ABSTRACT
This paper describes the development of Hyrib expanded metal as a permanent formwork material in situations where a fair-faced finish is not required or where external cladding or rendering is to be applied. Results from six full scale trials to estimate the reduction in formwork pressures compared to conventional plywood shuttering are presented. It is shown that the pressures are reduced to less than half as the pore water pressure is dissipated. Core tests also indicate that the quality of concrete, as measured by density and strength, is comparable to that obtained using a conventional plywood shutter.
