DOKA has upgraded its KS column formwork which now comes fitted with the long-life Xlife sheet. This upgrade to the composite timber-plastic sheet hugely extends the intervals between changing the sheets, according to the Austrian formwork specialist.

“The Xlife sheet has a very long lifespan. It can be nailed without difficulty and is easier to clean and recondition. What is more, its special surface structure ensures the best concrete results even after many, many repeat uses, making column formwork even more cost efficient. Renters benefit too, from lower costs for damaged form-facing and for subsequent finishing-work on the concrete,” a company spokesman says.
He continues: “On quadratic and rectangular columns KS Xlife is simply unbeatable. The ingenious folding mechanism for fast formwork set-up and removal, and the shifting-wheels for craneless horizontal transport of the whole formwork unit, together make for very short forming-times. On site, the four panels always stay connected to one another as a single unit. All that needs to be done is to fold or unfold the whole column formwork unit on one side, in a few simple steps. The system can be adapted to column cross-sections of between 20 cm and 60 cm in 5-cm increments, simply by relocating the bolts.
“Another big advantage of the system is that it prevents undesired form-tie, screw and frame imprints in the concrete. Although KS Xlife does not need any form-ties, it withstands a fresh-concrete pressure of 90 kN. To ensure a smooth, unspoilt concrete surface, the Xlife form-facing is screwed on from the rear. For tight, clean corners, frontal triangular ledges are simply clipped onto the edges of the Xlife sheets.”
Workplace safety is also a key issue.
“The XS ladder system, with its integral ladder cages, provides safe access to the Doka column formwork platform 150/90 or the KS platform planking. And of course, KS Xlife units can be lifted and repositioned complete with these safety systems still mounted on them,” the spokesman adds.