Constructing Concrete Forms and Reinforcement.ppt

Constructing Concrete Forms and Reinforcement The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Definitions of terms associated with form construction: Footer form (footing) - a continuous slab of concrete that provides a solid, level foundation for block and other masonry. Construction joint - place where one pouring of concrete stops and another starts. Also called a ‘cold joint’. Control joint - planned break which permits concrete to expand and contract without cracking. Reinforced concrete - concrete slabs or structures that are strengthened with embedded steel rods or wire mesh. Wale - a heavy plank extending along the sides of wooden concrete forms for reinforcement of the 2 x4 studs.? Selecting materials for concrete forms. Metal forms Synthetic materials Wood (most commonly used). It should be straight, sound lumber, free of knots, decay and other defects. Commonly, forms are steel framed plywood. Well constructed concrete forms should be: Substantial enough to retain their correct shape when filled. Freshly mixed concrete exerts great pressure since concrete weighs from 130 to 150 lbs. per cubic foot. Tight to prevent the escape of the water-cement paste, because the loss of water will change the strength of the remaining mixture. Constructed so they can be easily filled from a truck or wheelbarrow. Easily removed after the concrete has hardened. Construction of forms. Use soft, clean, straight lumber. $ Use spruce 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 for form because it will not warp as bad as yellow pine. $?Use green lumber when possible because it does remove the water from the fresh concrete like kiln dried lumber will. Sharpen stakes evenly so they can be driven in straight. Place stakes about 30 inches apart along the outside of the form for 4 inch thick concrete. Place the stakes close when the concrete is more than 4 inches thick. Use a transit or level to adjust the height of forms