• June 9, 2017
  • eps

Design trends that shape the future – with curves as well as straight lines

Architects, structural engineers or designers want as much freedom as possible in their planning and design. Today curves and curvilinear forms in a building are selected more and more in design. They meet design trends, can soften the appearance of a building or give it a sense of drama. Curved building sections may simply just allow more space for different sections to work together. And the issues raised with constructing curved walls apply equally to bridges and infrastructure projects as much as they do with architectural stand out buildings.

Which materials will give architects and designers this free reign to build such curved forms? At Universal Foam Products, we are the experts in curved concrete formwork – one of the best options to help you create those curves

Concrete – the natural first choice for curvilinear forms

With a material that can be poured and formed into so many shapes, concrete is the natural choice for curved walls and supports. It’s choice as a key material on a construction projects gives the designer flexibility in many aspects of construction for both structure and design elements. Its benefits are a smooth uniform surface when the structures are complete but achieving that goal needs careful consideration of the formwork material.

Smooth curves not formwork marks

To ensure the architectural vision is realized with a crisp concrete surface, understanding the choices for curved concrete formwork is essential.

In the past formwork materials such as wood, aluminum or sheet metal could cause issues with the final surface finish and needed a lot of time and attention to get right. The cost of the formwork material can be a significant proportion of the concrete cost.

EPS – the easy-to-use curved concrete companion to linear formwork

Now, EPS (expanded polystyrene) curved concrete formwork gives so much more flexibility and precision to creating curves. Once the straight formwork is in place, curved sections of foam are set easily into place. EPS foam is lightweight yet has a very high compressive strength and is used in many areas involving concrete pouring. Out goes timely and intricate placement of straight lines to form a curve. In comes accurate first time realization of what the designer wants to achieve – at a much more cost effective price.

An expert team to guide you in curved concrete formwork design

With EPS as a formwork material, all the design specification of the curves required are done off site and cut with CNC machine accuracy. At Universal Foam Products we advise you on the most suitable compressive

strength of the material, of which there is a wide range. EPS has been used in concrete design in all sorts of construction including bridges, dams and other infrastructure.

Call our team today. A concrete form expert will act as a single point of contact through the design process. Ensure your project benefits from the most effective way to create curved concrete formwork.

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