Form Ties

Form Ties

Form ties are essential components widely used in concrete construction to secure formwork, ensuring the mold holds together tightly while concrete is poured and cured. They are instrumental in maintaining the desired shape and alignment of the concrete until it hardens. The wire ties are removed after the concrete sets, typically leaving behind holes that might need patching.

The Form Tie Detail

Base Ties are utilized in combination with Base Tie Bolts, ideal for forming scenarios where "Steel-Ply style" concrete forms are aligned against an existing concrete or masonry wall.

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The Historical Use of Form Ties

Le Corbusier was a pioneer in the use of cast-in-place concrete for both exterior and interior cladding, as seen in projects like the Unité d’habitation (1946-62) in Marseilles and the Shodhan House (1956) in Ahmedabad. He often used exposed cast-in-place concrete to achieve a raw, unfinished aesthetic. Concrete formwork must be engineered to withstand the pressure of heavy, wet concrete, and form ties offer a cost-effective method to achieve this. Typically, wire ties are snipped after removing the formwork, and the resulting holes are patched over to prevent rusting. However, Le Corbusier's design embraced the rough appearance of béton brut.

Innovations in Form Tie Design

At Harvard's Carpenter Center (1961-64), form ties were used differently. They incorporated disposable plastic inserts that made patches less noticeable. The ties were strategically placed in a 2' x 2' grid pattern. This design gave the Carpenter Center a more refined finish, potentially influenced by Josep Lluís Sert, who oversaw the construction.

The Influence of Louis Kahn

Louis Kahn popularized the plastic insert method in projects like the Salk Institute (1959-65). He featured the tie holes prominently, sinking them deeper and filling them with lead to highlight their presence, while leaving the concrete unadorned.

Challenges of Using Concrete Cladding

Despite its aesthetic appeal, concrete is not an ideal cladding material due to its porosity and tendency to spall, crack, and chip. By the 1980s, many architects preferred using stone, brick veneer, or glass curtain walls.

Revival and Evolution of Form Ties

Architects like Tadao Ando renewed the use of concrete cladding, incorporating visible form ties in designs such as the Fort Worth Art Museum. Interestingly, modern techniques require fewer actual ties, resulting in some form-tie holes being merely decorative. Renzo Piano's addition to the Kimbell Art Museum exemplifies how smooth, tie-free concrete walls can be achieved.

Modern Interpretations and Uses

The Shanghai Natural History Museum (2015) showcases an unusual application of form-tie aesthetics. The interior features a plaster wallboard partition mimicking the appearance of concrete ties, highlighting how construction necessity can transform into pure decoration.

Expert Solutions for Modern Construction

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For more practical tips on creating concrete footers, check out this Low-Cost Method for Forming Concrete Footers.