Technical Details of Connection Systems in Tension Plate Formwork

Technical Details of Connection Systems in Tension Plate Formwork

The performance of any formwork system hinges on its connections. For contractors and engineers, understanding the tension plate formwork connection details is key to appreciating the system's strength, speed, and safety. At Shoulv Formwork, our connection technology is engineered for maximum reliability and efficiency.

Core Components of the Connection
The system revolves around two primary elements integrated into each panel:

The Tension Plate: A high-strength steel plate, permanently welded to the panel's frame. It features precisely punched holes designed for a tight fit with locking pins.

The Locking Mechanism: Typically a hardened steel pin or a tapered wedge. This component is driven through the aligned holes of adjacent tension plates to create a rigid, moment-resistant joint.

The Connection Mechanism: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The process is a model of engineering simplicity:

Alignment: Panels are positioned so the tension plates on their edges overlap perfectly.

Interlock: The male and female profiles of the plates guide each other into correct alignment, ensuring a seamless fit.

Locking: A lock pin is inserted through the aligned holes. For an even tighter fit, a tapered wedge is hammered in, which draws the panels together and eliminates any play. This creates a unified structure that acts as a single, continuous unit.

Engineering Benefits of This Design

Shear Resistance: The connection is specifically designed to resist the immense shear forces generated by fluid concrete pressure, preventing panel separation.

Speed of Assembly: This pin-and-wedge system eliminates the need for threaded bolts, wrenches, and time-consuming tightening, slashing assembly and disassembly times by over 50%.

Foolproof Safety: The connection is binary—it is either fully locked or visibly open. This eliminates the risk of partially tightened bolts, a common failure point in traditional systems.

Shoulv's Commitment to Precision
Our rigorous manufacturing ensures every tension plate and locking pin is produced to exact tolerances. This guarantees perfect component interchangeability and a consistently robust connection across the entire formwork system.

For technical specifications and to see our connection system in action, contact Shoulv Formwork today.