Sure-Ply

Application Guide
 PRODUCT FEATURES
All panels are powder coated. In doing so
1000 PSF System the paint is baked into the panel which
allows for a long form-life and easy
concrete clean-up.
Exact corner joints eliminate
tolerance build-up over large
areas.

Angle struts are spaced on 12”

centers to provide strength,
uniform concrete and minimize
deflection.

1/2” plywood is riveted to

angle struts. Plywood
tolerance is closely maintained
to assure long form life.
ALL MATERIALS AND
MANUFACTURING
MADE IN USA

Handles are provided on panels

Side and end rails are rolled for easy handling in setting and
from 55,000 p.s.i. steel and stripping forms
welded continuously at corners
for maximum strength.

*
Rear, side and end rail dados
are located at 6” on center to
allow optimum accessory
location.

*
* Front and rear rail contact
points prevent grout
seepage and permit true
form alignment with
adjacent panels.
2” wide angle strut allows for more
weld for added strength.

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 INTRODUCTION

What follows is a basic illustration booklet showing the SURE-PLY system’s setting techniques,
hardware application and it’s versatility in reaction to difficult concrete forming projects.

NOTE: SureBuilt recommends the use of complete safety gear, gloves, safety shoes
and protective safety glasses when both erecting and dismantling forms.

The SURE-PLY forming system has a maximum pour pressure of 1000 lbs./ square foot.

BASIC PANEL AND FILLER SIZES:

Panels: 24” (wide) x 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)

Fillers: 4” to 22” (wide) x 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Metal Fillers: 1”, 1.5”, 2” (wide) x 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Inside Corner (metal): 6”x6” & 4”x4” (size) x 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Outside Corner: 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Filler Angles: 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Pilaster Panels: 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Culvert Forms: 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Inside & Outside Bay Corners: 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)
Hinge Corners: 3’,4’,5’, 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ (height)

NOTE: Forms Available in feet/ inches & metric. (special order)

Custom forms are available to fit the needs of our customers.

Example: Custom column forms 30” to 24”, custom metal fillers 1” to 4” odd sizes, custom culvert
forms odd dimensions, custom adapter panel to other forming systems, etc.

Our system fits the needs of the customer with excellent quality, delivery and even choice of colors to
make your forms distinctive to your company.

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 BASIC FORM SETTING
5 STANDARD STEPS TO SETTING:

Step #1
After deciding on appropriate tie spacings insert the wedge
bolt through the panel at those tie locations.

Step #2
Now it’s time to slide the ties over the extended end of the
wedge bolts.

Step #3 wedge bolt slot

“A”
Decide which side of the wall you want to work
with first, then maneuver the opposing form into
position. Take panel “A” and line up the wedge bolt
slots with the extended wedge bolts.

Step #4
Sandwich the wedge bolt between panels by sliding
the panels over the extended wedge bolts.

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 BASIC FORM SETTING

Step #5
Once panels are together simply drop in the tightening
wedge bolts. Remember, the wedge bolts should not
be hammered down excessively.

NOTE: Continue panel placement as shown in steps 1-5. After a few panels have
been set in place it will be time to attach alignment walers. If stiffbacks &
alignment bracing is required this will also be the time to add them. Also,
after step 5 you can begin nailing the bottom rail of the alignment panels to
the sill. See “SETTING PANELS” below for a better explanation.

SETTING PANELS
Form panels can either be set directly on to concrete or on a
lumber sill plate that has been anchored to concrete. The use
of sill plates is recommended because it gives a flat surface
onto which forms may be set and anchored. Panels should be
nailed flush to sill plate edge, at least one nail per panel
utilizing nail holes in panel end rails.

If there is a need to gain a few inches in form height, you can

simply add double sill plates. For example, let’s say you have 16’
and need 16’-3”. If you were to use (2) 1-1/2” sill plates you
would achieve you desired height. This is an easier approach to
adding inches to form height than nailing lumber to the top of the
forms.

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 BASIC FORM SETTING

Wedge bolts are used as the basic connection fitting.

Two wedge bolts make up a set. One wedge bolt
passes thru the rail slot and the second is placed thru
the oblong slot of the first wedge bolt, then hammered
tight. The wedge bolt set can be used in both vertical
or horizontal position.

NOTE: Wedge bolt connections should be tight, but it is

not necessary to beat (over-tighten) the bolt.
Doing so could cause both damage to forms and
make it very difficult to dismantle forms.

BEGINNING PANEL PLACEMENT

To start, panel placement usually begins
at a wall corner or pilaster location.
Doing this results in a layout with only
6”

one filler form to make up any

differences in wall dimensions with
8”

outside corner connected to proper

panel.
m
or
rf
le

Calculate the first panel by adding inside

”fil
14

corner form dimension to the wall

thickness. (ex. 6” inside corner + wall thickness of 8” = 14” filler panel. Connect additional panels
and ties remembering to level and plumb as you go. Horizontal aligner wales and form aligner
braces should be installed as soon as a sufficient number of panels have been erected.

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 WALERS
Waler Walers function as an alignment member, keeping forms
either straight or following a pre-determined curve or shape.
Form Aligner
Generally for walls up to 8’-0” height where the panels have
been attached to a sill plate only one waler aligner need be
attached to top at either the 6” or 18” slot location. Once
one side of wall is erected and aligned the opposing wall
Tie location dependant forms are brought into alignment when the ties are
Sill upon applied pressure
connected between panel sides.

ONE PIECE WALER CLAMP

The one piece waler clamp is the easiest hardware

to use. It can hook on to any open side rail slot and Single or Double
can be used to attach either one 2”x4” or a double 2”x4” waler

2”x4” waler pattern.

One piece waler
clamp

Panel of filler

“Z” TIE HOLDER

The use of the waler tie and z-tie holder unit is one
that allows the erector more versitility in equipment
use since the waler ties come in sizes for 2”x4” and
2”x6”. By inserting the proper tie in combination
Wedge bolts
with the standard z-tie holder either size lumber
waler can be attached with the use of two standard
wedge bolts. “Z” tie holder

Waler tie

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 WALERS
Nail

J-WALER
The J-Waler hook is one part made up of 3 separate pieces.
It can be used in the same locations as any of the other
waler brackets. The J-Waler hook works with single or J-waler

double 2”x4” wood walers.

ROLLED STEEL WALERS

In addition to wood walers, Sure-ply forms can be aligned Wedge bolts
with 3” steel channels and pipe (1 ½” schedule 40). Both of
these steel aligners can be used straight or by being rolled to 1 1/2 SCH40
Pipe
form circles or curves. The rolled pipe walers are attached
to the forms using a pipe aligner hook. The location of the Aligner hook

the rolled pipe walers will be the same as regular wood

walers. The same applies for the pipe aligner hooks.

Rolled pipe walers can be lapped and held to the forms with
Wedge bolts
two pipe aligner hooks at the same location. (see detail)

1 1/2 SCH40
Pipe
NOTE: Contact SureBuilt for pricing on radius aligners.

Aligner hook
!!WARNING!!
PIPE ALIGNERS ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR
LOADING AND MAY CRUSH OR BEND
UNDER LOAD. 3” steel channel
Wedge bolt
location
Gang waler rod
GANG WALER ROD ASSEMBLY
The 3” aligner bracket is used in conjunction with a gang
waler rod assembly to attach 3” steel channels (C3x5.4). The
bracket allows channel to either be run horizontally on top or
bellow on the gang waler rods. If there is a need to lap or
Gang waler plate
splice channel use a gang waler plate and the same gang waler
rod and nut assembly.

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 STRONG BACKS
Strong backs are used to align the forms vertically. They are
generally used for tall walls or where multiple forms are
stacked and waled. Spacing of the strong backs are usually
in 4’-0” increments. (Example 8’-0” centers or 12’-0” center
spacings.) Scaffold bracket

Strong backs can be made with either double 2”x4” or 2”x6”

lumber. The 2”x6” strongbacks are used when forming Strongback

requires increased strength.

Tie location dependant
upon applied pressure
Strong backs are attached using either strongback ties with
Waler
“Z”-tie holder or with the “J”-strongback hook. The
strongback ties are wedge bolted to the side rail of the form
and the J-strongback hook is placed over waler lumber.

Strongback tie loops are in the same plane compared to waler ties which have loops bent 90° to each
other.

Wedge bolts 2”x4” Strongback

Strongback tie

Wedge bolts

“Z” tie holder J strongback

Waler rod hook
2”x4” Strongback
attachment

STRONGBACK GANG WALER ROD/

J-STRONGBACK
“Z” TIE HOLDER STRONGBACK
DETAIL
ATTACHMENT

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 STACKING FORMS
When getting started it’s advisable to start erecting forms at a known spot such as a corner location and
work your way out. Also, when stacking forms match the same size panel over panel and filler over filler.
Doing so will line up your horizontal wedge bolt locations.

Horizontally, use the first and third wedge bolt slots to make panel attachment. The center slot is
generally used if a tie is required. Once the first stacked panel is connected repeat the procedure until
sufficient wall area has been framed. The opposing wall should be framed with matching panels so that
the tie hole locations match both horizontally and vertically.

To achieve a certain height, panels and/ or fillers can be turned horizontally and stacked on top of vertical
panels. Attach in the same manner, remembering to leave slot locations for,walers, scaffold brackets and/
or miscellaneous hardware.

For more information on stiffening and aligning stacked forms please review the previous sections on
walers and strongbacks.

1st 2nd 3rd

Typical application horizontal panels stacked
on top vertical panels End rail wedge bolt and tie slots

Stacked panels

Point wedge
bolts down with
locking wedge
bolt at the
underside

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 SECOND VERTICAL POUR
There are a variety of methods to frame a second pour of higher elevation.

The first is to embed an anchor into previous pour, strip the forms and attach a lumber sill or ledge to rest
the next level of forms on.

NOTE: During attachment of lumber care has to be taken to maintain level because there is no final
adjustment.

The second method is to leave the top form from first pour attached to wall. The second lift can be
erected on top of this form and is fully supported by previous form and ties.

NOTE: Do not remove or break off ties on top panel. They are the support for second lift.

The third method is to embed an anchor into previous pour, strip forms and attach an adjustable landing
bracket to wall with bolt. A lumber ledge can be placed onto brackets. This gives you both a landing
ledge and leveling ability at the same time.

NOTE: Spacing of brackets and lumber size depend on second lift weight and form configuration.

Insert

Adjustable shear
wall bracket
Form used during
previous pour Insert

Wood
ledger

Insert

Pour 1 Pour 2 Pour 1 Pour 2

Method #1 Method #2 Method #3

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 FORM ALIGNMENT
Form aligners are required to position forms straight and plumb. They are never used to hold concrete
pressure or any other load. Depending on forming requirements, there are several methods to align forms.

Waler Attachment plate

The first method is steel or
wooden stake along with Form aligner
attachment plate and
lumber aligner all nailed
together. There’s no
adjustment with this
Stake
method of form aligning. 2” x 4” Wedge bolt

Turn buckle

The second method is the use of a adjustable turn buckle form

aligner. Again, use attachment plate and wood aligner, but it is nailed
to the turn buckle and allows contractor to adjust a maximum of 6”.

Wedge bolt

The third method of form aligning is handled by using Sure-ply’s

tubular steel mini brace. It is made with standard stake foot on one
end and has a Sure-ply attachment plate on the other end. It Turn buckle
extends from 7’-6” to 11’-6” and at each setting allows you 12” of
adjustment. Stake

The final method is for tall walls or column forming. Standard pipe brace ranging from 14’-0”
to 39’-0” are available.

NOTE: Depending on application SureBuilt can manufacture any style attachment

hardware you require.

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 SCAFFOLD BRACKETS
Wedge bolt
Scaffold brackets are installed when and where personnel are
required to work at elevated levels to perform necessary work
installing both forms and concrete. This scaffold bracket is
designed for worker access only and has a rating of 500 LBS.
The maximum spacing is 8 ft. on center.

Scaffold brackets are not to be used to support concrete,

equipment or construction materials. They are secured with Toe plate
Scaffold
wedge bolts and special s-wedge that has been attached to the
bracket
bracket.

NOTE: Scaffold brackets attach to the forms only, never to ties and the s-wedge must be used
to make connection.

Safety eye installed at vertical

side rails or vertical end rails

Standard wedge
1” dia. Hole to receive
bolt secures safety
safety belt snap hook
SAFETY EYE furnished by contractor
eye

Climbing formwork is not a

Safety eye
recommended procedure, but
Secure wedge
may be necessary in some bolt to plywood
situations. The safety eye is with 16d nail

designed to attach to the Sure-

ply form with standard wedge Safety eye installed at horizontal side
rails or horizontal end rails
bolts at previously set points and
provide a secure hook point for
attachment of safety work belts.
Standard wedge bolt Insert safety eye downward so that
secures safety eye locking wedge bolt is below side
rail

Secure wedge bolt to

plywood with 16d nail

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 FILLERS
3 DIFFERENT FILLERS TYPES:
 Steel Filler Panels (wood-faced)
 Metal Fillers
 Job-Built Fillers (filler angles)

Ties are used on both sides of fillers

FILLER PANELS

UNI-PLY filler panel sizes are available in all even

increments from 4” to 22”. Filler panels are

TIES
TIES
manufactured with the same materials used to make
standard 24” wide panels.

Filler Panel

2 Nail Holes
Long-Bolt
METAL FILLERS (1”,1-1/2”, 2”)

Metal fillers come in 1”, 1 1/2” & 2” widths with tie

slots centered on the metal face at 12” centers. They
are connected to opposing forms with either long bolts
or adjustable long bolts.*
Steel Filler Tie

*Long bolts are punched with (2) 1/4” holes. These holes are designed to accept a 16d,
20d, or broke-off panel tie end to shorten the long bolt to accommodate a 1” or 1-1/2” metal
filler. 2” metal fillers can use a regular wedge bolt with the long bolt.

JOB-BUILT FILLERS (Filler Angles)

Filler angles are a great way for the contractor to quickly make up odd dimensions in forming layout.
Filler dimensions can be from 3” to 12”. Filler angles attach to panels with standard wedge bolts. The
3/4” strip of plywood filler strip can be attached to the angles with the use of screws or nails.

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 JOB-BUILT FILLERS
Filler Angles
Ties are to be on both sides of the filler angles
as shown in figure 1. Because there is no
embossment to these filler angles, one must
use flat ties next to the filler angles. However,

TIES
TIES
it is possible to use wire ties by leaving a 1/8”
gap between the filler angle and the panel as
12” max.
shown in figure 2.

FIGURE 1.

Tie location Filler angles easily attach to 3/4” plywood

using bolts, screws or nails.

Wedge bolt

1/8”

FIGURE 2. This is dimension is only

required for use of wire tie.

Pipe
Rebar

Creating “job-built fillers” can be very beneficial Tie

when forming around protruding objects. Whether it

be various pipes, rebar, etc. job-built fillers is a quick
fix to the situation.

Filler Angles

1x4, 1x6, 3/4” plywood ,etc.

Tie if required

Filler angles can also be used to add a few

(0”-4” just use filler angle, no tie. For
inches to the top of the form to achieve the 4”-6” there must be a tie as shown.)

desired wall height.

Filler angle

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 BASIC FORM SETTING
TIE OFFSETS
When designing the layout for concrete formwork often times there Loop tie or
flat tie
are situations where panel joints don’t line up with those on the
Panel joint
opposite side of the wall. Often times this situation can be handled
by pulling the tie at an angle to the opposite form joint. The tie can
have a 1” horizontal offset for an 8” wall and 2” for 16” wall. The
offset to wall thickness ratio must not exceed 1:8. Exceeding this
ratio will void the integrity of the tie.

As shown here ties can also have a vertical offset. The same rule Loop tie only

applies to the horizontal offset. The ratio of the offset to the wall
Flat tie will not swing
thickness is 1:8. Likewise, exceeding this ratio will void the integrity
up or down
of the tie.

Vertical movement is
restricted by tie slots

WALL INTERSECTIONS
12” thick
Sure-ply offers two sizes of Inside Corners 6”x6” and
4”x4”. Whether you have an intersecting t-wall or a
pilaster, the following will work for both situations. If the 6” inside corner 6” inside corner

perpendicular wall is 12” or less, one panel or filler will

be on the back side of the intersecting wall.
24” panel
14” thick

If the perpendicular wall is 14” to 16”, we can still form

this without any added bracing. This can be done by using
6” inside corner 6” inside corner
a panel with a metal filler on bstill form h sides. In doing 1” metal filer
so we may need to refer to the tie offset section above.

1” metal filer 24” panel

wall intersections cont.

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 BASIC FORM SETTING
WALL INTERSECTIONS

If the perpendicular wall thickness is greater than 16” we have a couple of options. One option is to use a
pre-bent tie on both ends of the back panel. Another option is to use two fillers on the back side of the
intersecting wall. The joint of the two fillers should be roughly centered on the intersecting wall and
waled and/or braced as needed.

20” thick 20” thick

Pre bent tie Pre bent tie

24” panel 16” form 16” form

No tie must Waler

brace
PILASTER FORM
Pilaster forms are all metal forms that are adjustable from 1” to 12” in even and odd increments. The face
of the pilaster form is punched with slots for the perpendicular panel or filler to attach.

3”

The dimension from the end of the pilaster form to the first
available slot is 2”. The dimensions increase in even 2”

increment, such as 2”, 4”, 6”, etc.

However, if an odd dimension is required simply flip

pilaster form. The dimension from the face of this side and
the first slot location is 3”. These dimensions increase in
odd increments, such as 3”, 5”, 7”, etc. This is best
understood by reviewing the details shown here.

pilaster form cont.

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 BASIC FORM SETTING
PILASTER FORMS CONT.
Tie 24” panel
When designing the form layout it’s important to
remember the pilaster face dimension is 3”. So, in
order to figure out the size of the form for the back
of the pilaster you add the face of the pilaster plus 8”
3”+3”.
Pilaster

18” form
Refer to the previous “wall intersections” section to 3”

figure out tie and panel/ filler layouts.

PILASTER DESIGN WITH PANELS AND/OR FILLER PANELS

Pilasters can also be form using standard
fillers and/or panels with 6” and/or 4” inside
corners. This method of forming pilasters is
much like that of intersecting walls. Refer to
that section if needed to determine filler
Inside corner
sizes and tie layouts.
Outside corner

Panel or form

Pilaster
Form
Pilaster
Form
PILASTER BRACE

If the pilaster depth dimension

becomes very large it is
recommended that a corner
Pilaster brace
brace be used to maintain 90º
to wall dimension. Example PLAN VIEW
shown here.
Pilaster brace

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 FOOTINGS (FORMING, STEP & SLOPING)
FORMING FOOTINGS
Footing pads, slab edge, grade beams can all be framed with the use of footing corner brackets and stake
pockets. By attaching two corner brackets with wedge bolts top and bottom you can make any size
required in 2” increment. The stake plates are attached to top rail of form as required and the appropriate
length 3/4” dowel is driven in to ground.
2” metal filer
Alternate flat ties on
both side of filer 2 wedge bolts
STEP FOOTING Nail
Shortstopping

Footing steps usually occur at random locations and vary in

12”
heights. If the rise of the steps are 6” or 12” a normal panel Even increments
2”, 4”, 8”, 10” Plywood
connection with wedge bolts can be made. Due to scarf tie
locations on panels, flat ties may have to be substituted for
Long bolt 2” metal filer
loop ties where they occur. If the footing drops in some
other even dimension other than 6” of 12” a 2” metal filler
Tie through
can be used at this location since their slots are punched at face of filer
2” increments. Connections are made with long bolts and 6”
12”

wedge bolts and tie go through the center of the metal filler.

Filer angle Loop or flat tie

SLOPING FOOTING Top of sloped wall Top of straight wall

Sloped footings can be attacked in a couple of

ways. Forms could be stepped with a triangular
blockout used to create the slope. (see detail)

Another way would be to rotate the forms Triangular blockout

perpendicular to the slope. As the forms come
Filler angles
down the slope a wedge shaped filler can be used
to transition from sloped to straight. (see detail)
Wedge
shaped filler

Sill

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 CAPPING OFF WALL POUR
Outside corner

BULKHEAD FORMING
Bulkheads can be formed many ways. There are three we Form

recommend. The first method, and probably the easiest, is to

wedge bolt an outside corners to a filler panel. The filler panel acts
as a cap for the wall. It’s the same size as the wall thickness (ex.
12” wall use a 12” filler panel). 2”x4”
(example)

The second method is to cut 3/4” plywood to width of wall.

Plywood
Then, nail at least 2 pieces of 2”x4” lumber to the face of panels.
Tie
Afterwards, compress and lock ties and brace if necessary.

Ply lag
The third method involves the use of ply-lags and gang waler Plywood

plates. Cut desired width of 3/4” plywood and nail vertical 2”x4”
’s perpendicular to the plywood. Insert this wall cap between Gang waler
forms. So, looking in plan view now you should see a piece of plate & coil nut

plywood (ex. 12” strip for 12” wall) with vertical strongbacks
supporting the plywood. Vertical strong back
Horizontal waler

Now you need some type of waler to support the strongbacks. This could be double 2”x4” horizontal
walers. Wedge bolt ply-lags perpendicular to these walers and lock with gang waler plates and 1/2” coil
nuts. Ties can still be used to maintain wall width.

Each project is unique some bulkheads have keys, water stop, etc. As to the method you choose,
remember to make a strong closure because the pressure is always constant.

HY-RIB FOR CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

Hy-rib is a permanent steel mesh form used to form construction joints. It’s unique because of it’s
durability, low cost and ease in using. Hy-rib has too many qualities to list here. This is an exciting time
saving product you do not want to miss out on. For a detailed brochure please contact your local sales
representative or one of the SureBuilt distributor in your area.

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 LEDGE BRACKETS
Cantilever bracket
Long bolt

S wedge
CANTILEVER BRACKET
The Cantilever Bracket is used for suspending the
formwork on one side of the wall from the opposite
side. This is used when pouring a slab with an up- Wedge bolt

turned beam edge or curb monolithically.

Form Cantilever bracket

BRICK LEDGE BRACKET
The Brick Ledge Bracket is used for Wedge bolt

supporting a box out where a brick ledge is

required. It can also be used to support a
second lift of forms for the brick ledge.

Brick ledge box outs are usually built with

sheathing attached to vertical lumber. The
vertical lumber is nail or screwed to the brick
ledge brackets. The brick ledge bracket is
easily attached to the forms using standard
wedge bolts.

Box out sizes and designs will vary according to architectural requirements.

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 BATTERED WALLS

Battered means one or both sides of walls Waler

are leaning in. Within the industry, single Tie locations are determined by
batter is when one side is straight and the concrete pressure. The rate of
pour determined by the
other is leaning in. Double batter is when Form aligner
contractor.
both sides are leaning in.

Ties vary in length from the longest at Forms

bottom to shortest at the top. All framing
is the same as normal except battered
walls need to be anchored down to
compensate for up lift. Anchor to counteract
uplift pressure

NOTE: Wire ties may have to be bent to fit some battered walls.

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 OUTSIDE/ HINGED/ BAY/ CORNERS
OUTSIDE CORNERS
Outside corners are steel angles used to attach perpendicular outside forms. The outside corner is
attached to the forms with standard wedge bolts. These wedge bolts are placed at the same elevation as
the ties. To avoid hitting wedge bolts when attaching to the forms insert the wedge bolt from the outside
corner toward the form. This way the perpendicular wedge bolt can bear on the cross member and the
adjacent wedge bolt has clearance.

BAY CORNERS
There are two types of inside bay and outside bay corners. IBC

Both are all metal faced fixed 135° corners. The inside bay
has a 3”x3” face dimension and the outside bay is 7”x7”. By
using these with both panel and filler forms most
combinations of 45° corner can be formed. The width of wall
is the determining factor as to filler requirements.
OBC

6”
HINGED CORNERS

The inside hinge corner is used to form inside corners that

have a minimum angle of 45°. It’s face dimension is 6”x6”. 2-1/2”

The inside hinge corner can also be used as the outside corner if 6”

needed.

Hinge adds 5/16”

The outside hinge corner is used to form outside corners as sharp as 5°
minimum to a maximum of 135° fully opened. Wedge bolts may prevent
the outside hinge corner from fully opening. With this in mind the wedge 135º
bolts should be inserted from outside inward. Max.

Outside hinged corner

Due to the nature of hinges they should be waled, braced and/ or blocked into their final
position. They should never be used for column applications.

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 COLUMN FORMING
Column Outside corner
wedge bolt positions
Column forming presents its own set of
problems due to the rate of pour and liquid head
pressures achieved.

3’ form
When framing columns the outside corner
angles have to be wedge-bolted not only at 12”

3’ outside corner
cross-member level, but also at the 6” center
locations. Doing so creates a continuous
connection along the outside corner.

To assist contractors with column forming,

6’ form
SureBuilt has developed both panel and filler

3’ outside corner
column forms with cross-members at 6” centers
for additional strength.

COLUMN HARDWARE
Column Hinges are used to hinge forms during setting and stripping. Quick Column Hardware, used
opposite the Column Hinges, allows the forms to be opened with hardware still in place. Used together,
this column hardware speeds column production and increases labor productivity.

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 CULVERT FORMS
Culvert forms come in standard sizes of 9”x9” and 12”x12”. These are available in 3’,4’,5’,6’ & 8’
lengths.

NOTE: SureBuilt can fabricate custom culvert forms to fit your job-site situation. Pricing will vary
so please contact your local sales representative or SureBuilt distributor for more information.

Culvert forms are used to create the angled corner of box culverts. Culvert forms can be treated like a
normal form in that they wedge-bolt together and can be tied where required.

Box culverts are usually formed monolithically. Panels and fillers can be used to form the slab bottom.
However, adequate shoring must supplied to support the total design load (live load + dead load).

Another method of shoring would be to first bolt a filler angle to the culvert form. Then, use plywood
across the bottom of the slab supported by typical shoring equipment (frames, beams, stringers, etc.).

Form (shoring)

Shoring system
Culvert form
Culvert form

Form Form

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 CURVED/ RADIUS WALLS
Sure-ply can perform most radius using a combination of either panels, fillers panels and metal
fillers. The degree of offset or flat, compared to the round, dictates panel size and what is an acceptable
wall finish. This is referred to as the “chord offset”. The chord offset is typically 1/4” maximum.

As one can tell, the outside radius circumference will be larger than the inside. Therefore, by making up
that difference at each panel or every other panel, tie locations can be maintained directly opposite each
other.

Sawed curved wood walers

Gang waler plate

Ply lag

Radius walers can be made of a variety of material and attached with standard uni-ply hardware.

1. Saw cut 2x8, 2x10 or 2x12 lumber and attached with ply lags and gang waler plates.
2. Lumber flexed the soft way and layered with three layers of 1”x6”.
3. Rolled 1 1/2” O.D. pipe attached with pipe aligner hooks.
4. Rolled 3” channel attached with channel aligner bracket.

NOTE: Custom rolling available at SureBuilt Concrete Forms and Accessories.

Straight lumber walers

Gang waler plate Wedge bolts

1 1/2 SCH40
Pipe

Aligner hook
Gang waler rod

26 www.surebuilt‐usa.com • (708) 493 ‐ 9569 
 TIE SYSTEMS

HANDSET LOOP TIE

Standard 1” breakback. Available in standard and
heavy-duty load ratings.

GANG LOOP TIE

Standard 1” breakback. Available in standard and
heavy-duty load ratings.

BASE TIE
No breakback.

COMBINATION LOOP TIE

Standard 1” breakback. Handset and gang form ends.

SNAPTIE/ HANDSET LOOP TIE

Standard 1” breakback. For combination handset Uni-ply
panel forming and job built wood forming.

SNAPTIE/ GANG LOOP TIE

Standard 1” breakback. For combination handset Uni-ply
panel forming and job built wood forming.

THREADED LOOP TIE

Standard 1” breakback, loop end only. Available for Uni-
ply handset and gang form applications.

HANDSET FLAT TIE

Standard 1/2” breakback. Available in standard and
heavy-duty load ratings.

ADJUSTABLE FLAT TIE

Standard 1/2” breakback, one end only. Available in
standard and heavy-duty load ratings.

NEOPRENE WATERSEALS
Optionally applied to ties to prevent the transmission of
water down the length of the tie

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 TIE INFORMATION
LOOP TIE—STANDARD & HEAVY DUTY
The welded loop tie is designed for use with
modular type panel form systems when hand set
1” 1”
in place. It is fabricated from medium carbon
wire and electrically welded to insure consistent 2-1/8” Wall thickness 2-1/8”

safe working loads.

Capacity Wire Size S.W.L. (lbs.) 1”

Wall thickness 2-1/8”
STD. .225 2,250
Also available with 1”x1” plastic cone
H.D. .243 3,000
Safety factor 2:1

GANG LOOP TIE—STD. & HEAVY DUTY

The gang loop tie differs from the standard loop tie
in that it is used for gang forming modular systems.
1”

Wall thickness 2-1/8”

Capacity Wire Size S.W.L. (lbs.)

STD. .225 2,250

H.D. .243 3,000

Safety factor 2:1
“M” FLAT TIE
The “M” style flat tie is similar in
application to the “X” flat tie.

Capacity S.W.L. (lbs.)

STD. 3,000

H.D. 3,375
Safety factor 2:1

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 TIE INFORMATION
“X” FLAT TIES
The X flat tie is one of the more common methods of
tying modular forming systems together. There are
various patented form systems on the market that utilize
this type of tie including the Uni-Form II system, and
similar form systems.

Capacity S.W.L. (lbs.)

STD. 3,000

H.D. 3,375
Safety factor 2:1 “DUO” FLAT TIE
The “duo” type flat tie is similar in design
and application to the “X” flat tie. It differs
in that it is fabricated with (2) slots outside
the breakback. These additional slots allow
for the combining of a pre-fab hand set
system with a wood form.

Capacity S.W.L. (lbs.)

STD. 3,000

H.D. 3,375
Safety factor 2:1

BASE TIE
The base tie is a 4 ga. Wire tie with ends
sized to the slotted opening in a steel
form. It is generally used to span across
the base of two opposite steel forms for
the purpose of establishing the desired
wall thickness.

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 MISC. PART DESCRIPTION
LONG WEDGE BOLT

The long wedge bolt is similar in design to the standard

wedge bolt. Its application differs only in that it allows for a
filler to be placed between two panels. The added length of
the long wedge bolt allows it to pass from one form thru the
filler and thru the adjacent form with adequate room to lock
the bolt in place by use of a regular wedge bolt.

GANG FORM BOLT

The gang form bolt is also made of high
strength heat-treated steel. Its purpose is to
convert a hand-set system to a gang-form
system utilizing a loop tie with a gang form
end.

“S” WEDGE
The “S” wedge is a multi-purpose wedge
used to secure ply-lag ends or other
similarly slotted hardware items to the
steel forms.

COMBO TIE
The combo tie is used to tie a uni-ply form to
an existing structure. In the example shown
here we have a piece of coil rod inserted into
a drop-in coil anchor. The combo tie simply
screws onto the coil rod.

30 www.surebuilt‐usa.com • (708) 493 ‐ 9569 
 MISC. PART DESCRIPTION

WALER TIE

The waler tie is fabricated from 4 ga. high

strength wire with welded loop ends
positioned on 90º planes to each other.

It’s main function is to tie a z-tie holder and the double wales to the steel forms when the wales are
running horizontally.

STRONGBACK TIE
The strongback tie is fabricated from 4 ga. high
strength steel with welded loop ends. Similar in
use to a waler tie, it is used to attach a z-tie holder
and double wales to the steel forms when the
wales are running vertically.

PLY-LAG
2”x4” Strongback
The ply lag is a 1/2” coil threaded rod, flattened on
one end and slotted to fit between two steel forms.
The protruding threaded rod is then utilized to
attach a waler plate (see detail).

Wedge bolts

Waler rod
attachment

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 GANG FORMING

Large sections of uni ply forms are assembled first, then crane moved into position to pour a wall section.
Gang forming uses the same basic hardware as hand set, but offers great advantages to contractor. Gangs
are easily assembled on ground, they strip as a unit, they are reusable without disassembly for more pours,
they are light approx 7 lbs per sq ft assembled.
Gangs are assembled by placing panels face down on a flat surface. The horizontal walers are laid out to
fall below the horizontal joints the wedge bolt connections are made 6” from corner and 6” from mid
point of side rail.
Walers and stiff backs are usually 2”x4” but can also be 2”x6” or 2”x8”. The total depth between waler
and stiff back should not exceed 12”. Since the wooden waler and stiff back are used for alignment only
few are required, but they should be located as not to infer eith tie placement. They are attached with one
of the following methods gang waler rods or J-strong back rod.

Double duty lift bracket provides a attachment point for lifting rigging it attachment directly to panel
insertions with wedge bolt, and has a 2000 lbs rated capacity.

The real key to ganging is the gang form tie and gang form bolt. The tie length is extend past the form
edge to allow you to break of ties with out disassembling gang units.

The gang tie is inserted and passed through both opposite panels and one end locked using gang form
bolt. It is important that the gang form bolt be inserted and latched properly. Remember that if the short
end of welded wire loop faces up insert bolt from left, if it faces down insert from right. Also if after
locking one end you find the opposite end sticking out past or short of panel slot do not hammer or force
bolt, welds can be damaged or cracked without any sign and could cause a tie failure.

What SureBuilt considers heavy gang forming with uni-ply forms is a gang system that utilizes
taper ties, she bolts and inner rods coupled with the use of all steel channel system of walers and stiff
backs. The use of both 3” horizontal channel and either 5” or 8” stiff back allows for the use of heavy tie
systems at greater spacing. The panel plywood does have to be drilled to allow tie to pass through to
make connection to opposite gang, and you have to decrees the spacing of 3” dbl channel walers to 2’-0”
O/C.

32 www.surebuilt‐usa.com • (708) 493 ‐ 9569 
 STRIPPING FORMS

Usually form stripping can begin after all connecting hardware has been removed. It is easiest to begin at
a relief point such as an outside corner, metal filer or filer angle connection.

On flat ties simply stroke and strike on side. Ties

To break wire ties simply twist loop 3/4
will break right off.
of a turn and they will break off.

Gang form ties are just as easy to remove. First, remove Wedge bolt
the gang form bolt. Then, twist the wire tie as described
above and remove stub.

It is recommended that with gang ties you begin removing

them at lowest level and work your way upwards. This
insures that the form is always secured while workers are
on or near the gang. Gang form bolt

SAFETY NOTE: All the proper safety equipment should be worn during stripping to
prevent personal injury.

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 INDEX

12 ADJUSTABLE TURNBUCKLE ALIGNER 7 ONE PIECE WALER CLAMP

12 ATTACHMENT PLATE 23 OUTSIDE CORNER
29 BASE TIE 23 OUTSIDE HINGE CORNER
23 BAY CORNER 18 PILASTER BRACE
21 BRICK LEDGE BRACKET 18 PILASTER DESIGNRADIUS WALL
20 BULKHEAD FORMING 17 PILASTER FORM
21 CANTILEVER BRACKET 31 PLY-LAG
30 COMBO TIE 26 RADIUS WALL
20 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS 8 ROLLED STEEL WALERS
25 CULVERT FORM 13 SAFETY EYE
29 DUO FLAT TIES 13 SCAFFOLD BRACKETS
14 FILLER PANELS 11 SECOND VERTICAL POUR
14 FILLERS 5 SETTING PANELS
19 FOOTINGS 19 SLOPE FOOTING
12 FORM ALIGNMENT 10 STACKING FORMS
30 GANG FORM BOLT 19 STEP FOOTING
32 GANG FORMING 33 STRIPPING FORMS
28 GANG LOOP TIE 31 STRONGBACK TIE
26 GANG WALER PLATE 9 STRONGBACK Z-TIE HOLDER
8,9 GANG WALER ROD ASSEMBLY 9 STRONGBACKS
23 INSIDE HINGE CORNER 30 S-WEDGE BOLT
14 JOB BUILT FILLERS 16 TIE OFFSETS
9 J-STRONGBACK DETAIL 27 TIES
8 J-WALER 31 WALER TIE
30 LONGE WEDGE BOLT 7 WALERS
28 LOOP TIE 16 WALL INTERSECTIONS
14 METAL FILLERS 29 X-FLAT TIE
28 M-FLAT TIE 7 Z-TIE HOLDER
12 MINI BRACE ALIGNER

34 www.surebuilt‐usa.com • (708) 493 ‐ 9569 
 LIMITED WARRANTY
SureBuilt Concrete Forms & Accessories (hereafter known as Supplier) warrants that the Supplier of concrete
accessory products sold to Purchaser will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of six (6)
months from the date of delivery, and the Supplier will repair, or in its sole discretion, replace, any Product or part
thereof found to be defective at the time of delivery if such Product or part is returned (at Purchaser’s expense and
risk) and received by the Supplier within ten (10) days after the applicable warranty period. Descriptions, representa-
tions and other information concerning the Supplier contained in the Supplier’s catalogs, advertisements or other
promotional materials or statements or representations made by the Supplier’s sales agents or representatives shall
not be binding upon the Supplier and shall not be part of this limited warranty unless expressly identified in writing as
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS.

This limited warranty does not cover normal maintenance, or items consumed during installation or normal oper-
ations, normal wear and tear, use under circumstances exceeding specifications, use for purposes other than the
use for which the Products were intended, abuse, unauthorized repair or alteration, improper installation, failure to
follow the Supplier’s printed instructions, guidelines and recommendations for installation and use, lack of proper
maintenance or damage caused by natural causes such as fire, storm, or flood. Purchaser shall determine the suita-
bility of the Product for his intended use and Purchaser assumes all liabilities and risks whatsoever in connection
therewith.

This limited warranty is Purchaser’s exclusive remedy. It shall not be deemed to have failed of its essential pur-
pose so long as the Supplier is willing and able to repair or replace defective products or parts thereof in the manner
specified. No allowance will be made or repairs made by Purchaser.

Except as herein provided, the Supplier shall not be liable to Purchaser in any manner with respect to the Prod-
ucts. In no event shall the Supplier liability to Purchaser ever exceed the purchase price of the allegedly defective
Product. Except as herein provided, the Supplier shall not be liable for transportation, labor or other charges for ad-
justments, repairs, replacements of parts, installation, or other work, which may be done upon or in connection with
the Products sold.

THE SUPPLIER SHALL NOT IN ANY EVENT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAG-
ES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, whether arising from any defect in the Prod-
ucts, any use of the Products, from Purchaser’s inability to use the Products, or otherwise. This limited warranty ap-
plies to only products made by the Supplier.
NO OTHER EXPRESS AND NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY TYPE, WHETHER FOR MERCHANTABIL-
ITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, OR OTHERWISE, OTHER THANTHOSE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH
ABOVE (WHICH ARE MADE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES) SHALL APPLY TO THE
PRODUCTS.

www.surebuilt‐usa.com • (708) 493 ‐ 9569  35
840 South 25th Ave • Bellwood IL 60104
Phone 708.493.9569 • Fax 708.493.9601
www.surebuilt-usa.com