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Sonotube Concrete Forms Installation Guide

1 STORAGE
Sonotube“ form tubes are resistant to moisture and can be stored with minimal protection. However, since they are manufactured from board, they are sensitive to plentiful water (puddles, prolonged, unprotected storage in heavy rain, etc.).
1. Keep the Sonotubes vertical when being stored for a long time (more than 3 days).
2. In the event of heavy rain, cover the top with an impermeable plastic sheet and prevent contact with wet ground (for example, place the tubes on a pallet).

2 INSTALLATION – forms are quickly installed by hand
1. Clamp the form in position using a wooden frame, a scaffolding tower, etc.
2. Up to 4 m in length: clamp at least the bottom and the top.
3. Above 4.5 m in length: do not exceed 2.5 m between 2 clamps. A Sonaplon“ strap can be used.
4. NB: do not damage the internal surface of the form when putting it into place!

3 CONCRETING
1. Concrete can be poured in one go if the pour rate does not exceed 4.5 metres per hour.
2. Beyond 10 metres, it is recommended to pour concrete over two days (50/50).
3. Vibrate the forms using a needle vibrator – ensure that the vibrator does not slip between the rebars and the form.
4. NB: never vibrate the forms from the outside.

4 STRIKING – formwork is quickly and easily removed
1. Strike between 1 and 5 days at most after casting (preferably after 48 h), so as to guarantee the best results and to prevent any bonding of the inner skin to the concrete.
2. Strike using a sharp cutting tool, or the zip if the form has one, or by tearing away the board by hand.
3. Once the form (board and inner skin) has been completely struck and separated from the post, the Sonotube can be kept in place as protection.