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StyroFrame is a Hybrid Permanent Insulating Formwork system that combines lightweight steel columns and insulation to form panels. The panels are erected and a profiled metal deck fixed to form a composite floor and/or roof system when the concrete is placed onto the deck and into the walls in one operation to create high quality buildings.
Follow the link for (PIF) a description of permanent insulating formwork (PIF)The Steel Columns
The steel columns have two vital functions; they give temporary support to the formwork ensuring that is stable and true until the pour is complete and it replaces reinforcing steel which is complex and expensive to fix. The columns are specially designed to create a composite structure with the concrete. This dual function makes the system efficient and cost effective. Fibre can be added to the mix both to increase tensile strength of the concrete and to provide shrinkage crack resistance.
Profiled Metal Deck holds the structure square and rigid until the concrete is poured and again provide the tensile element of the composite slab replacing conventional reinforcing steel. Steel or polypropylene fibre can be added as an anti-crack measure. In certain situations reinforcement is used to increase fire resistance and as an anti crack measure.
Follow the link Benefits of concrete for an explanation of the advantages of construction using concrete.Structure
The key to the flexible nature of the structure is the long span flooring system. Spanning up to 8 metres, clear flexible spaces are provided which allow for alterations throughout the life of the building adding to sustainability. The nature of the concrete shell makes detailing simple and economical. Local reinforcement at stress points such as junctions is simple and this makes the structure efficient and economical. Lintels consist of bars over openings, cavity closures are avoided and damp proofing is simple.Services
Service ducts can be installed in the factory making on-site work easier and neater. The floor support rail may be used as a duct for services and can be made accessible for maintenance or alteration by having a removable cover often disguised as a coving.Finishes
Finishes can be of any specification and applied when convenient. They range from elastomeric paints through modified thin coat renders, acrylic brick and stone slips to timber cladding and more sophisticated rain screen systems and "green walls".Foundations
Insulated substructure walls are brought up to slab from conventional strip footings. Riser wall blocks are set out on the strip and filled with concrete to underside of slab. This gives an insulated sub-structure and avoids labour below ground and the excessive use of concrete that is inherent with trench fill foundations.Cost
StyroFrame is one of the most cost effective solutions available. The overall project cost is reduced by the benefits of off-site construction; speed, reduced labour and materials handling, lack of waste, reduced Health and Safety expenditure and improved contract administration.Scope
StyroFrame is suitable for most building types. It is a concrete shell structure, is inherently strong and has been used in conjunction with highly glazed structures; e.g. shell type buildings with atrium links.The Contract Process
FormworksUK recognises that an efficient procurement process is vital to the supply of new buildings. With this aim we work closely with the client and the Contractor to ensure that the benefits of the system are realised for all parties. We have found that the “something new” factor can lead to resistance and defensive negotiation and pricing by Contractors. We try to overcome this by providing full explanation, training and monitoring. Initially our erection teams will put up the system and place the concrete. Through familiarity and efficiency this becomes highly cost effective. As soon as contractors or sub-contractors wish and are able they can take over this role and become approved erectors. This way productivity is kept high. We operate a transparent contracting policy whereby all parties are, as far as possible, aware and comfortable with all aspects of the contract. This leads to less conflict potential and delay.This web site and the designs that it describes are the copyright of Formworks UK Ltd. and due to our continuing policy of development and improvement we reserve the right to alter and amend our product specifications.