Technical Info
Technical FAQ
FAQ pages: General Construction
Related info: Construction - Step by Step
Construction FAQ
- Is this a "stay in place" form?
- Where do I buy the Materials?
- Do I need any special tools?
- How do I brace the forms?
- How does steel rebar go into the form?
- What kind of insulation is used?
- Will Octaform™ expand or contract in extreme temperatures?
- Do I have to use a special concrete mix?
- Should a concrete pump be used?
- Do I have to pour slowly?
- Can I vibrate the forms?
- Do the forms ever blow out?
- Do you provide technical assistance?
- Do you provide engineering specifications?
- Are the forms code approved?
- Is this a "stay in place" form?
Yes, Octaform™ is a true “stay in place” forming system. The PVC cells, forming the wall structure, remain after the concrete has been placed, leaving a bright, durable and clean wall surface. - Where do I buy the Materials?
All the components are available at Octaform™ Systems Inc. 1-888-786-octa (6282) - Do I need any special tools?
No. General hand tools and power screw drivers are all that is needed for most projects. - How do I brace the forms?
Octaform™ walls can be braced with either a steel or wood bracing system. Please contact us for the recommended bracing design for your specific project. - How does steel rebar go into the form?
Rebar can be placed as the Octaform™ system is erected. The connectors have straps on which the rebar can rest prior to tying. Sections of the wall can remain open to allow the rebar to be tied and for easy inspection by the structural engineer. - What kind of insulation is used?
Three kinds of insulation are currently available depending on the intended use: expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate. The insulation comes to the site pre-cut in 6” wide strips to be slid into the Octaform™ system. Each strip has pre-cut edge slots to slide into place. - Will Octaform™ expand or contract in extreme temperatures?
All materials expand and contract. Octaform™ performs as well or better than conventional construction products throughout temperature extremes. The system is designed to withstand temperature extremes and fluctuations. (unrestrained PVC has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 3.7 e-5 in/in/degrees Fahrenheit.) - Do I have to use a special concrete mix?
No, a standard mix will work just fine. We suggest a 3,000 to 3,500 psi mix, 4 to 6 inch slump with an aggregate that does not exceed 3/4" diameter. - Should a concrete pump be used?
Yes. The system is designed to work best with a concrete pump. Only if your jobsite makes placement from a truck too difficult, should you consider alternatives. Concrete can be placed with crane buckets, elevators or other typical placement methods. - Do I have to pour slowly?
The forms will allow concrete placement at nominal rate of 5 vertical feet per hour. It is placed in 4 foot lifts. - Can I vibrate the forms?
Yes. We recommend using a 1" vibrator, provided the operator is experienced. Octaform™ can provide the recommended vibrating procedure for the forms. - Do the forms ever blow out?
When you place wet concrete into any form, there is always some risk of having a form blow out (break). These forms are no different. When used properly, it is very unlikely that the form will ever break. - Do you provide technical assistance?
A technical representative can be sent to your job site to train your crews on the most effective building methods for the Octaform™ system. - Do you provide engineering specifications?
No. The finished walls are no different than other monolithic concrete walls. Therefore, local engineering standards for poured concrete should always be used. However, guide specifications are available, which can assist your engineer in designing your project. - Are the forms code approved?
Assuming that local engineering standards are followed, the poured walls will meet all requirements of conventionally formed walls.
FAQ pages: General Construction
Related info: Construction - Step by Step