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Sonotube Finish Free^® Forms Installation Guide

Special handling instructions for Sonotube Finish Free concrete forms:

• Do not dent or scratch interior coating.
• Do not drop; extreme physical shock may crack interior coating.
• Protect from extended rain and excess moisture.
• Punctures or excessive gouges in the form may cause blowouts. When
  cutouts are required, the opening should be waterproofed and reinforced to
  prevent blowouts.
• Vibrate the column using a regular vibrating needle. Do not touch the inside
  surface of the form with the vibrating needle; this may damage the finish.
• Never vibrate the concrete from the outside.

How to store

Store Sonotube concrete forms in a dry place at the job site:

• For best results, store forms vertically to maintain roundness.
• Keep ends covered.
• If stored horizontally, elevate a minimum of 4 inches off the ground and
  support the full length of the forms.

Placing

Even the largest Sonotube brand forms are easier to place either manually
with block and tackle, or by crane:

• Position over a reinforcing bar cage if desired.
• Avoid damaging the inside surface.
• Place individually or in groups for continuous pouring.

Bracing

Sonotube concrete forms require minimal bracing to be brought to plumb:

• Use light lumber or scaffolding.
• Secure the column foot with collars if necessary.
• If pouring bents for bridges, consider tying the column form in with the
  beam form. Sonotube concrete forms can also be tied into other forms
  or structural members.

Pouring

NOTE: Use a release agent with all Sonotube forms, especially when working with aggressive concrete formulations.

Sonotube concrete forms are engineered not to buckle, swell or lose shape, and have been successfully used with a continuous pour of columns well over 40 feet. Do not exceed ACI-recommended pour rates.

Concrete must be vibrated during pour.

Stripping

If stripping is required, strip the form as soon as possible after the concrete has set to prevent concrete from sticking to the form. Recommended time for the easiest and fastest stripping is 24 to 48 hours after the pour. Sonotube concrete forms should not be left on the column for more than five days.

Stripping procedure:

• Detach the RipCord stripping filament at the top of the form and wrap around a
  hammer or other tool handle.
• Pull strap straight down from the top of the form to tear through the form wall
  and remove the form. Stripped forms can be used to protect finished columns
  until completion of project.

WATCH THE FINISH-FREE CONCRETE FORMS DEMO VIDEO:

> Finish-Free Demo.mov (Quicktime)
> Finish-Free Demo.wmv (Windows Media)

*Note: movies may take several minutes to download on slower internet connections. Appropriate media players are required to view.