Types of formwork clamps and their application

Not so long ago, the usual set for fastening the shuttering panels was a tie bolt, 2 wing nuts and consumables (cones and PVC pipes). Today, for this kind of tasks among builders, the use of spring clamps is practiced (informal names widely used by builders - formwork lock, "frog", riveter, "butterfly", reinforcing clip). External force effects that these devices are able to withstand determine their widespread use for the construction of the formwork system of columns, walls of cast frames of buildings and foundations.

Let's list the main advantages of using formwork clamps.

1. Reduced time spent. Installing and dismantling a spring lock is many times easier and faster than a bolt, since you do not need to spend time screwing and unscrewing the nuts.
2. Competent distribution of finances. The cost of the clamps is lower compared to the set of clamping screws.
3. High strength. The use of a spring-loaded locking device makes it possible to perform a strong and stable fastening.
4. Durability. The clamps can withstand multiple concreting cycles.
5. Ease of installation. Clamps are placed only on one side of the monolithic frame formwork. On the other side of the rod, a retainer is welded - a piece of reinforcing rod. It turns out that one end of the rod looks like the letter "T", and the second remains free. This end is placed in the opening of the formwork and a clamp is placed on it, which ensures the stability of the structure in the same way as a nut with a tightening screw.
6. Saving material resources. When assembling the tie screws, they are installed in PVC pipes in order to prevent the fasteners from contacting with the concrete mortar, as a result of which holes remain in the monolithic building structure. When using clamps, you do not need to remove the reinforcing bar - you just need to cut off the protruding end of it. The place of the saw cut is covered with mastic.
7. Multifunctionality. The use of this fastener is allowed for the construction of formwork systems of various sizes.

Formwork is needed for the construction of monolithic concrete structures. The clamp for it is used as a structure lock. And the larger the structure, the more parts are required to work... To form forms for pouring concrete solution, several types of materials are used: an ordinary board or steel shields. The latter are becoming more and more in demand, since they are stronger, do not lose their shape under the influence of moisture and are produced in several sizes (for foundations, columns, walls, and so on).

There are the following types of clamps for monolithic-frame formwork (each of them has its own purpose and performance):

• universal ("crocodile");
• elongated;
• spring;
• screw;
• wedge ("crab").

It is impossible to manufacture a reliable monolithic reinforced concrete structure without the aforementioned mounting elements. They speed up the assembly work of the formwork and its subsequent disassembly. Properly selected formwork clamps make the work as easy as possible.

On the domestic market, both Russian and foreign products (as a rule, made in Turkey) are presented in a wide variety.

Among domestic manufacturers of spring clamps for removable formwork, the company holds the leading position in the market of products for monolithic construction Baumak... Produces ingenuous products (with a bearing capacity of up to 2.5 tons). The reinforced Yakbizon sample from this manufacturer is capable of withstanding extreme loads of up to 3 tons: the tongue of the model is cryogenically hardened, which gives it extraordinary strength and guarantees a long service life.

Domestic manufacturers also offer spring locking devices "Chiroz" ("Frog"), capable of withstanding more than 2 tons of load. The "frog" is put on an ordinary reinforcement and is fixed faster and easier. The "frog" is tightened with a specialized wrench.

Spring clamps are produced in this country Hold (bearing capacity - 2 tons), PROM (3 tons) and rebar clamp ALDEM (over 2 tons).

The devices are equipped with a heavy-duty tongue made of hardened steel. Its surface is covered with zinc, which protects it from rust formation. As for the thickness of the platform itself, it is equal to 4 millimeters. At the same time, the fastening device is equipped with a heavy-duty rigid spring.

Company Nam Demir makes both simple devices and reinforced ones. The cost of products from a given manufacturer depends on the load indicators.

I must say that such tools do not come to retail outlets just like that. Before selling clamps, manufacturing companies have to go through a lot of checks. And only after receiving the proper documentation and certificates, they have the right to sell their products. Therefore, all the connecting components available on the market have the highest quality of technical performance and installation and have been approved by highly qualified specialists (for use at various construction sites).

The whole procedure is quite labor intensive. To assemble the formwork system you will need:

• shields;
• clamps;
• spacers (reinforcing components);
• mixture;
• auxiliary parts that give stability to the structure.

The installation procedure for the formwork system is as follows:

• I-beams (beams) are laid on the bottom of the dug trench;
• shields are laid on top of the beams;
• walls made of shields are mounted on the sides of the trench;
• reinforcement is laid between the structural elements, which is partially removed to the outside;
• the outer part of the bars is fixed by means of clamps;
• a wedge connection is mounted on top of the shields;
• only after the construction is completed can the solution be poured.

Dismantling is even easier.

• Wait for the concrete to harden. Most often, there is no need to expect absolute hardening of the solution - it is only necessary that it acquire its original strength.
• We hammer on the tongue of the spring clip with a hammer and remove the device.
• Using an angle grinder, we cut off the protruding elements of the reinforcement bars.

The use of clamps reduces the likelihood of obtaining a low-quality foundation and other components of the structure by pouring. All elements can be attached with your own hands without the use of specialized tools.

The video below will tell you about the types of clamps for formwork and their application.