A service provider focusing on affordable shell structures, Structuracasa Nigeria Limited has introduced a new technology that utilizes aluminum formwork systems in mass housing projects.
The new method known as ‘Aluma Easy Set’ integrates forming and shoring system that offers a lightweight and cost effective solution in virtually any application, and in which reinforced cast-in-place concrete is the specified method of construction.
The Aluma Easy Set has already been used in some projects located within Ogun and Lagos and Oyo States. Structuracasa officials plan to fabricate panels locally in the near future. Specifically, the system does not require plastering or rendering used in the traditional system of blocks/brick. “The use of concrete provides an excellent texture and appearance without end ‘bellies’ or bad finishes, achieving a clean and smooth concrete surface,” according to Mr. Jide Alade, Managing Director, Structuracasa.
He explained that the system was designed to be used in monolithic construction as well as two stage construction methods, offering the flexibility to suit any application and any building layout, from single storey buildings to high-rise apartments.
This system can easily allow forming of walls, slabs, windows, doors, stairs, columns and a wide range of architectural features, monolithically and separately. “Easy Set’s revolutionary design eliminates 80per cent of the welding required compared to similar systems and produces a product that is technically and commercially above and beyond what other systems have to offer.”
Alade stressed that each extrusion of the panel is configured to integrate the face sheets and rails using interlocking connections.
Each extrusion is mechanically locked by an aluminum stiffener, minimizing the amount of welding, therefore reducing the maintenance required over the life of the panel while maintaining structural integrity and rigidity.
He stated that the method is well suited for mass housing or multiple-unit housing developments and any particular concrete configuration such as houses, buildings, hotels, prisons, warehouses and columns.
At the company’s seminar/presentation on Aluma Easy Set in Lagos, attended by Cesari Carini of Brand, Alade said, “its easy use and quick erection time (assembly/ stripping process), drastically improves the casting cycle time to just one day.
“The system comes with standardized panels complete with integrated pins. Integrated pins reduce the amount of loose pieces that can be lost, while the standardization of the panels allows an inventory stock that can be used over multiple projects.
“It does not require skilled labour; the panels are assembled and secured with an easy combination of pin-wedge connections – “integrated pin and wedge system”. Only two working tools are required to operate the entire system, a hammer and a pike bar, and Aluma provides this with the formwork.
“Stair forms can be easily configured for use inside building cores as an alternative to precast stairs. It can also be supplied as an independent stair core form for multi-storey buildings.”
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