Slab shuttering, or formwork, is the backbone of any concrete construction project. It’s the temporary mold that holds fresh concrete in place until it gains enough strength to support itself. Choosing the right shuttering board is critical for achieving a smooth finish, ensuring structural integrity, and managing project costs. But with materials like plywood, steel, and PVC on the market, which one is best? And when is the right time to remove it?
Let’s dive into the best materials for the job and the crucial guidelines for de-shuttering.
Choosing Your Shuttering Board: A Modern Solution
Traditionally, contractors have relied on plywood, steel, or PVC sheets for formwork. However, these materials come with significant drawbacks. Plywood has a very limited number of reuses (up to 12), isn’t water-proof, and is not eco-friendly. Steel is not rust-resistant and is less economically viable, while PVC can’t handle sun and heat well.
This is where PAC® (Plastic Aluminum Composite) Shuttering Board by Rajratan Industries revolutionizes the process.
PAC® is an innovative composite board engineered as a superior substitute for traditional materials. It’s manufactured from a unique mix of industrial-grade plastics, Aluminum Oxide, and XLP Metals, giving it exceptional strength and stability.
Why Choose PAC® Shuttering Board?
- Incredible Durability: PAC® boards are built to last! They offer up to 100+ repetitions, a massive leap from plywood’s 12 or steel’s 50, making them highly cost-effective for frequent buyers.
- Superior Properties: These boards are 100% waterproof, UV resistant, and fire-resistant. They won’t crack, deform, or degrade, ensuring a long service life. Test results confirm they show no swelling in water resistance tests.
- Excellent Finish: Both sides of the board have a smooth and matt finish, which translates to a great finish on the concrete surface with less post-work required.
- Eco-Friendly & Recyclable: Unlike other options, PAC® boards are fully recyclable and an environmentally conscious choice.
- Smart Investment: Rajratan Industries offers an impressive 40% buy-back replacement option, making it an economically sound investment.
When to Remove Shuttering? The Critical Timing
Removing the shuttering (a process called de-shuttering or stripping) too early can be disastrous, leading to structural failure. The timing depends on several factors, including the type of concrete, the span of the slab, and weather conditions.
While you should always consult your structural engineer and refer to local building codes (like IS 456:2000 in India) for precise timings, here are some general guidelines:
- Walls, Columns & Vertical Formwork: Can typically be removed after 16-24 hours.
- Slabs (Props left underneath): Formwork can be removed after 3 days.
- Beams (Props left underneath): Formwork can be removed after 7 days.
- Props Supporting Slabs (Spans under 4.5m): Can be removed after 7 days.
- Props Supporting Slabs (Spans over 4.5m): Can be removed after 14 days.
Remember: These are general rules. The concrete must achieve a certain percentage of its design strength before any load-bearing formwork is removed.
Getting the Most Out of Your PAC® Boards
To maximize the impressive 100+ repetitions, a little care goes a long way. Follow these suggestions from the experts at Rajratan Industries:
- Handle with Care: Stack the boards properly on a level surface when not in use and avoid dropping them from heights during de-shuttering.
- Clean After Use: Once removed, clean the boards thoroughly with water to remove any concrete residue before stacking them again.
- Proper Installation: Use screws for scaffolding and ensure steel frames are welded with rivets for fixing the boards securely.
About Rajratan Industries
Rajratan Industries is the pioneering company behind the innovative PAC® Shuttering Board. As a leader in sustainable construction materials, their work reflects a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
For more information, you can contact them at:
Rajratan Industries Private Limited
- 123-124, First Floor, Shastri Market, Opp. Gandhi Hall, Indore – 452 007 (M.P.)
- Email: info@rajratan.in
- Mobile: 91+ 9685727927