Cleaning the formwork. When should concrete formwork be removed?
Using the new BETOFF fluids to clean the formwork is a tremendous time and cost-saver. But first, you have to remove the formwork before you can begin cleaning it. Until the concrete has solidified enough to securely withstand any weights it encounters, the forms shouldn’t be taken out.
Depending on the type of cement used and the design of the formwork, there are differences in the support period—the time between pouring concrete into the formwork and taking it out. Wooden buildings should generally not be removed within 28 days of the concrete being placed, and structures carrying construction loads should not be removed within 7 days.
WHICH ARE THE THINGS TO ASPECTIVELY AVOID WHEN REMOVING THE FORMWORK?
The formwork should never be taken down until the concrete has strengthened to a minimum of double the amount of stress it would experience at impact.
The strength being discussed is the strength of concrete that has been cured in conditions that are comparable to those found in the field, with the same cement and aggregates used in the same proportions. In order to facilitate curing, the formwork should be left in place for as long as feasible.
The forms can be taken out after different times in normal conditions, which are usually when the temperature is higher than 20°C and regular cement is utilized.
Type of formwork and duration of removal
- walls, columns, and vertical beam sides in 24 to 48 hours, depending on the Chief Engineer’s decision.
- Slabs (underground supports) for three days
- Seven-day Beam Soffits (Remaining Supports)
- The slab supports (up to 4.5 m in span) are removed in 7 days.
- The slab supports longer than 4.5 meters are removed within 14 days
- Removal of supports for arches and beams (up to 6 m in span): 14 days
- Elimination of supports for arches and beams longer than six meters 21 days
With the exception of the vertical sides of slabs, beams, and columns, which need to be left for 24 hours, 3/7 of the above time will be sufficient for quick-setting cement in all circumstances.
Without causing any vibration or impact, all formwork should be removed to prevent damage to the reinforced concrete. If necessary, the concrete surface should be exposed before removing the soffit and struts to make sure the concrete has fully hardened. On chilly days, appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the amount of hardening that happens with all elements.
FORMWORK CLEANING? WAYS TO CLEAN FORMWORK CONCRETE?
Because concrete formwork is prone to cement stains, it should be cleaned using specialized cleaning solutions. The majority of formwork cleaning solutions are designed to remove concrete from vehicles that are transporting machinery or concrete. They are employed in the building of residential complexes, roadways, and other infrastructure. There were few options available on the market until recently. Each concrete removal fluid has a relatively comparable strength and composition. But, as in every industry, the building chemistry sector sees the emergence of creative solutions that greatly simplify work. One such invention in the field of concrete removal fluids is without a doubt BETOFF fluid and its biodegradable variant, BETOFF-BIO.
FORMWORK CLEANING: IS INNOVATIVE OR CONVENTIONAL FORMWORK CLEANING FLUID BETTER?
BETOFF and BETOFF-BIO fluids are novel because they are three times stronger than other fluids on the market, do not burn when applied, and do not irritate the respiratory system (BETOFF). Regarding BETOFF-BIO, it’s a plant-based liquid that dissolves new concrete dirt flawlessly. BETOFF-BIO cleans any surface of oil, grease, lime, and cement filth.
