by Rebecca Walker — February 2, 2009— Sonoco, a leader in the manufacture of fiber-based concrete forms, is introducing its new Sonovoid concrete void form product line at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas.
Sonovoid concrete void forms are used in the construction of cast-in-place concrete where expansive soils are present, providing temporary support for cast-in-place floors, beams and walls until the concrete can support itself on drilled piles or caissons. Over time, the corrugated paper used in the construction of the void form is engineered to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This moisture causes the void form to lose its structural integrity, thus allowing the soil to expand without causing damage to the foundation, explains the company.
Environmentally sustainable Sonovoid products are made entirely of fiber-based corrugated paper and finished with a thin wax coating, making them water-resistant, lightweight and biodegradable. The patented design is engineered to be constructed without glues or mechanical fasteners, providing several advantages over other products in the marketplace, such as quick, clean and hassle-free assembly without the added cost of glues or special assembly equipment.
The design includes special endcaps, which provide extra strength and prevent the concrete from penetrating the void at the caisson or pile, says Sonoco.
Sonoco entered the void form market with the 2008 acquisition of VoidForm International, formerly based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. For more information, see the Web site.
