Frame formwork for more efficient concrete construction

Wall formwork is one of the fundamental systems found on almost every major construction site. Not only do they determine the final shape of the concrete, but they also have a significant impact on labour costs, construction speed and safety on site. At the same time, the pressure on construction companies to organise processes more efficiently and reduce assembly times is increasing.

At the bauma in Munich, Hünnebeck is therefore showcasing further developments to its Manto frame formwork. The focus here is not on spectacular individual innovations, but on numerous detailed improvements designed to simplify assembly and handling in day-to-day construction site operations. In formwork construction in particular, it is often small technical adjustments that determine productivity and cost-effectiveness. This is because formwork systems are assembled, moved, adjusted and dismantled on a daily basis. Any simplification of individual work steps therefore has a direct impact on the time required and the deployment of personnel. According to the manufacturer, the frame formwork presented is designed for concrete pressures of up to 80 kilonewtons and is used internationally in a wide variety of construction projects. The focus of the current development is primarily on reduced assembly effort and greater operational safety.

Hünnebeck optimises the Manto frame formwork

One key aspect of the innovations concerns the so-called single-sided anchoring technique. According to the company, this has been newly developed and is intended to significantly simplify the assembly and dismantling of the formwork anchors. Anchoring systems are among the most labour-intensive areas in formwork construction. They connect the opposing formwork elements and absorb considerable forces during concreting. At the same time, they must remain quick to assemble and safe to handle. The new solution therefore aims primarily to reduce the amount of work involved. Small time savings add up considerably, particularly with large wall surfaces or frequently changing formwork sections. It is interesting to note that modern formwork systems are increasingly being developed with ergonomic considerations in mind. Construction companies are looking for ways to reduce physically demanding work steps whilst simultaneously increasing efficiency on the construction site.

New connection technology simplifies assembly

In addition to the anchor technology, Hünnebeck is also presenting a new fastening system with an integrated storage system. The fasteners can be stored directly at the point of use when they are not currently in use. This may sound unspectacular at first, but it addresses a typical everyday issue on construction sites: tools and fasteners are often missing exactly where they are needed. As a result, staff spend time searching, rearranging or restocking. Thanks to the integrated storage option, the fasteners remain readily available directly on the formwork. At the same time, it should be easier to see how many fasteners are required at a formwork joint.

Key features of the Manto frame formwork:

• Frame formwork for concrete pressures up to 80 kilonewtons
• New single-sided anchoring technology
• Reduced effort during assembly and dismantling
• Connecting elements with integrated holder
• Combinable formwork panels for different wall sizes

Formwork systems must remain flexible

Another key focus is on the system’s adaptability. The formwork panels are available in various sizes and can be combined with one another. This allows the formwork to be flexibly adapted to different wall heights and lengths. Particularly in building construction or infrastructure projects, requirements often change within short construction phases. Flexibility has therefore been one of the key requirements in formwork construction for years. Companies want to use systems that can be applied as universally as possible, without having to provide special solutions for every geometry. Added to this is the increasing complexity of modern construction projects. Different wall thicknesses, changing concreting sections and tight schedules demand formwork systems that can be reconfigured quickly.

Application safety is becoming a key issue on construction sites

Also striking is the strong emphasis on the topic of application safety. According to the company, the focus is not only on speed and flexibility, but also on safe and traceable workflows. This reflects a broader trend within the construction industry. Construction sites are under increasing pressure to comply with safety standards whilst operating economically. Incorrect assembly or missing connecting elements can pose significant risks. Modern formwork systems are therefore increasingly being designed to minimise incorrect use. Visible workflows, clearly defined assembly points and simplified handling are intended to enhance workplace safety. The further developments in Manto frame formwork thus demonstrate just how much even traditional construction site technology is changing. Whereas the focus used to be primarily on load-bearing capacity and material thickness, ergonomics, process reliability and efficient workflows are now becoming increasingly important. In concrete construction in particular, it is no longer the actual construction work alone that determines a project’s success. The speed and reliability of the preparatory processes are becoming just as important – and formwork technology plays a key role in this.