The correct installation of the aluminum formwork system is the foundation for ensuring project quality, construction safety, and the service life of the formwork. Unlike wood formwork, aluminum formwork adopts a standardized and modular design, emphasizing the prefabricated construction concept of "factory prefabrication and on-site assembly." Mastering the installation methods of aluminum formwork can significantly improve construction efficiency and reduce on-site errors.

Pre‑Installation Preparation

Technical preparation

· Study the detailed design drawings and layout – understand panel numbers and positions.

· Understand how pins, wedges, backing bars, and props work.

· Provide a thorough technical briefing to the installation crew.

Material preparation

· Check quantity of panels and accessories against the packing list.

· Inspect panels for transport damage; check completeness of accessories.

· Prepare release agent, sealing strips, spirit levels, hammers, etc.

Site preparation

· Panel storage area should be level, dry and well drained.

· Stack panels by installation sequence for easy access.

· Ensure crane or skip platform covers the formwork installation zone.

Standard Installation Workflow

Step 1 – Layout

· Mark wall/column axes and formwork boundaries on the slab.

· Mark control lines (200mm or 300mm from wall face) to check position.

· Check slab elevation; pre‑treat local high/low points.

Step 2 – Wall & column formwork

· Place one side of wall formwork per layout; temporarily secure.

· Place rebar cage and spacers.

· Install opposite side; insert tie rods (or flat ties).

· Install backing bars and tighten nuts – control wall thickness.

· Calibrate wall verticality (plumb bob or laser level) – both directions.

· Seal bottom with mortar or foam tape to prevent leakage.

Step 3 – Beam formwork

· Install beam bottom form; adjust props to design elevation.

· Install beam side forms; connect to bottom form with aluminum angles.

· For large beams, add tie rods or tighter props.

· Calibrate beam position and elevation.

Step 4 – Slab formwork

· Lay slab panels – proceed from one side to the other.

· Install independent steel props at design spacing (generally ≤1200mm).

· Adjust prop heights to level slab formwork.

· Camber slabs with span ≥4m at 1/1000–3/1000.

· Provide material passes for panel transfer.

Step 5 – Stair formwork

· Install stair bottom form and inclined supports; calibrate slope.

· Install step riser forms from bottom up.

· Install side closure forms to seal both sides.

· Check width and height of every step against drawings.

Step 6 – Reinforcement & inspection

· Check all pins and wedges are fully engaged.

· Check backing bars and props are placed per the design.

· Verify wall/column verticality, beam/slab elevations, panel flatness.

· Blow debris out of formwork with compressed air before pouring.

Step 7 – Monitoring during pour

· Assign a spotter to watch for leakage or deformation.

· Control pour rate – 2–3 lifts per wall/column height.

· Do not strike formwork with vibrator.

Key Installation Tips

Pins & wedges: Every pin must pass through both panel layers. Wedges should be flush with panel surface and tight.

Backing bars: Vertical spacing ≤600mm; bottom bar ≤300mm above slab; top bar ≤300mm below slab.

Support system: Props must be perpendicular to slab. Place timber strips or steel plates beneath them to distribute load. Never leave props unsupported or on loose bricks.

Panel numbering: Sort panels by number before installation. Never cut or drill panels on site.

Embedments: MEP conduits, outlet boxes, sleeves etc. must be positioned and fixed during formwork installation – no chasing after pouring.

Safety: Fall protection required for high‑altitude work. Do not stack panels too high. Clear and stack stripped panels immediately.

Common Installation Issues

Technical Support

Archipower provides more than just panels – we offer full installation support:

· Technical support for aluminum formwork drawing detailing (shop drawing development)

· Detailed technical support for installation and usage

· Long-term remote technical support via phone or video