Technical Knowledge

Selection and Installation Key Points of Formwork Systems in Super Flat Floor Construction

February 2, 2026

WS940C
Selection and Installation Key Points of Formwork Systems in Super Flat Floor Construction 2

 

 

In the construction of super flat floors, the formwork system serves not only as lateral restraint but also as the baseline for elevation control. Since super flat floors typically utilize the "skip-pour method" or "long-strip paving," the stability and straightness of the formwork directly determine the flatness of the joints.

The following are key points regarding the selection and installation of formwork systems for super flat floors:

I. Selection of Formwork System

Traditional wooden formwork has been phased out in super-flat floor construction due to its susceptibility to deformation and low strength. The current mainstream solutions are as follows:

1. Armoured Joint System – Preferred Solution

Composition: Consists of two cold-drawn steel corner guards, load transfer bars, breakable bolts, and a lower steel plate.

Advantages: No need to remove after construction; it remains in the floor as a permanent joint; effectively protects the concrete edges from impact damage by forklift wheels (prevents chipping).

Applicable to: Longitudinal construction joints in very narrow aisle (VNA) areas.

2. High-precision channel steel or specially made steel molds

Requirements: Must possess sufficient rigidity, and the top surface must be machined and leveled.
Advantages: When used with a laser leveling machine, it can serve as a physical reference for the leveling head.

II. Key Installation Points

The accuracy of template installation directly affects the FL (Levelness) value, and the following steps must be followed:

1. Measurement and Positioning

Precise elevation control: Use a high-precision leveling instrument (accuracy requirement within ± 0.5 mm ) for surveying.

Denser measurement points: Set a fixed control point every 2 ~ 3 m along the template support trajectory to ensure straightness over long distances.

2. Secure Support

Reinforcement design: The template must be firmly anchored to the base layer using steel reinforcement bars. In ultra-flat floor construction, the power trowel is heavy and vibrates strongly; even a 1 mm settlement of the template will result in unacceptable flatness in that area.

Gap sealing: The gap between the bottom of the template and the base layer should be sealed with mortar to prevent leakage and the resulting "root rot" phenomenon, otherwise it will lead to honeycomb and pockmarked surfaces at the edges.

3. Precise Placement of Dowel Bars

Perpendicularity requirement: Dowel bars must be strictly parallel to the floor surface and perpendicular to the template surface.

Displacement control: The use of dowel bar sleeves or supports is recommended. If the dowel bars tilt during pouring, it will cause irregular cracks in the concrete during shrinkage, rather than cracking at the predetermined joints.

III. Construction Details and Equipment Coordination

Key processes Technical Requirements Equipment coordination
Top surface cleaning No old concrete or foreign objects shall remain on the top surface of the formwork. Manual inspection with a trowel is performed before pouring.
Joint connection The connection between two formwork sections must have a "zero height difference" transition. A tongue-and-groove joint structure or reinforcing steel plates on the back are used.
Demolding time The side formwork (non-armored joint) must be removed after the concrete strength reaches 2 to 3 MPa. Avoid using a sledgehammer to pry, to prevent damage to the edges of the newly poured concrete.

IV. Installation Diagram and Instructions for Armored Joints

When installing armored joints, it is important to pay attention to their three-dimensional adjustability. Adjustable height bolt supports are typically used, allowing for fine-tuning before concrete pouring to ensure the top surface of the angle steel is precisely at the design elevation.

V. Common Misconceptions and Corrections

Misconception 1: Relying on laser Leveling without paying attention to formwork.

Truth: When working near the edges of the formwork, laser Leveling are limited by the width of the Leveling blade and edge interference, often requiring the formwork as a physical reference. If the formwork is uneven, the flatness of the edges will inevitably be compromised.

Misconception 2: Dowel bars are inserted directly through wooden formwork.

Truth: This makes it very easy to dislodge the dowel bars during formwork removal, damaging the bond between the dowel bars and the initial setting concrete. It is recommended to use armored joints or steel formwork with professional sleeves.

 

Note: The parameters provided in this document are for reference only and are not mandatory. Due to differences in technical characteristics between different brands and models of laser levelers, please consult the manufacturer for a suitable solution before actual operation. This reference document assumes no responsibility for any issues arising from failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

 
 

Share this article

About the Author: Shandong Vanse Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.

Shandong Vanse Machinery Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech manufacturer specializing in concrete construction machinery, including laser screeds and related equipment. The company integrates R&D, production, and global sales, with products exported to over 60 countries and widely used in infrastructure projects worldwide.

Shandong Vanse Machinery

Leading manufacturer specializing in high-performance concrete laser screeds, telescopic arm flatwork handlers, and mechanical ride-on power trowels.

Need Machine Guidance?

Speak directly with Shandong Vanse field specialists for tailored equipment quotes and site planning.

Contact Us Today

Related Articles

You Might Also Like