Plywood laminated for formwork: interesting information for the consumer

In modern construction, plywood is actively used for formwork. It is suitable for the construction of various types of bases. Its service life is quite high, since the surface is protected from moisture by a special coating. The most high-quality products are able to withstand up to 50 cycles of use without significant deformation changes.

General Product Information

A laminated plywood for timber formwork that has undergone the pressing process is produced. Separate layers are connected with each other by an adhesive compound on the basis of resins. Acrylic lacquer is applied to the end parts of the plates to provide protection from moisture. A film of sufficient density is superimposed on top. Manufacturing technology implies exposure through high temperatures and a certain pressure.

Advantages of using material

Since the plywood laminated for formwork has good moisture resistance and sufficient strength characteristics, corresponding to the GOST points, its operating period is long enough. The phenolic film on the surface protects the material from exposure to ultraviolet light.

Sheets are easy to cut even when working with hand tools. As fasteners, studs, nails or screws can be used. Due to the presence of a special film, the concrete composition does not adhere to the surface of the plates.

Classification by qualitative characteristics

Depending on the grade, laminated plywood for formwork can have a different cost. Each category allows for certain flaws. There are four types of products:

1. Defects are completely absent.
2. There are wormholes and fused knots that are closed with veneer inserts.
3. There are holes and hollows.
4. The surface contains a large number of all kinds of vices.

The quality of the plates with the improvement of the grade improves. Becomes better and their strength, which has a positive effect on the service life. In any case, products without twigs and wormholes will be used longer.

Plywood laminated for formwork: sheet dimensions

When working on pouring foundations, slabs 18 mm thick are most often used, since their strength is high enough, and the price is quite acceptable. As for the width and length, sheets of 300x150, 250x125 and 244x122 cm in size are more widely used.

Some manufacturers produce products and other dimensions, but they are rarely used to form the formwork. All the presented sizes of the same brand do not differ in performance characteristics or physical properties.

Load-bearing frame elements

Before the plywood laminated for formwork is installed, a supporting structure must be erected, capable of withstanding the concrete composition. Usually the metal profile system can include:

• Linear shields having approximately the same dimensions as the sheathing sheets;
• Angular elements used for installation on the edges of the frame;
• Universal fences for the creation of columns;
• Telescopic racks, equipped with a holder, for the formation of overlappings.

If necessary, wooden bars of a suitable cross-section can be used for the construction of the frame base. However, with regular works related to the erection of foundations, it is better to purchase special shields made of metal.

The turnover of products with a laminated coating

Data on the use of different materials are almost always contradictory. However, it should be said that the turnover of formwork from laminated plywood can reach 50 cycles, which is considered a fairly good result. This is possible if the products of European manufacturers were purchased.

As for the Russian market of similar products, it is represented by a large number of brands. However, their quality characteristics are inferior to those from Europe. Usually domestic products withstand no more than 20 cycles of use under standard conditions.

Sometimes a cheap laminated plywood for formwork is used. China is its main supplier. In most cases, such products become unsuitable for further use after 5 cycles. However, with careless exploitation, the life of the material is significantly reduced, regardless of the manufacturer.

In conclusion about the peculiarities of care

In the established form, plywood laminated for formwork exposes to the influence of construction mixtures containing a certain amount of water, abrasive substances and active additives. If the coating is able to withstand these external factors, the interior is not. The main danger lies in the damage to the laminated surface, as it opens the channel for absorbing moisture.

Avoid the destruction of the protective layer can be with the careful handling of products during installation works. After removing the sheets, the surface must be cleaned from contamination in a timely manner. Before long storage of a plate it is desirable to grease with special means. This will improve the water repellent ability.

Careful installation of the material requires that workers only observe the usual labor discipline. Plywood sheets should be laid on the prepared surface without protruding nails and other details with sharp ends. When installing fasteners, damage to the coating should be avoided.