24 Concrete Form Tube: Plastic Column Concrete Form (PCF) for Concrete Form, 24in Dia X 8ft
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Light
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Reusable
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Stackable
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Waterproof
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Cost Effective
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Saves Time, Money and Labor
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Smooth Surface
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U.V. Resistant
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No Spiral Marks
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Prevents Binding & Sticking
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Easy to strip
These tubes will give you the structural integrity of your concrete columns, piers, pilings and footings.
Our concrete form tubes are designed to be a reliable and efficient solution for forming concrete columns, piers, pilings and footings. Made from heavy duty material, these tubes can withstand full hydrostatic pressure of concrete in one continuous pour. With various diameters to choose from, our concrete form tubes can be cut to length or drilled at the job site to fit your project requirements. Whether you’re building a small residential or large commercial project, these tubes will give you the flexibility and strength you need to get the job done.
Our concrete form tubes have:
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Cost Effective: No need for expensive steel or fiberglass concrete form.
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Durable and Weather Resistant: Wet weather won’t interrupt your pour.
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Easy to Store and Handle: Lightweight. Easy to transport and store.
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Vibration Resistant: Can withstand extensive concrete vibrating.
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Various Diameters: Available in various diameters to fit your project.
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Customizable: Concrete form can be cut to length or drilled at the job site to fit your project.
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Accessible: Provides easy access to the pour multiple columns for inspection and finishing.
Easy to Install, Use, and Store
Our concrete form tubes are easy to install and use in any weather. With our rain resistant technology, these tubes can withstand wet weather and give you a smooth pour multiple columns. Simply place the tube in the desired location, pour in the concrete and let it set. Then strip the tube and you have a smooth finished surface. This saves time and labor so your project is faster and stress free.
Our concrete form tubes are a cost effective solution for concrete form, no need for expensive steel or fiberglass concrete form. With their heavy duty design, these tubes can withstand the construction process and give you a long term solution for concrete columns, piers, pilings and footings. By using our concrete form tubes you will save on materials and labor and get a high quality finish. Invest in these reliable and affordable tubes to make your projects more efficient and better.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Concrete form tubes, such as those offered by Sonotube and StrongForms, are not only practical but also environmentally friendly. These tubes are crafted from recycled paper products, significantly reducing waste and the carbon footprint of construction projects. After use, they are biodegradable, ensuring minimal waste is sent to landfills.
The adoption of concrete form tubes also diminishes the reliance on traditional concrete form methods that often involve wood or steel concrete form. These conventional methods can lead to considerable waste and environmental harm, especially if the concrete form are not disposed of properly. In contrast, concrete forming tubes are a more sustainable choice, as they can be easily recycled or reused.
Moreover, the incorporation of rain-resistant technology, like Sonotube’s Rainguard, further enhances the environmental benefits. This technology minimizes the amount of water entering the concrete pour multiple columns, reducing the risk of water damage and erosion, which can have severe environmental repercussions.
In summary, using concrete form tubes is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for construction projects, helping to reduce waste and lower the project’s carbon footprint.
Comparison with Traditional Concrete Form Methods
Concrete form tubes offer numerous advantages over traditional concrete form methods, making them a superior choice for many construction projects:
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Economical: These tubes are a cost-effective solution, eliminating the need for expensive traditional concrete form and reducing labor costs.
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Easy to store: Lightweight and easy to store, concrete form tubes are perfect for projects with limited storage space.
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Wet weather: Designed to withstand wet weather conditions, these tubes reduce the risk of water damage and erosion.
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Full hydrostatic pressure load: Capable of holding the full hydrostatic pressure load of concrete in a single continuous pour, they are ideal for high-strength concrete projects.
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Access: Providing easy access for drilling and pouring concrete, these tubes reduce the need for specialized equipment and labor.
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Permission: Unlike traditional methods, concrete form tubes do not require special permissions or permits, offering a convenient option for construction projects.
In contrast, traditional concrete form methods often necessitate specialized equipment and labor, leading to significant waste and environmental damage. They can also be more expensive and time-consuming, especially for projects requiring high-strength concrete.
Overall, concrete form tubes present a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable option for construction projects, making them an excellent choice for builders and contractors.
FAQ for Plastic Column Form (PCF) Concrete Form Tubes
How high can I pour multiple columns using the Plastic Column Form (PCF) for Concrete Form? Height is not the issue, it’s how fast you pour. Deslauriers recommends not to exceed 1200psf or 8 foot liquid head at 70° F. Standard practices limit concrete free fall to 5 feet. How many times can I reuse? The actual number of reuse of the PCF is dependent on job site conditions. Higher liquid head, higher pour rate, excess vibration, drilling of holes, rough handling puts more stress on the concrete form. These stresses and the severity of same can affect the reusable life of the form.
Why are there two sets of holes on the vertical flanges of the Plastic Column Form? There were several reasons for this. The inner 3 hole pattern is for tighter joint for higher pours (4 feet or more). The outer 2 hole pattern is for shorter pours so you save on labor. The outer holes and the center vertical rib allows for bracing attachment.
Can I cut the Plastic Column Form to a custom size? Yes, the Plastic Column Forms can be cut between the double flange at the 4 foot level with a hand saw or a Sawzall and still be used back to the 8 foot level. The concrete form is marked at one foot intervals and can be cut anywhere; however once cut other than the 4 foot double flange; they cannot be used back to an 8 footer.
Can I use the Plastic Column Form for bull-nosed application? No. The pressure from the length of the concrete form and the rest of the concrete form can cause blow-out to occur. Deslauriers recommends using a steel column concrete form for this purpose.
How do I brace the Plastic Column Form (PCF)? Same as a fiber tube, use a template at the bottom and plumb with a 2 x 4 or turnbuckle.
When can I tell if the Plastic Column Form (PCF) is approaching its usable limit? Good indicators are enlargement of bolt holes, any cracks or splits on the concrete form body or ribs and any noticeable separation of vertical flanges during a pour. Inspect the concrete form for any damage or cracks before each use. If unsure, don’t use.
Are the horizontal ribs strong enough to use as a ladder? No. The ribs are not designed for this type of point loading. Further, standard safety regulations prohibit this activity. Always use proper ladders as specified by OSHA, ANSI, etc.
Does sunlight affect the Plastic Column Form (PCF)? As with any plastic, long term ultraviolet light exposure breaks down plastic properties. Even with UV inhibitors, this process is merely slowed. So if you plan to store the PCF for a long period of time, place in the shade or better yet, cover to protect the plastic from UV.
How do I clean the Plastic Column Form (PCF)? First, a light coat of concrete form release will help prevent concrete buildup. To clean, we suggest muriatic acid or light power wash.
Can I use power tools to tighten bolts? Yes, but carefully. Over-tightening the bolts can cause the bolt head or nut to dig into the flange creating a possible weak spot. When possible hand tighten or use a washer as a backup.
How do I attach the Plastic Column Form (PCF) to a fibre tube? The simplest way is to cut a 3" to 4" section of horizontal flange from the PCF. Use this to clamp onto the top of a tube. Bolt a section of PCF to this "clamp" and you have a unit that can be used over and over to secure a PCF to a tube.
Can I nail to a Plastic Column Form (PCF) or should I drill a pilot hole? The concrete form may split if I just nail, so drilling is recommended.
Can I use an external vibrator on the Plastic Column Form (PCF)? No, this will damage the concrete form. Also be careful when using an internal vibrator so it doesn’t touch the sides of the concrete form.
The Plastic Column Form (PCF) for Concrete Form is a versatile and efficient solution for all your concrete form needs. With a 24” diameter and 8’ height, this concrete form is lightweight, reusable and stackable, making it easy to transport and store. It’s waterproof so your concrete stays protected during the pour and the smooth surface eliminates spiral marks, binding and sticking.
One of the best features of the PCF is its cost savings. Designed to save you time, money and labor, this concrete form can be used multiple times depending on the job site conditions. Higher liquid heads, faster pour rates and excessive vibration may reduce the concrete form life but with proper care it can be used many times. Also the PCF is U.V. resistant so it won’t be damaged from prolonged sun exposure.
The PCF concrete form has two sets of holes on the vertical flanges for flexibility in joint tightness and bracing. The inner hole pattern is for higher pours and the outer pattern is for shorter pours, saving you labor. But the PCF cannot be used for bull-nosed applications as the pressure from the length of the concrete form can cause blow-out.
To extend the life of the PCF concrete form, inspect regularly. Look for enlargement of bolt holes, cracks or splits on the concrete form body or ribs and any noticeable separation of vertical flanges during a pour multiple columns. These are indicators that the concrete form is approaching its usable limit.
When cleaning the PCF concrete form, apply a light coat of concrete form release to prevent concrete buildup. For efficient cleaning use muriatic acid or light power wash. But do not use power tools to tighten the bolts as over-tightening can weaken the form. Attachments can be nailed to the PCF but we recommend drilling a pilot hole to prevent splits.
Check out our full line of Concrete Form items and Concrete Tremie Pipe and Products on our website. Also check out our related blogs for more information on concrete form tools and the basics of concrete form.
Buy the Plastic Column Form (PCF) for Concrete Form and experience a cost effective, time saving and labor reducing solution for your concrete projects.