metal concrete forms. Compared to other materials, metal has a higher tensile strength, which is essential to the function of a formwork. As concrete is poured into the formwork, tension builds up on the interior surface of the mold. Metal can easily hold up to this kind of pressure better than other materials. And because it is made of aluminum, a notoriously corrosion-resistant metal, rusting has been completely removed from the list of potential issues.
 
The evolution of construction materials has made it easier for builders to find suitable formwork materials for their projects. The options are almost limitless but the best is always the one that promises great results. For guaranteed successful formwork construction, get in touch with a world-class concrete form manufacturer, such as LECO Concrete Forms and Supplies.
 
Sources:
 
Types of Formwork (Shuttering) for Concrete Construction and its Properties, theconstructor.org
Three contractors cited by Cal/OSHA in formwork collapse that injured 13 workers, safety.blr.com

When you need to build a structure that could withstand the elements, you need to choose your materials carefully. It has to be durable as well as incredibly easy and effective to work with so it does not negatively affect build efficiency. Hence, you should definitely consider using concrete forming systems to get the job done.
 
A concrete forming system allows for concrete to be formed in such a way that it would fit a particular architectural design without compromising stability. These forms are usually made of aluminum which makes them not only very light but sturdy as well. They also require only a hammer and a couple of wrenches to use. Hence, it’s a cost efficient option for any project you are working on. As for maintenance, aluminum concrete forms hardly require any, so long as good quality form oil is used with every pour.

That said, there are many ways that you can utilize concrete forming systems in your current construction project.
 
Basements

You can use concrete forming systems to construct a basement with a strong perimeter around it so that there is no chance that water or any other system from below ground would penetrate into the room once it’s already in use. It also ensures that the structure would hold against any possible soil erosion.
 
Retaining Walls
 
Every structure requires sturdy retaining walls and that's exactly what one formed with a concrete forming system provides you. They keep soil out effectively so you are sure that structural integrity is never compromised. Depending on what you are building, take note too that there are two different types of flared bracing that you can choose from when you require some concrete wall forms. If you are unsure which one would suit your project best, you can always consult with your architects and engineers.
 
If you are looking to build a structure that is sturdy and cost efficient, consider utilizing concrete forming systems for various architectural details of your project. In using this, one thing is for certain. Through the use of concrete forming systems, the structures you build will stay standing proudly and in good condition for a very long time, without blowing the budget.
 
Sources:
 
Working with Concrete, cement.org
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs), cement.or

Form systems play a major role in construction projects that involve the use of concrete. They are responsible for ensuring that concrete is shaped according to the required architectural design without compromising stability. With building designs becoming more and more complex as demands for functional space continues to grow, developing concrete forming systems is also becoming increasingly challenging.

The most common types of concrete form material are plywood and steel. While both exhibit beneficial qualities, they may not be ideal for certain types of project. For instance, plywood-based formwork may not be ideal for high-rises since constructing tall buildings involves a much heavier load, which the form may not be able to hold. Steel forms, on the other hand, can handle heavy loads but are malleable enough to be formed into complex shapes.

Today’s builders are turning to a more viable option—aluminum concrete forms—and for good reasons.

Strong but Formable

When it comes to strength, aluminum rivals steel, so either metal can be a great choice. When supporting an intricate building design, however, aluminum is more preferable because of its malleable and elastic properties. It can be pushed to extreme dimensional limits without snapping or breaking. If a material is not strong enough to hold concrete to a certain shape, irregularities in shape may occur. These tiny flaws can have a huge impact on the building’s structural integrity.

Lightweight

Apart from aluminum’s incredible malleability, it is also light and therefore easy to work with. The weight of the form is crucial because a form when installed becomes part of the structure during the early stages of the project. Meaning, its weight adds to the overall weight of the structure being cured. If the forms are too heavy, the building may collapse even before it is fully cured. This is why aluminum is a better choice than steel.

Aluminum Forms Can Be Reused

Unlike steel, aluminum and its alloys don’t contain iron, a metal known for its quick reaction to oxidation. When iron makes contact with any oxygen-containing substance, it reacts to form iron oxide or rust. While steel contains carbon and other metals, it still has iron in it that permits the process. Meanwhile, aluminum is non-ferrous. It doesn’t rust, which makes it a perfect concrete form material, because concrete contains water. It will preserve its strength throughout the duration of the project and beyond. You can even reuse it in future projects.

If you are looking to use aluminum concrete forms, however, don’t try to build them yourself. It won’t benefit you especially if you are concerned with structural safety. Consider buying aluminum concrete forms for sale from reputable suppliers to make sure that you will have the best options available.
 
Sources:
 
Steel versus Aluminum (Weight, Strength, Cost, Malleability Comparison), WenzelMetalSpinning.com
TYPES OF FORMWORK (SHUTTERING) FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, TheConstructor.org

Accidents can happen anytime at construction sites, exposing both workers and passersby to safety risks. One way to avoid such unfortunate incidents is to enforce strict safety measures. This is important to any contractors working with concrete forming systems and other related construction activities. Following these tips will not only ensure safety but also increase productivity.
 
Choose the Right Formwork
 
The formwork system you’ll use will affect several aspects of your construction project such as schedule, labor requirements, and cost. Contractors basically have two choices. One is an inexpensive forming material that would require more intensive labor. This will extend the period that workers will have to spend in the construction site.

The other one is spending more on a system that has built-in safety features. Such systems are often easier to handle, allowing workers to finish the project faster with less risks.
 
Whichever option you choose though, you have to consider several factors. One is the availability of the material. Does your supplier produce or source it from another company? Do the materials come in pre-assembled forms? You should also know how safe it is for your workers to install, use, and dismantle the materials. Once you consider these, you will be able to choose the best formwork for your project.
 
Strengthen Fall Protection
 
Falls are the most common accidents in construction sites. That’s why you have to create a work environment that ensures safety for laborers. You can do this by using a sturdy formwork structure that gives workers peace of mind. Strong scaffolding are useful as well. They will enable workers from getting to one side to another without fear of falling. There are also protection screens that enclose a working area to keep it safely contained for people.
 
Provide Training
 
The construction industry keeps changing and evolving. New materials are becoming available. This means that contractors and laborers should be able to adapt to these changes. Providing training to workers will teach them the proper use of various materials, equipment, and innovation. With workers fully trained, safety and productivity at job sites are assured.
 
It’s not hard to find quality concrete wall forms for sale. What’s more challenging is maintaining safety and productivity while using such materials. You and your supplier, however, can work hand in hand to successfully and safely complete a project.
 
Sources:
10 Construction Site Safety Tips, Constructconnect.com
Concrete Forming Systems Options, Considerations, Design, and Cost, Pdhonline.com

Construction is an industry that’s notorious for long project times. If you want to work to dispel this reputation, you’ll need to use methods that allow you to build quicker. Reusable concrete forming systems can help you to build the walls of a project in as little as a day, so they’re more than worth the purchase.
 
If your business chooses to invest in reusable aluminum concrete forming systems, you should first know how to care for them properly so that they last a long time. Some concrete forming systems can last for as long as 2,000 pours, but to reach this figure, you must implement certain measures.

Use an Appropriate Form Oil
 
It all starts with properly protecting the aluminum concrete forms from regular exposure to concrete. A form oil of high quality is required to keep the concrete from adhering to the sides of the form. Look for an oil that’s mineral based, and doesn’t contain diesel or waxes. This will ensure no stains or residue is left on the forms, and is beneficial for the environment as well.
 
Keep Up with Cleaning Maintenance
 
You need to clean your concrete forming systems periodically, even when using the correct oil. When you notice the forms turning dirty, temporarily remove them from service to clean them properly. An unclean form is not only harder to work with, but it produces an uneven and weaker wall as well.
 
You may need to use a chemical releasing agent to remove any buildup. When the solution has softened any materials, use a power washer to remove it. If you feel confident in cleaning your forms without damaging them, you can have them cleaned yourself. Otherwise, ask your supplier about where you can find a professional to do the job for you.
 
Minimize Abuse
 
You should make a special, systematic effort in attending to your forms for the sake of their endurance. The way you use a hammer on your form could impact its future use. Be careful as dents and other damage will reduce the lifespan of your forms significantly.
 
Be sure not to over-pour the concrete into your forms as well, because this will lead to leaks which are difficult to remove. Also, make sure you leave your forms to set for an adequate amount of time, as the integrity of the wall could be compromised if you remove them too early. With careful maintenance, your forms will serve you through thousands of projects.
 
If you’re interested in finding high-quality aluminum concrete forms for sale, contact a reputable supplier for more information about the right forms for your business. The supplier will also advise you on caring for your forms.
 
Sources:
Guide to Safety Procedures for Vertical Concrete Formwork, SSFI.org
Types of Concrete Forms, ConcreteNetwork.com

In the builder’s world, nothing comes close to the versatility offered by concrete. As a base structural material, it’s proven to be durable, robust, and sustainable. As construction projects sprout almost instantly in every street corner, so is the need for more efficient and time-saving methods of building with concrete. For this reason, concrete forming systems have become the tools of choice of contractors.
 
Builders are all too familiar with this medium, as its common applications are in houses, roads, bridges, commercial structures, and buildings that require extra strength against natural disasters like tornados.

Ease of Installation
 
Aluminum concrete forms provide several perks in getting the job done. To name a few, this metal is known to be lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion, and fire-proof. Setting up the framework on your worksite will take just about a day, with just a handful of crew members. Plus, installing concrete wall forms does not require advanced work skills, and anybody can learn to do it with a little instruction.
 
Hassle-Free Removal
 
Aluminum wall forms are initially coated with a layer of oil to protect the concrete that will be poured on it, and this acts as a non-stick surface that helps the framework detach easily. After pouring, once the concrete has been verified as cured and set enough, these wall forms can be removed with minimal effort.
 
Pins can easily be hammered off, and the aluminum pulled off without damaging the concrete. A great thing about these aluminum forms is that they can be reused for other future projects, helping to save you time and money in the long run.
 
Notes on Safety
 
When working with aluminum concrete forms, authorities like the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommend that the work crew should wear personal protective equipment for the head, face, and feet. Heavier and larger wall forms need to be hoisted with appropriate lifting equipment to help workers avoid getting pinned.
 
If you need more information on the benefits of using concrete forms for your construction projects, then talk to concrete form experts. These specialists offer top-quality concrete wall forms for sale, with a wide array of sizes that will best fit your specifications. Consult with them to find ways to complete your projects more efficiently and impress your clients with a professional finish.
 
Sources:
 
Concrete and Masonry Construction, OSHA.gov
Use of Aluminum in Building Construction, EngineeringCivil.com
Timber Vs Steel Vs Concrete Structures, Sourceable.net

Of the many materials that builders use, only one stands out for excellence when used in outdoor structures. That material is concrete, and the reason it stands out is thanks to its superior qualities and the ability build quickly when using concrete forming systems. While many people associate concrete with the foundations of buildings, there are actually many other uses of concrete in outdoor and public spaces.
 
Some of the many benefits of using concrete in outdoor structures include its strength and durability as it gains strength over time and is not weakened by moisture or mold. It is low maintenance, much more affordable than other materials such as metal and wood as well as being naturally fire resistant.
 
Walls
 
Walls are a great example of how concrete can be used effectively outdoors. Due to its strength, its resistance to fire and its ability to withstand natural disasters like hurricanes and most earthquakes, concrete is the perfect material to use.
 
Whether you are creating wall for a client’s home or creating new barriers for a highway, when you use concrete forming systems, any wall can be built with minimal fuss and in shorter periods of time. This is because concrete forms allow for you to pour the concrete in situ rather than having to transport prefabricated blocks. This process can take as little as 24 hours and can save time and money over other materials like wood and steel.
 
Public Railings
 
Staircases, bridges and walkways all require some form of railing. Many use metal tubes to create a barrier to keep pedestrians safe, but they still have some inherent dangers. This is another great example of how concrete forms can be used outdoors.
 
By creating a solid barrier that protects pedestrians, you can increase public safety and this can be done quickly and efficiently using concrete forming systems.
 
Landscaping and Garden Use
 
A very underused way of using concrete forms is in landscapes and gardens. Many landscapers will move in concrete blocks to create walled and tiered effects; however, it is far easier to build them in situ using concrete forms.
 
While there are several different types of concrete forms available, the best ones are made from materials like aluminum. This is because they are cost effective, very light, and providing you treat them correctly you can get over 2000 pours from them. Concrete forms will not require skilled labor to use, have a rapid setting time and are incredibly versatile.
 
To get the right concrete forms, it is best to contact a reputable supplier offering aluminum concrete forms for sale.
 
 
Sources:
Sustainability Benefits of Concrete, WBCSDCement.org
Benefits of Concrete, SustainableConcrete.org