THE TECHNIQUE OF EARLY STRIKING

Early striking is a technique whereby the formwork is removed 3 to 4 days after pouring a slab, but the supporting structure of scaffolding or props remains undisturbed until the concrete is strong enough to support its own weight over its full span.

Concrete generally takes 28 days to attain its full constructional design strength. Most engineers will only permit the complete support to be removed after about 10 to 14 days, depending on the ambient temperature and cube strength test.

With today’s high costs of formwork it is important to use it as frequently as possible. Traditional formwork locked in situ for 10 to 14 days with a pouring cycle in excess of this is obviously outmoded by this system with its facility to speed the cycle of operations. This practice has been widely accepted through world for more than a decade where the rising costs of material and labour have proved that this system of early striking is safe, efficient and truly cost – effective.