For concrete openings to develop and to lower the structural weight and provide access for services, it is best to keep in mind that the former material, the positioning, and the withdrawal will be necessary. Voids need to be sufficient for their intended use before fixing the rest of the formwork. Smaller voids require specific forming methods that allow you to remove the item from both or one end of the void. If the void is surrounded by concrete, you need to use a permanent form.
In construction, a cardboard void former will be used often. One of the things it is meant for is to combat reactive soil. Clay soil, for example, constricts as it dries and increases in volume when it gets wet. To prevent this reaction from affecting the structure’s foundation, it will need void formers. Here is everything you need to know about it:
Honeycomb cardboard
As the name suggests, a honeycomb cardboard former is meant to look like honeycombs. The style of the board makes it strong enough for the job, while it maintains its lightweight feature. This can help improve the lifespan of buildings significantly.
The value
Laying concrete on topsoil without a middle layer can cause it to seep into the soil. Seeping causes the base to be unstable and compromises the structure’s integrity.
With a cardboard void former, the concrete is laid on a flat and stable surface. The design will be ideal because it is durable. The cardboard can absorb high amounts of pressure and force from a direct impact. As it is lightweight, one does not suffer fatigue from handling the cardboard. Besides, you get low costs for shipping, getting many pieces moved in bulk.
Finally, honeycomb cardboard is preferred for its innovativeness. The functional style of the board suits construction applications for many different types of projects, whether they are big or small. The cardboard is environmentally friendly and is made of fully recyclable material, too. Even if the material is not removed, it will disintegrate completely when given the time.
The ideal design
It is one thing to tout honeycomb cardboard as the best option, and it is another thing altogether to understand why this is the case. The material is made with unbleached wood fibers, and it has flat linerboards and fluted sheets. You have likely seen such cardboard being used in the packaging of fragile items. However, honeycomb cardboard differs from corrugated cardboard. The latter lacks in strength.
The honeycomb board design is constructed with a similar size as corrugated boards. However, it is infused with properties like high folding strength and stronger flexural ability. The grooves supply the power to handle the high pressure of wet concrete.
When looking to work with a construction company, inquire to find out the void formers they intend to use. The wrong material could lower your building’s integrity. As an added benefit, honeycomb cardboard is easy to install and can cater to specific requirements by merely cutting panels that suit the particular area you have in mind.
