SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES

R.W. Armstrong & Associates 031000

DIVISION 03

SECTION 031000 – CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of Contract, including General and Supplementary

Conditions and Division 1 Specifications apply to work of this section.

1.2 SECTION INCLUDES

A. Formwork for cast-in place concrete, with shoring, bracing, and anchorage.

B. Openings for other work.

C. Form accessories.

D. Form stripping.

1.3 RELATED SECTIONS

A. Section 032000 - Concrete Reinforcing.

B. Section 033000 - Cast-In-Place Concrete.

1.4 REFERENCES

A. ACI 301 – Specification for Structural Concrete.

B. ACI 318 - Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete.

C. ACI 347 – Guide to Formwork to Concrete.

D. ANSI/ASME A17.1 - Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, and Moving Walks

E. PS 1 - Construction and Industrial Plywood.

F. LEED for New Construction Version 2.2 Reference Guide

1.5 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

A. Design and construct formwork to withstand the worst combination of:

1. Total weight of formwork, reinforcement concrete, labor and equipment to be used

for operation

2. Construction loads including dynamic effects of placing, compacting, and

construction traffic.

3. Wind loads.

B. It is the responsibility of the Contractor, to design and construct the formwork complying with
all statutory regulations to support the weight of wet concrete, construction materials, plant
and personnel without undue deflection, distortion, movement or leakage of cement paste,
and the forces generated during the compaction of the unset concrete.

C. The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer/Architect for approval the design drawings and
calculations for the design of formwork and/or temporary supports, if so requested by the
Consultant.

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D. The Engineer/Architect will supply the Contractor with details of the design loads of the
building if so required.

E. The Contractor shall make due allowance for the settlement and/or deflection of supports
and/or formwork which may occur during construction so that the hardened concrete
conforms to the deviations allowed for line and level.

F. Where previously constructed beams and slabs support the formwork for new construction
due allowance must be made for the additional loading and/or the strength of the member
due to immaturity and age of the concrete, by the provision of adequate back propping of the
members.

G. Where formwork is to be struck, or table forms removed from the soffits of beams or slabs at
an early curing age, the formwork must be designed and strutted so that the back propping
may remain in position at all times to support the member. Striking of all soffit shutters and
props and subsequent back propping will not be permitted.

H. Immediately prior to concreting all formwork shall be cleaned to remove all rubbish,
chippings, shavings, sawdust, tying wire and dirt, etc., and pools of water.

I. Formwork and reinforcement is to be thoroughly cleaned of adhering cement paste and dirt
after each use.

1.6 SUBMITTALS

A. Shop Drawings: Indicate pertinent dimensions, materials, bracing, and arrangement of joints
and ties.

B. Provide details of forms as follows:

1. Position and types of construction joints.

2. Means of sealing panel joints.

3. Surface of forms and other means of obtaining required finishes.

4. Provide adequate propping to prevent deflection and damage to the structure. Carry
down such props to bearings strong enough to provide adequate support.

1.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Perform Work in accordance with ACI 347, 301 and 318.

B. Maintain one copy of each document on site.

C. Contractor shall submit Chain-of-Custody Certificates to ensure that plywood used for
formwork is from sustainable sources.

1.8 QUALIFICATIONS

A. Design formwork under direct supervision of a Professional Structural Engineer experienced

in design of this work.

1.9 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

A. Conform to applicable code for design, fabrication, erection and removal of formwork.

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SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES
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1.10 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Deliver void forms and installation instructions in manufacturer's packaging.

B. Store off ground in ventilated and protected manner to prevent deterioration from moisture.

1.11 COORDINATION

A. Coordinate this Section with other Sections of work which require attachment of components
to formwork.

B. If formwork is placed after reinforcement resulting in insufficient concrete cover over

reinforcement before proceeding, request instructions from Engineer.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 WOOD FORM MATERIALS

A. Forms for Unexposed Finish Concrete: Plywood, lumber, metal, or other acceptable
material. Provide lumber dressed on at least 2 edges and one side for tight fit.
B. Softwood Plywood: PS 1, C Grade, Group 2.
C. Softwood Plywood: PS 1, B-B High Density Concrete Form Overlay, Class I.

2.2 PREFABRICATED FORMS

A. Forms for Cylindrical Columns and Supports: Metal, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or paper or
fiber tubes. Construct paper or fiber tubes of laminated plies using water-resistant adhesive
with wax-impregnated exterior for weather and moisture protection. Provide units with
sufficient wall thickness to resist loads imposed by wet concrete without deformation.

2.3 FORMWORK ACCESSORIES

A. Form Coatings: Provide commercial formulation form-coating compounds that will not bond
with, stain, nor adversely affect concrete surfaces, and will not impair subsequent treatments
of concrete surfaces.

B. Form Ties: Factory-fabricated, adjustable-length, removable or snap off metal form ties,
designed to prevent form deflection and to prevent spalling concrete upon removal. Provide
units which will leave no metal closer than 25 - 12.5 mm to surface.

C. Provide ties which, when removed, will leave holes not larger than 25 mm diameter in
concrete surface, except where no holes are allowed.

D. Where embedded ties are used they shall be to the approval of the Engineer/Architect. In
waterproof concrete construction embedded ties shall be avoided but, if used, shall be made
of steel with a puddle flange.

E. The ends of ties embedded in concrete shall be no nearer to the concrete face than the
specified cover. Any holes left in the face of the concrete shall be filled with an approved
mortar mix bonded to the main concrete work, unless part of the designed fairface finish.

F. Nails, Spikes, Lag Bolts, Through Bolts, Anchors: Sized as required, of sufficient strength
and character to maintain formwork in place while placing concrete.

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SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES
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PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

A. Verify lines, levels and centers before proceeding with formwork. Ensure that dimensions
agree with drawings.

B. Verify that the reinforcing steel has been inspected prior to concealing with formwork.

3.2 EARTH FORMS

A. Hand trim sides and bottom of earth forms. Remove loose soil prior to placing concrete.

3.3 ERECTION – FORMWORK

A. Erect formwork, shoring and bracing to achieve design requirements, in accordance with
requirements of ACI 301.

B. Provide bracing to ensure stability of formwork. Shore or strengthen formwork subject to

over stressing by construction loads.

C. Arrange and assemble formwork to permit dismantling and stripping. Do not damage
concrete during stripping. Permit removal of remaining principal shores.

D. Align joints and make watertight. Keep form joints to a minimum.

E. Obtain approval before framing openings in structural members which are not indicated on
Drawings.

F. Chamfer exposed corners and edges as indicated, using wood, metal, PVC, or rubber
chamfer strips fabricated to produce uniform smooth lines and tight edge joints; if not
otherwise indicated on the drawings or instructed by the Engineer.

G. Cambers shown on the drawings or specified below relate to the concrete immediately
before formwork is struck. Make adequate allowance for deflection of formwork under weight
of fresh concrete. Top surfaces of concrete must also be cambered to maintain the required
structural depths and profiles.

H. Unless otherwise shown on drawings construct forms to achieve the following upward
cambers for members over 6m in length.

1. Slabs: 0.2 % of span measured at centre

2. Beams: 0.2 % of span measured at centre

3. Cantilevers: 0.5 % of cantilever measured at free end

I. After striking of formwork and removal of props check levels to determine extent of any
residual camber and inform Engineer/Architect

J. Install void forms in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Protect forms from
moisture or crushing.

K. Shore floor directly under floor or roof being placed, so that loads from construction above
will transfer directly to these shores. Space shoring in stories below this level in such a
manner that no floor or member will be excessively loaded or will induce tensile stress in
concrete members where no reinforcing steel is provided. Extend shores beyond minimums
to ensure proper distribution of loads throughout structure.

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SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES
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3.4 APPLICATION - FORM RELEASE AGENT

A. Apply form release agent on formwork in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

B. Apply prior to placement of reinforcing steel, anchoring devices and embedded items.

C. Do not apply form release agent where concrete surfaces will receive special finishes or
applied coverings which are effected by agent. Soak inside surfaces of untreated forms with
clean water. Keep surfaces coated prior to placement of concrete.

3.5 INSERTS, EMBEDDED PARTS, AND OPENINGS

A. Provide formed openings where required for items to be embedded in passing through
concrete work.

B. Locate and set in place items which will be cast directly into concrete.

C. Coordinate with work of other sections in forming and placing openings, slots, reglets,
recesses, sleeves, bolts, anchors, other inserts, and components of other Work.

D. Install reglets to receive top edge of sheet waterproofing, and to receive thru-wall flashings in
outer face of concrete frame at exterior walls, where flashing is shown at relieving angles,
and other conditions.

E. Install accessories in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, straight, level, and plumb.
Ensure items are not disturbed during concrete placement.

F. Install waterstops continuous without displacing reinforcement.

G. Provide temporary ports or openings in formwork where required to facilitate cleaning and
inspection. Locate openings at bottom of forms to allow flushing water to drain.

H. Close temporary openings with tight fitting panels, flush with inside face of forms, and neatly
fitted so joints will not be apparent in exposed concrete surfaces.

I. Confirm positions and details to ensure that alterations to and decisions about their size and
location are not made without the knowledge and approval of the Engineer/Architect

J. Fix inserts or box out as required in correct positions before placing concrete. Form all holes
and chases; do not cut hardened concrete without approval.

K. No openings, chases, holes or other voids shall be formed in the concrete, except as shown
on the drawings, without the approval of the Engineer/ Architect.

L. All permanent holes and voids shall be accurately formed to the sizes shown and accurately
positioned and fixed to prevent movement or distortion during concreting operations and
filling with cement grout.

M. The burning out of plastic blocks will not be permitted.

N. The position of all holes and voids with dimensions over 225mm and continuous chases in
beams, walls and top and bottom surfaces of slabs shall be to the approval of the
Engineer/Architect.

3.6 FORM CLEANING

A. Clean forms as erection proceeds, to remove foreign matter within forms.

B. Clean formed cavities of debris prior to placing concrete.

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SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES
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C. Flush with water or use compressed air to remove remaining foreign matter. Ensure that
water and debris drain to exterior through clean-out ports.

3.7 DEFLECTIVE FORMWORK

A. Where in the opinion of the Engineer any piece of formwork is damaged, deformed, worn or
otherwise incapable of producing an acceptable finish concrete surface he may declare such
formwork defective. Such formwork shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer or
discarded.

3.8 FORMWORK TOLERANCES

A. Construct formwork to maintain tolerances required by ACI 347.

B. Variations from plumb:

1. In the lines and surfaces of columns, piers, walls, and in arises:-

In any 3000 mm of length 7 mm
Maximum for the entire length 15 mm

2. For exposed corner columns, control-joint grooves, and other conspicuous lines:-
In any 6000 mm length 7 mm
Maximum for the entire length 13 mm

C. Variation from the level or from the grades specified in the contract documents:-

1. In slab soffits, ceilings, beam soffits and in arises, measured before removal of
supporting shores:-
In any 3000 mm of length 7 mm
In any bay or in any 6000 mm length 9 mm
Maximum for the entire length 19 mm

2. In exposed lintels, sills, parapets, horizontal grooves, and other conspicuous lines:-
In any bay or in 6000 mm length 7 mm
Maximum for the entire length 13 mm

3. Deviations from plumb in the lines of surface of columns, piers, walls and arises:
In 3.0 m 5 mm
In any storey of 6.0 m maximum 10 mm
In 12.0 m or more 5 mm
Deviations for the total length of the building 15 mm

4. Deviations from level or grade in floors, ceilings, beam soffits and arises:
In 3.0 m of horizontal distance 5 mm
In any bay or 6.0 m maximum 10 mm
In 12.0 m or more 10 mm

5. Exposed conspicuous lines in corner columns, control joint grooves, lintels, sills,
parapets and horizontal grooves:-
In any bay or storey height of 6.0 m maximum 5 mm
In 12.0 m or more 10 mm

6. The tolerance between arises

under 1.0 m apart on opposite sides of the same face 5 mm

7. Deviation of the vertical linear building lines from established position in plan and
related position of columns, walls and partitions:-
In any 6.0 m maximum 10 mm
In 12.0 m or more 25 mm

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SPECIFICATIONS CONCRETE FORMING AND ACCESSORIES
R.W. Armstrong & Associates 031000

8. Deviations in sizes and locations of sleeves, floor openings and wall openings 5 mm
In dimensions in plan minus 15 mm
plus 25 mm

9. Deviation in steps:

In a flight of stairs
Riser 3 mm
Tread 6 mm
In consecutive steps
Riser 2 mm
Tread 3 mm

3.9 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. Inspect erected formwork, shoring, and bracing to ensure that work is in accordance with
formwork design, and that supports, fastenings, wedges, ties, and items are secure.

3.10 FORM REMOVAL

A. All formwork and/or props shall be removed without damage or shock to the concrete. Side
shutters to beams shall be removable without affecting the soffit shuttering and props. Props
shall be left in position until the concrete has attained its design cube strength and, in hot
climatic conditions, until it has matured adequately.

B. The following table gives a guide to the minimum time (in days) for removing formwork after
casting the concrete for normal weather for Ordinary Portland Cement.

1. All times stated are minimum and are based upon normal mixes and normal water
cement ratios.

Normal Conditions
Location days
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Side forms 2
Slab soffits propped 4
Beam soffits propped 7
Slab props 10
Beam props 21
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Form facing material may be removed 4 days after placement, only if shores and other
vertical supports have been arranged to permit removal of form facing material without
loosening or disturbing shores and supports.

3.11 FINISHES OF FORMED SURFACES

A. Plain finish:

1. Produce a finish for plaster with clean sawn boards, for fair faced concrete finishes
use timber framing lined with 12mm smooth polyurethane face plywood or an equal
approved metal lining.

2. Abrupt irregularities to be not greater than 5 mm. Gradual irregularities, expressed

as maximum permissible deviation from a 1m straight edge, to be not greater than 5
mm.

3. Variation in colour resulting from the use of an impermeable form lining will be
permitted but the surface to be free from discolouration due to contamination or
grout leakage.

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4. Blowholes less than 10 mm in diameter will be permitted but otherwise surface to be

free from voids, honeycombing, segregation and other large defects.

5. Making good: Projecting fins are to be removed and rubbed down with a
carborundum stone but otherwise the finish is to be left as struck. Making good of
small defects will normally be permitted after inspection by Engineer/ Architect

6. Arrises to be chamfered with a 30mm wide corner face.

7. Formwork tie holes to be in an approved regular pattern, filled with matching mortar
to an approved sample.

8. Complete a sample area of the finished work, size 2m sq m, in advance of the

remainder, in an approved location, and obtain approval of appearance before
proceeding.

B. Fine smooth finish:

1. Produce a smooth even finish with an impervious sheet material (e.g. steel forms),
with panel as large as is practicable and arranged in an approved regular pattern as
a feature of the surface. Do not replace parts of formwork panels where this may
cause a change of colour in the concrete.

2. Abrupt irregularities to be not greater than 3 mm. Gradual irregularities, expressed

as maximum permissible deviation from a 1 m straight edge, to be not greater than
3mm.

3. The surface is to be free from discolouration due to contamination or grout leakage.

4. Cover spacers: Do not use without approval. Plastic preformed spacers shall only be
approved.

5. Blowholes less than 5 mm in diameter will be permitted but otherwise surface to be

free from voids, honeycombing, segregation, and other defects.

6. Making good: Projecting fins are to be removed and rubbed down with a
Carborundum stone but otherwise the finish is to be left as struck. Making good will
not normally be permitted.

7. Arises to be as nears square as possible.

8. Complete a sample area of the finished work, size 2m sq m, in advance of the

remainder, in an approved location, and obtain approval of appearance before
proceeding.

END OF SECTION 031000

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