Consystex Products
Round – Square – Bespoke Columns – Feature Solutions – Yellow Liner – Blue Liner
Appearance
Pink Tubular form of many varied lengths and diameters.
Composition
Kraft Paper 40% approx – Polypropylene 18% approx – Plastic Film <1% approx - Polystyrene foam 41% approx
Advantages
Light weight material that can be easily shaped and transported with ease Can be manufactured to your desired requirements (rigid for pilling and flexible for various applications.) It is environmentally friendly and is made up of non-hazardous materials which can all be recycled. It is weatherproof and can be designed for underwater applications without affecting the strength of the tube. It can be offered in a range of desired finishes including spiral lined and textured
Product Use
Formwork tubing for Square, Rectangular and Custom shaped concrete column
Transportation
Consystex columns can optimise maximum space during transportation as they have a flexible tolerance that allows you to load an average of 30% more columns on a truck by squashing them down.Due to the thin wall structure smaller diameters can also be placed inside larger columns to optimise space.
Unloading Manually
Consystex columns can be removed manually by sliding columns off the back of the truck. It is recommended that columns are handled with care as throwing or mishandling can create unwanted creases which will affect the finish of the column.
Unloading with the aid of a Crane
In this situation it is advised that the columns are lifted with slings (we recommend the use of slings as chains can create internal creases which will not affect the strength of the tube but can create unwanted surface marks on the finished concrete). It is also crucial that slings do not place too much pressure on the column tubes. Only apply sufficient pressure to securely hold the column tubes when lifting
Storage
Consystex columns are water resistant and can be left on-site in a horizontal position, however, it is best to place and fill columns as soon as possible after delivery. Avoid continual movement of columns around your site as this may cause unwarranted damage. Do not over stack columns and ensure that they are held in position by placing timbers on either side of the tubes and stacking them in a pyramid shape. It is recommended to turn columns around if they begin to warp after long periods of storage. Columns stored for any length of time should be protected from the elements or placed under cover. If placed upright, please ensure that columns are secure. Due to the light weightiness of the product, they may be blown over by wind, therefore they should be securely braced and tied. It is not advised to place columns higher than 3m in an upright position.
Column Installation - Pour Up Method
Where columns are set up prior to the suspended slab (i.e. stood vertically from the base slab), they are to be lowered down over the column reinforcement. Consideration should be given to any cogged bars at the top which are wider than the tube diameter as this will prevent placement of the tube. Cogged bars can be turned in and turned back out if approved or top cogs can be placed after the tube is in place – subject to the project engineer’s approval. Ensure bar chair spacers are attached to the column reinforcement to avoid scratching or tearing the liner. Alternatively, PVC conduit can be attached to the outside of the column reinforcement and removed after the tube is positioned. The tubes are then braced and levelled accordingly with diagonal bracing. We recommend that a circular collar cut out to the external diameter of the Consystex tube is used and placed no less than 100mm from the top of the tube. This collar can be supported by 3 vertical bearers to create a tripod like support to aid in the stability of keeping the column level. The bearers should not contact the tube. Diagonal bracing can then be attached and the column plumbed vertically. The bottom of the tube is to be braced for lateral movement by fixing four (4) timbers (kickers) equally spaced ie at North, South, East & West points at the bottom of the column so that they are positioned on the outer face of the tube. They should not push into the base of the tube and they should allow the tube to expand to the full diameter when the concrete is poured. Ensure top and bottom of the column have a nail placed into support and tube ensuring no lift or movement once levelled.
Column Installation - Pour Up Method
Where columns are set up prior to the suspended slab (i.e. stood vertically from the base slab), they are to be lowered down over the column reinforcement. Consideration should be given to any cogged bars at the top which are wider than the tube diameter as this will prevent placement of the tube. Cogged bars can be turned in and turned back out if approved or top cogs can be placed after the tube is in place – subject to the project engineer’s approval. Ensure bar chair spacers are attached to the column reinforcement to avoid scratching or tearing the liner. Alternatively, PVC conduit can be attached to the outside of the column reinforcement and removed after the tube is positioned. The tubes are then braced and levelled accordingly with diagonal bracing. We recommend that a circular collar cut out to the external diameter of the Consystex tube is used and placed no less than 100mm from the top of the tube. This collar can be supported by 3 vertical bearers to create a tripod like support to aid in the stability of keeping the column level. The bearers should not contact the tube. Diagonal bracing can then be attached and the column plumbed vertically. The bottom of the tube is to be braced for lateral movement by fixing four (4) timbers (kickers) equally spaced ie at North, South, East & West points at the bottom of the column so that they are positioned on the outer face of the tube. They should not push into the base of the tube and they should allow the tube to expand to the full diameter when the concrete is poured. Ensure top and bottom of the column have a nail placed into support and tube ensuring no lift or movement once levelled.
Column Installation - Pour Down Method
Where columns are installed from a suspended deck, the tube is lowered into position from above through the circular penetration in the beam/slab soffit plywood. The top of the column must be nailed to the plywood to ensure the column doesn’t move. Please ensure that the cut out is at the correct external diameter to ensure that the column is free to take its shape. The bottom of the column is braced for lateral movement as per the detail in a) above. The bottom of the column must have a nail placed into the base support and tube ensuring no lift or movement once levelled (we recommend 2 nails on top and bottom opposite to each other). As per a) above, ensure bar chair spacers and/or conduit is in place to avoid damage to the liner before lowering tube into position
Piers and Piles
When installing, ensure that the column is placed into the pier hole without excessive ground pressure. Columns can be designed to all specified grounds i.e sand, water, dirt. It is crucial that columns are not subject to any piling after the installation of the pier column.
Cutting Columns
When columns need to be cut they should be cut using a Stanley knife or equivalent. If the column is lined ensure to retape the liner to the column so that no concrete can enter in between the tube and the liner. This is very important. We recommend that all lined columns be ordered and heights specified so that we can cut to size in our factory to ensure the best quality finish. If any box outs need to be added or plates etc. we recommend that you contact our technical department as any form of penetration to the column could affect the strength of the tube. Instructions on reinforcing the column can be given depending on the specification.
Pouring of Concrete
efore pouring check all columns are braced adequately and internal liners have not been displaced. It is crucial that the concrete is poured into the column by placing the pump hose and vibrator as far down as possible. Pouring from the top of the column is not recommended and can lead to damage of the liner and to the finish of the tube. If the column is not vibrated evenly there is a high chance of honeycombing. Ensure concrete pour rates are not exceeded.
Stripping Columns
All supports should be removed and the column should be clear of any possible interference. A knife can be used to cut a vertical incision from the top to the bottom of the column. Ensure not to cut through to the concrete as this may scratch or damage the surface finish of the concrete. Alternatively, you can utilise the option of Consystex Stripping Tape, which will split the column vertically for easy removal of the tube. Once the outer column shell is cut, peel off the tube and safely place on the ground. Cut the column shell into manageable pieces for ease of handling and dispose of responsibly into rubbish bins.
Characteristics
Consystex column tubes are manufactured out of non-hazardous materials in their manufactured state. They do not emit any form of odour. No components of the column should be exposed to fire or hazardous materials. This can result in harmful emissions and affect its structural integrity. Weather resistant characteristics allow the Consystex column to withstand natural temperature changes, moisture and humidity. Normal weather conditions will not affect the structural integrity of the tubes. If columns are subject to any extreme weather conditions, please contact our quality control department to ensure that the columns are in usable condition) Care should always be maintained with the use of the column. The less exposure to water, dirt and poor handling will maximise performance and optimize the quality of the columns that are formed.
Specific Hazards
Do not breathe in smoke from burning product. This product contains some combustible material. If ignited can give off fumes that may be toxic such as carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
Accidental Release Measures
Do not allow fragments or debris to contaminate waterways, sewers or drains. Wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves. safety glasses when and clothing handling.
Bespole Solutions
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
Blue Liner
Multilayer Kraft paper with extruded Coating and plastic film face. Internal Liner for the purpose of a smooth and matt ‘first class’ finish.
Class - 3 Finish
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
Class-2 Finish
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
Texture Finish
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.