Formwork represents close to half the cost of a concrete structure. That means form development warrants serious and detailed engineering consideration. The realization of architectural intent is also related to formwork quality. The form is to structure what a mold is to sculpture, and it follows that a concrete building or other structure will be as aesthetically true as the form that shapes it.
This content is intended for use by architects, engineers and contractors in their pursuit of successful, cost-effective concrete structures. It contains APA panel grade information, form maintenance recommendations, design data and several project case studies, as well as links to manufacturers of APA-certified concrete forming products, including generic BB Plyform, MDO and HDO concrete form panels and APA V-400 series custom products.
BB Plyform, MDO and HDO concrete form panels and APA V-400 series custom products manufactured from veneers for use as concrete form are required to be qualified for glue bond durability and structural capability and include Class I, Structural I or other related designations. These V-400 products may or may not meet the requirements of PS 1 concrete form panels. Each manufacturer’s V-400 custom product is proprietary, and the company name and mill identification number are a part of each product’s trademark. These products are subject to rigorous, ongoing quality assurance auditing by APA.
Learn more by exploring the links below or source products from the links on the right.
APA Concrete Forming Design & Construction Resources
Look for the Mark of Quality
Always insist on engineered wood products bearing the mark of quality – the APA trademark. Your APA engineered wood purchase is not only your highest possible assurance of product quality, but an investment in the many trade services that APA provides on your behalf. The Association’s trademark appears only on products manufactured by member mills and is the manufacturer’s assurance that the product conforms to the standard shown on the trademark. The mark signifies that the manufacturer is committed to a rigorous program of quality verification and testing and that products are manufactured in conformance with an APA or national standard.
For concrete form panels, those standards include
Panel quality of all APA trademarked products is subject to verification through APA audit. Many imported and off-grade panels never undergo product qualification testing and may not meet the strict criteria necessary for the intended application. Without a credible certification mark showing conformity to a standard, the end-user has no assurance of good panel performance.