Frequently Asked Questions
Modules within the slab and through the plastic Form Bridge. The vertical bars within the cores of the block are also located within the Form Bridge. Recent tests revealed that the vertical bars remained in place during the pour thus eliminating the need to tie the steel rods together and as no mortar is between the blocks within the wall structure there is no need for clean out blocks or the need to 'wash out' the wall before grout pour.
A. Approximately 15, using 190mm Formblock. It does however depend on the load bearing wall configuration.
A. The first course is layed with a bed of mortar in order to level and straighten the base course. No other mortar is used or is necessary throughout the wall construction.
A. Yes, your engineer will specify steel locations. If using Formblocks then no ligatures are required as all steel reinforcement is held in position by way of the plastic Form Bridge.
A. Yes. As there is no mortar required between the blocks, water will not effect the laying procedure. However, as the first course requires a mortar joint it will need to be dry before laying the wet blocks above it.
A. The shape of the Formblock® allows for the insertion of the Form Bridge which holds the steel both laterally and vertically in place whilst pouring the grout into the wall. The starter bars are set in block modules within the slab and up through the plastic Form Bridge. Recent tests revealed that the vertical bars remained within the acceptable distance from each other during the pour thus eliminating the need to tie the steel rods together. As no mortar is between the blocks within the wall structure there is no need to ‘wash-out’ the wall before grout pour.
A. Yes, especially in hot climates. The block, when standing, can get quite warm and will suck a great deal of moisture out of the grout as its being poured. So, by wetting the block walls prior the grout pour it will allow the grout to flow correctly.
A. Yes, blocks can be cut to obtain measurements. However, care must be taken to wire or brace the cut blocks at the time of the pour.
A. Yes. As with standard blocks, the inside shell can be cut in order to allow the floor concrete to lock into the block work. Use timber outside the outer shell and wire it to the slab reinforcement.
A. No. In recent tests, just by rodding, using the vertical rods within the core is ample to get the grout to all points within the courses of the wall.
A. We have a special concrete grout called High Performance “Formfill” which is readily available. As is expected, it’s the grout that is the strength within the wall, so the grout is an important factor in the wall construction. Ask your engineer, or you can contact us if you wish to take this further. See also Test Results for further information.
A. Yes. This will save chasing the services which ultimately weakens the wall structure.
A. The finished aspect of a Formblock® wall is naturally flush and level requiring a minimal skim coat render only.
A. The system can be layed two to three times faster than conventional mortared block work (subject to training), so just the time saving alone has a flow-on effect. For example, three weeks savings on a job can save three weeks crane hire, three weeks scaffold hire and three weeks in outgoing loan monies… and the list goes on.
A. The savings are enormous! Recent studies in the Middle East have shown a 60% saving in steel alone and an overall saving of 42% on structural costs was regularly shown.
