Forming concrete columns doesn't have to be complicated or wasteful. The Royal Tube Eco Column Form Standard is a lightweight, environmentally friendly solution that makes column forming straightforward — whether you're working on a standard residential build, heavy-duty piling, or a specialty project requiring custom diameters.
Here's everything you need to know about using Royal Tube Eco Column Forms effectively on site.
What Are Royal Tube Eco Column Forms?
Royal Tube Eco Column Forms are cylindrical formwork tubes designed for forming concrete columns. They're made from non-hazardous, fully recyclable materials, making them one of the more sustainable formwork options available. Despite being lightweight and easy to handle, they're built to perform in demanding conditions ,including underwater applications.
Available in standard diameters from 150mm to 1800mm, they can also be custom manufactured to exact millimetre specifications and cut to any required height on site.
Key Features and Benefits
- Wide size range: Standard diameters from 150mm to 1800mm; custom sizes available to exact specifications
- Any height: Can be manufactured to any length without limitation, and cut to size on site
- Multiple finishes: Choose from Class 3 spiral, Class 2 smooth, or yellow liner textured finishes
- Flexible or rigid: Suitable for both rigid piling and flexible column applications
- Environmentally friendly: Non-hazardous, fully recyclable materials
- Weather and water resistant: Performs reliably in all weather conditions, including underwater
- Lightweight: Easy to transport, handle, shape, cut, and mark on site
Choosing the Right Finish
Royal Tube Eco Column Forms are available in three surface finishes, each producing a different concrete surface result:
- Class 3 Spiral: A spiral-pattern finish suitable for general construction and piling applications
- Class 2 Smooth: A smooth interior finish for a cleaner concrete surface, ideal where appearance matters
- Yellow Liner Textured: A textured finish option for specialty or decorative applications
Select your finish based on the structural requirements and the desired aesthetic of the finished column.
Selecting the Right Diameter and Height
- Standard diameters run from 150mm to 1800mm — select based on your structural design requirements.
- For non-standard sizes, custom poly tubes and pink tubes can be manufactured to exact millimetre specifications.
- Tubes can be cut to any required height on site using standard cutting tools. Mark the cut line clearly before cutting for accuracy.
- Optional site-ready marking is available for custom fabrication orders.
Step-by-Step: Using Royal Tube Eco Column Forms
Step 1 — Select and Prepare the Tube
Choose the correct diameter and finish for your project. If cutting to height on site, measure and mark the tube clearly before cutting. The lightweight construction makes on-site cutting straightforward with standard tools.
Step 2 — Position and Brace the Form
Position the column form in the correct location over the footing or starter bars. Ensure the tube is plumb (vertical) and secure it with appropriate bracing or formwork supports to prevent movement during the pour. For piling applications, drive or position the tube as required by your project specifications.
Step 3 — Place Reinforcement
Insert reinforcement steel (rebar or cage) into the column form as per your structural drawings. Ensure correct cover to reinforcement is maintained using bar chairs or spacers.
Step 4 — Pour and Vibrate Concrete
Pour concrete into the column form in lifts, vibrating each lift thoroughly to eliminate voids and ensure full consolidation around the reinforcement. Avoid over-vibrating near the form walls to prevent surface defects.
Step 5 — Strip the Form
Once the concrete has achieved sufficient strength (typically 24–48 hours depending on conditions and mix design), strip the column form. The tube can be peeled or cut away from the concrete column. Because the forms are made from recyclable materials, dispose of or recycle the used tube responsibly.
Underwater and Adverse Condition Use
Royal Tube Eco Column Forms are designed to perform in all weather conditions, including underwater applications such as marine piling and bridge works. Ensure the tube is adequately supported and sealed at the base to prevent concrete loss during underwater pours, and consult your structural engineer for specific underwater pour requirements.
Tips for Best Results
- Always check the tube is plumb before pouring, small errors are amplified over the height of the column
- Use adequate bracing, concrete exerts significant lateral pressure on formwork during a pour
- Pour in lifts and vibrate thoroughly for void-free columns
- For smooth finish tubes, avoid dragging tools along the inside of the form after placing concrete
- Store tubes horizontally on a flat surface to prevent deformation prior to use
Need column forms or other formwork supplies? Browse our full range of formwork products or get in touch with our team for advice on the right size and finish for your project.
