Uniclass

L326 : P4131
CI/SfB

21.9

EPIC
F63 : X4122
Xt6

JUNE 2009

EXPAMET
CONSTRUCTION

S4P33

HY-RIB

SECTION 4
HY-RIB PERMANENT
FORMWORK

Permanent Formwork

Hy-Rib Introduction

Hy-Rib is an expanded metal sheet product, specifically developed

for use as permanent formwork to concrete. The profile of the open
mesh, in combination with the Hy-Rib tangs, allows the
development of dense concrete nodules and indents on the face of
the Hy-Rib, forming an enhanced mechanical key for the second
phase pour. In the case of visible elements, the resulting Hy-Rib
surface is suitable for a rendered or tiled finish.
Hy-Rib is primarily used in construction joint applications but it is
also used to form wall, beam and column surfaces and slab soffits,
where the formed surface will not be seen. It has also been used
successfully for sprayed concrete applications.
Hy-Rib has an enviable portfolio of technical data. Independent
bodies have undertaken full scale testing programmes to determine
and verify its effectiveness in forming construction joints. The result
is a product with well defined engineering properties, established
formwork pressure characteristics and measured improvements to
the joint performance.
Hy-Rib is certified for use as permanent formwork by the British
Board of Agrment (BBA).
For further information see www.hy-rib.com

Slab stopend construction

joints from 150mm thick.
No maximum depth. No upper
limit for depth of pour.

S4P34

Permanent Formwork

Hy-Rib is available in 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000mm lengths.

The edge rib is manufactured to nest tightly with the edge rib of
an adjacent Hy-Rib sheet. This forms a tight sheet to sheet
connection throughout its length and maximises the rigidity of
the sheet joint in the temporary works condition.
Hy-Rib tangs are designed to become embedded in the first phase
concrete pour, anchoring the sheet, preventing any risk of the sheet
de-bonding from the concrete. The inner ribs provide inherent
stiffness in the length of the sheet so that it can span between
supports.

Hy-Rib Range

S4P35

Hy-Rib forms an enhanced mechanical key for the

second phase pour. Joint surfaces require minimal
preparation.
All Hy-Rib is colour coded to enable the easy
identification of the steel type and gauge of the sheet.
Formwork pressure is significantly less than that
developed with traditional forming materials, reducing
the overall support requirement.
Concrete is easier to see and monitor during pour and
the risk of trapped air and voids within the concrete is
reduced.

All Hy-Rib is colour coded to enable the easy identification of the

steel type and gauge of the sheet. An open mesh allows bleed
water to escape providing a dense, impenetrable concrete zone at

Hy-Rib has been used successfully for sprayed concrete

applications.

the surface and immediately behind the Hy-Rib.

The use of Hy-Rib complies with Construction Design
and Management (CDM) requirements to design out the
risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.
Certified for use as permanent formwork by the
British Board of Agrment (BBA).

Wall stopend construction

joints. Thin wall from 150mm
thick. Thick wall no maximum.
No upper limit for depth of
pour.

Permanent Formwork

Hy-Rib Benefits

S4P36

Hy-Rib offers important benefits in application. When used as

vertical formwork, the resulting formwork pressure is significantly
less than that developed with traditional forming materials,
reducing the overall support requirement.
Joint surfaces require minimal preparation prior to the next pour,
with the exception of the rebar cover zones. This minimises the
labour, mess and disposal requirements associated with scabbling,
chemical retarders and jet washing. The use of Hy-Rib complies
with Construction Design and Management requirements to
design out the risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome that is
associated with construction joint preparation.
Hy-Rib joints are stronger in shear and flexure compared to
traditionally prepared joint surface and produce a high durability
surface layer.
Hy-Rib provides a good performance with all concrete types.
Concrete is easier to see and monitor during pour and the risk of
trapped air and voids within the concrete is reduced.
The range of narrower sheet widths improves site productivity
and minimises wastage. It is also light weight for manual
handling.

Permanent Slab Soffit.

Slab depth range from
75mm to 500mm

Permanent Formwork

Hy-Rib Applications

Hy-Rib was specifically developed by Expamet during the 1960s

for use as a permanent formwork for concrete stop-ends, slabs,
retaining walls and columns. Since then Hy-Rib has been
successfully used in numerous building and infrastructure
projects throughout the world.
Typical applications include:

Construction joints in thin and thick bases and suspended

slabs.
Vertical construction joints in thin and thick walls.
Deep construction joints
Keyway construction joints in nuclear applications.
Circular pile or void formers.
Capping beams.
Sprayed concrete backgrounds (mine stabilisation).
Secondary lining in tunnels.
Render backgrounds.
Underwater construction applications.

Factory pre-curved

Permanent wall and column formwork.

Permanent soffit formwork.
Industrial floor slabs.

Nuclear keyway

S4P37

Permanent Formwork

Construction Sectors

S4P38

Expamet Hy-Rib Construction Sectors

Hy-Rib has become synonymous with the construction of some
of the worlds most prestigious new structures. From airports to
railways, Hy-Rib provides an engineered solution to the
construction industrys needs:
Airports
Railways
Water industry
Highway structures
Tunnels
Nuclear installations
Power stations
Chemical production works
Commercial, industrial, office and building complexes

Sprayed concrete background,

mine stabilisation

Render backgrounds

Expamet operate a continuous development programme and we

reserve the right to amend specification without prior notification.
Please note, some products are not manufactured by Expamet and are
therefore excluded from our registration to BS EN 9001: 2008. Please
contact the technical department for further information.
All copyright, trade marks and unregistered design rights for the
products detailed in this brochure are the property of Expamet Building
Products Ltd.
UK SALES AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
Expamet Building Products Ltd.
Greatham Street, Longhill Industrial Estate (North)
Hartlepool TS25 1PR United Kingdom
Tel: Sales: +44 (0)1429 866611 Sales Fax: +44 (0)1429 866622
General: +44 (0)1429 866688 Fax: +44 (0)1429 866633
E-mail: sales@expamet.net
Technical: +44 (0)1429 866655
Technical Fax: +44 (0)1429 851873
Tech E-mail: technical@expamet.net
Website: www.expamet.co.uk
IRISH SALES OFFICE
Michael Evans. Expamet Building Products Ltd
Unit 7, Swords Business Park, Swords, Co. Dublin
Tel: +353 (0) 1890 2392 Fax: +353 (0) 1890 2220
E-mail: michael.evans@expamet.ie
EXPORT
UK Export Office:
Sales Tel: +44 (0)1429 866611
Sales Fax: +44 (0)1429 866622
E-mail: sales@expamet.net

FM 36694

EMS 45225