Requirements for setting up pigtail support frames

Pigtail support frames must be installed with proper spacing, secure anchoring, and verified load distribution to safely support walls during construction.

General Installation Requirements

Wall Height and Frame Selection Pigtail support frames are designed to support walls up to specific heights, typically up to 8. 6 meters for one-faced walls. The choice of frame type (e.g., support frames 325 or 500) and base frames (200 or 200/2) should match the wall height and expected concrete pressure.

Load Capacity and Concrete Pressure The frames must be capable of handling concrete pressures up to 60 kN/m². The spacing between frames should be adjusted according to the calculated wall height and concrete pressure to ensure safe load transfer. Anchoring and Load Transfer Loads from fresh concrete are transferred into the building structure via cast-in tensile anchors at the front base and rear compressive jacks.

It is essential to verify the structural integrity of anchors, base slabs, and the ground to prevent instability. Frame Adjustment and Alignment Integrated base jacks allow for vertical adjustment of the frames. Proper alignment is critical, and shims may be required to ensure the formwork is plumb and level.

Spacing and Arrangement The distance between support frames and cast-in anchors must be determined based on calculated loads. Accurate positioning of anchors is crucial, especially when pouring floor slabs, to maintain stability and prevent excessive deflection. Personnel and Expertise Installation should be performed by trained personnel with practical experience in steel or temporary support frame assembly.

Knowledge of the wall system and load characteristics is necessary to ensure safe and effective installation. Monitoring and Safety Checks During and after installation, monitoring for settlement or lateral movement is recommended. Temporary supports may require preloading with jacks to minimize deflection and stress on the structure.

Additional Considerations

Compatibility with Formwork Systems: Pigtail support frames with double vertical U-profiles can connect to various formwork systems, providing flexibility in construction. Material Selection: Ensure that the materials used for frames, anchors, and jacks meet the required strength and durability standards. Design Verification: The designer or engineer should confirm that the maximum allowable reactions at beam/column interfaces are not exceeded, particularly when combined with lateral loads.

By following these requirements, pigtail support frames can be safely and effectively used to support walls during construction, ensuring stability, proper load distribution, and compliance with structural safety standards.