MCS catalog began delivering technical reference information and charts over twenty years ago. Today we continue that service as part of our commitment to provide contractors with “Solid Support”.

Included here are forming tips, material usage charts and metric-English conversion information. In the future, this section will continue to grow please let us know of any additional information or industry links you may find useful.

This section is divided into five areas

Reference Information

Bending Radius

Minimum Bending Radius for Plywood Panels*
Panel Thickness Curved Across Grain Curved Parallel to Grain
1/4″ 2′-0″ 5′-0″
3/8″ 3′-0″ 8′-0″
1/2″ 6′-0″ 12′-0″
5/8″ 8′-0″ 16′-0″
3/4″ 12′-0″ 20′-0″
*Suggested by ACISP-4 for average work based on information supplied by APA.
Laminate thin plywood sheets to insure nexessary strangth on short radius work.

Concrete Requirement Charts

For round columns
Column Diameter in Inches 10 12 14 16 18 20
Cubic Yards of concrete per foot of Height 0.0202 0.0297 0.0396 0.0517 0.0654 0.0808
Column Diameter in Inches 22 24 30 36 42 48
Cubic Yards of concrete per foot of Height 0.0978 0.1164 0.1818 0.2618 0.3563 0.4654

 

For walls and slabs
Concrete Thickness in Inches 1 2 3 4 4.5 5
Square Foot Yield per Cubic Yard 324 152 108 81 72 64.8
Concrete Thickness in Inches 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8
Square Foot Yield per Cubic Yard 58.9 54 49.8 46.3 43.2 40.5

Curb & Gutter Expansion Joint Ordering Guide

Use this guide to order custom fibre expansion joint.
Click here to download an order form in PDF format. curb and gutter expansion joint ordering guide

The Eleven Hole Pattern

the Eleven Hole Pattern A simple application of the single waler system utilizes the eleven hole drilling system as illustrated. Notice that tie holes line up whether sheets are placed horizontally or vertically. This allows for gang drilling of the plywood. The eleven hole pattern provides consistent 12″ vertical spacing for walers and 24″ horizontal spacing for ties. Each tie covers approximately 3 sq. ft. of form surface, staying well within the safe working load of the system. The eleven hole drilling pattern combined with single waler hardware and the Sansoe flat end snaptie provides a simple, efficient forming system ideal for bank vaults, retaining walls, foundations and many other applications.

Plastic Chamfer Strip

Radius Chamfer Strip
Type RFN
Cat. No. “A” dimen. “REF” dimen.
602 1/2″ 3/8″
603 3/4″ 9/16″
604 1″ 3/4″
605 1-1/2″ 1-1/4″

Chamfer Strip
Type
CSN
Cat. No. “A” dimen. “REF” dimen.
611 1/2″ 2-3/32″
612 3/4″ 1-1/16″
613 1″ 1-13/32″
614 1-1/2″ 2-1/8″

Chamfer Strip
Type CS
Cat. No. “A” dimen. “REF” dimen.
621 1/2″ 2-3/32″
622 3/4″ 1-1/16″
623 1″ 1-13/32″
624 1-1/2″ 2-1/8″

Radius Forming Notes

MCS recommends a system for radius forming involving “A” brackets, snapties, and-to avoid filler strips-trimmed interior plywood.

Tie Spacing

This special drilling layout allows single 2X4 stud coverage of vertical panel joint whether joint is continuous or panels are staggered. Caution: Be sure that holes drilled 1-1/8″ in from panel edge are to the right as shown, whether used on interior or exterior wall form. RadiusForming

Plywood Trimming

To eliminate the need for exterior panel filler strips, plywood for the inside forms may be trimmed to compensate for the difference in circumference. Measure 1-1/8″ in from panel edge, and adjust spacing for subsequent holes accordingly. For heavy duty radius forming jobs, ask MCS for info on Gates Radius Forming Systems

Form Construction

  1. Using 1-1/8″
    plywood, cut a template to conform to the desired radius (reduce
    radius to compensate for thickness of studs and plywood).
  2. Set back to
    compensate for thickness of studs and plywood and nail tem- plate
    to footing.
  3. Toenail studs
    to template.
  4. Tack plywood
    to first stud and install snapties and “A” brackets to secure
    plywood to remaining studs. “A” brackets should always be set
    on the left side of studs so eccentric is properly positioned
    to be vibration-proof.
  5. Temporarily
    brace using adjustable form aligner braces.
  6. Continue for
    additional sheets, staggering plywood joints as panels are stacked.
  7. Check and align
    form; cut top template to conform to full radius minus plywood
    thickness and nail template to top of form.
  8. Double-up-outside
    form will conform to the radius of the inside form.

Sealant Usage Chart

Linear Feet per Gallon
1/4 1/2 3/4 1 1-1/4 1-1/2
1/4 308
1/2 154 77
3/4 102.7 51.3 34.2
1 77 38.5 25.7 19.3
1-1/4 61.6 30.8 20.5 15.4 12.3
1-1/2 51.3 25.7 17.1 12.8 10.3 8.6

Single Waler System Forming Notes

Footing

1. Footing
To set footing plate, nail 2X4 plate to footing as shown. Erect first sheet of plywood, plumb, nail to plate and set temporary brace. Whenever possible start with the inside form.

place Panels

2. Place Panels
To erect additional sheets, tack sheets to footing plate. Temporarily hold in place with snaptie, “A” bracket and short 2X4. Make sure vertical joints are tight.

Install Hardware Supports

3. Install Hardware & Supports
Working from top to bottom, install ties, “A” brackets and walers. Tighten by striking wedge on the “A” bracket; plumb and align wall. Waler butt joints should be at “A” bracket or away from vertical plywood joints

double Up

4. Double Up
Place plywood sheets over tie ends starting with bottom row of ties; move sheet to align holes in plywood with tie ends. Secure panel with “A” bracket, install waler and tighten bracket.

 

Vertical Joint Design
An additional tie hole drilled in pattern 1-1/8 below the vertical plywood joints allows for the installation of a waler to cover that joint. The use of 3X4 or 4X4 in place of the normal 2X4 waler provides more positive support at the joint.

 

Strongback Detail
Nail 2X4 waler brackets to the walers at the desired location, add 2X4’s (reverse crown for better alignment), and lock in place with snaptie wedges. Use a form aligner brace for final alignment of the form.

 

Laced Corner Design
A simple, alternative corner design is achieved by allowing walers to run past the corner of the form; then lace and lock them positively with a vertical nailer.