ALU-FORMWORK is a new type of concrete form system invented by Mr. Salas, field engineer. The system was awarded the bronze medal of innovation design in BATIMAT PARIS. Subsequent design improvements led to its winning the gold metal et the SALON INTERNATIONAL DES TECHNIQUES NOUVELLES in GENEVA.

The innovative part of this system lies in its use of the basic components needed for assembling the pannels. Available in a kit, these components are sections of extruded aluminum alloy that can be joined together using a series of slip tongues. The sections come in a variety of widths, ranging from 50 mm to 250 mm. Their heights range form one to four meters (or higher), depending on the customer's need.

The upper and lower assembly of the panels is accomplished using U-shaped sections that are fastened to the vertical elements with self-threading screws. A square tube can then inserted to attach another panel to the top (standard peripheral assembly).

This new system offers many advantages. A panel weighs only 20 kgs per square meter, thus reducing, if not eliminating, the need for skilled operators using heavy lifting equipement. Resistance to pressure is not reduced, however, and is more than 7 tonnes in bottom. Handling is simple. Thus saving personnel costs.

Any part or parts of a damaged panel can be replaced within a few minutes time. The panels have been designed to automatically be level, square, alignement and perpendicularity. Their resistance to corrosion makes them durable that with only a minimum amount of care, they can be reused more than 1.000 times. Their lower weight-to-resistance ratio results in better vibrational qualities which, in turn, result in lower labour costs and better surface condition of the concrete.

In addition to these performance capabilities, three innovatives features have been added recently. The first is a key used to remove the forms. This is carried out using an aluminum section in an upside-down position. The tool can be used to rotate floor forms each day without stopping the wotking tool. The removal of elevator's cage or closed box-shaped forms, lift-shaft forms and others is also simplified.

The second feature is the angle section which hes been designed so that it can be put to five uses: outside or inside angles, angles for post forms, beams and floor-to-wall. Using traditionnal forms, each opération would require different tools.

The third design feature allows for the possibility of using the thame panels for any kind of structure, walls, comumns, floors or straight or curved tunnels (greater than a given radius)