Simple
p. 28 · Read in the full issue
TO SET UP: The “ WAFFLE-CRETE ”® mold body and sides are an integral unit. Basic mold bodies are formed from large sheets of heavy, durable plastic. Dome portions of these bodies are reinforced and insulated with dense foam insulation. Sides of the plastic body are made of rigid, integral, heavy-duty, extruded aluminum side rails (see photo #1). Mold sides secure in the casting position by simply closing the mold at the corners. Corner closure is made by tightening an attached, non-fouling coil bolt (one per corner - see photo #2).
During casting, molds simply set on any flat, rigid, level surface. They are light-weight and may be readily moved on and off the casting bed or from job-site to job-site.
Molds can be used either in-plant or on-site, de pending on individual needs.
“WAFFLE-CRETE"- panel designs call for straightfor ward, mild-steel reinforcing that is easy to place and secure in the mold (see ‘WAFFLE-CRETE”® Design Information book for typicals.) SIMPLE TO POUR; Concrete is placed directly in molds by ready-mix truck or other types of concrete placing equipment. A specially designed vibrating screed (see photo #3) strikes off and consolidates concrete in one pass.
A wide variety of appealing surface finishes can be readily accomplished. Blockouts for windows, doors, or other openings, and bulkheads for making partial panels are simple to install and secure. Blockouts and bulkheads may be nailed to the domes without damage to the molds.
Nail holes are self-filling and do not cause significant blemishes on panels or shorten mold life.
SIMPLE TO CURE: Tough, insulated plastic and aluminum curing covers protect the panel surface; trap the heat generated by the hydration of the cement: and also trap the moisture that is present during the curing process (see photo #4). Trapped heat accelerates the curing process and panels cure overnight without exter nal heat. Trapped moisture reduces surface shrinkage cracks. Each of your molds can be available for use every day.
SIMPLE TO STRIP; Mold sides flex away from panel edges as corner bolts are loosened. Panel is lifted with a lifting device specially designed for panel demolding (see photo 5) or panel can be lifted with cable slings and embedded lifting anchors. Panel is lifted 8-inches to 12inches above casting bed and mold is stripped from panel by applying downward pressure on mold sides. As mold releases, it settles back down on the casting bed ready for quick cleanup and setup (see photo #6).
SIMPLE TO CLEAN; Smooth, tough plastic mold body resists concrete buildup. Use of recommended form release agents promotes easy stripping and cleaning.
SIMPLE TO STACK AND SHIP; Standard 8-foot wide panels store and ship flat and are easy to load and haul on standard flatbed trailers eliminating the need for expensive and cumbersome vertical panel racks (see photo #7).