Equipment Guidance Note UIX10202

Rapidshor Falsework

1.0

Introduction

This guidance note is for the erection, use and

dismantling of Rapidshor falsework and soffit
formwork -Rapidshor.
This document shall not be used as a working
method statement. It is the customers
responsibility to assimilate this information into a
method statement specific to the site conditions.
2.0

References

This document shall be read in conjunction with

the RMD Kwikform (RMDK) drawings.
Please refer to RMDK Rapidshor Falsework
brochure, Rapidshor Technical Data Sheets and
the attendant RMDK falsework Application Risk
Assessment. Reference should also be made to
the contract method statement and drawings
provided by the contractor for specific details
and sequences.
3.0

Health & Safety

This document is for general guidance only and

does not relieve the customer of responsibility for the safe erection, use and dismantling of
the equipment.
Work with Rapidshor should only be undertaken and supervised by appropriately trained
personnel familiar with safe use of the equipment. Where needed, Rapidshor product
demonstration can be provided by RMDK but it remains the customers responsibility to
determine competence of erectors & supervisors.
Provide safe access and a safe working platform at all times. Safe systems of work shall
reflect industry best practice and comply with applicable local legislation.
RMD Kwikform recommends that as a minimum the principles for working practices for
scaffolders working at heights contained in document SG4, produced by the National
Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) are applied to all falsework activities.
4.0

Design Parameters

The Rapidshor Falsework is designed to support soffit formwork, reinforced concrete,

other dead loads and live loads. All of the design parameters used are clearly shown on
the RMDK drawing. If any of this information is incorrect the relevant RMDK office must be
contacted prior to erection.

Issue E
13/03/14

Further info: Contact your local RMDK office

Sheet 1 of 5

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions

Equipment Guidance Note UIX10202

Rapidshor Falsework

5.0

Erection

5.1.

Foundations

The falsework area shall be clear of obstacles, relatively flat and of a suitable compacted
material that will adequately withstand the indicated leg loads without undue settlement.
Falsework founded directly on the ground is usually erected on substantial sole boards,
sleepers or sheet piles to spread the load from the standards. These may be bedded and
haunched with lean mix concrete to further spread the load, prevent accidental movement
and eliminate foundation washout during inclement weather.
If the ground is sloping the foundation will need to accommodate the resultant horizontal
forces.
5.2.

Rapidshor Falsework

A minimum of two operatives are required to erect the falsework.

Set out the falsework gridlines. It is important that the falsework system is in the correct
location relative to the structure.

Place the Rapidshor bases at the first braced bay location. Clip the Rapidshor jacks
into the Rapidshor bases and adjust the jack handle to provide approximately the
correct jack extension.

Slide a Rapidshor standard over each of 2 adjacent Rapidshor jacks and hold upright.

Attach a Rapidshor Ledger at the lowest position indicated. Locate the wedges in the
slot in the rosette disks on the Rapidshor Standard but do not drive home at this stage.

Connect a Rapidshor Ledger at right angles to and at the same level as the first.
Connect the remote end of this Rapidshor Ledger to a third Rapidshor standard already
assembled with its base and jack. Complete the first bay by adding a fourth Rapidshor
Standard with base and jack and two more Rapidshor Ledgers at the same level.

Position four Rapidshor Ledgers at the next level with the correct vertical spacing for
the loads involved as shown on the RMDK drawing.

Use a spirit level on the bottom lift of ledgers and adjust the Rapidshor Jacks to level
up the assembly in both directions. Adjust the bay so it is square on plan

Fix the correct Rapidshor Braces to all four sides. If this first bay does not coincide
with a braced bay on the RMDK drawings, the Rapidshor Braces can be moved later.

Check that the standards are vertical, the Rapidshor Ledgers are at the correct level,
the Standards are in the required plan position and the bay is square. Make necessary
fine adjustments and drive home all wedges, each with a single sharp hammer blow.

Add further bays in a similar manner. Check the line and level as work progresses.
Position any Rapidshor Braces shown on the RMDK drawing and tighten the ledger
Issue E
13/03/14

Further info: Contact your local RMDK office

Sheet 2 of 5

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions

Equipment Guidance Note UIX10202

Rapidshor Falsework

wedges as each bay is completed. Once the first lift is completed further levelling is not
required.

Brace the Rapidshor Base Jacks where specified with Rapidshor Adjustable Braces
and tighten to 40 Nm.

Safe access for operatives to erect subsequent lifts can be by various means and is to
be determined on site by the customer according to local legislation and best working
practice. Temporary platforms will be required which can be raised from lift to lift with
the progress of the work. Working with personal fall-arrest equipment can be minimised
by use of additional Rapidshor ledgers to provide scaffolders guardrails 1.0m above
the platform. For 1.5m lift falsework RMDK Portable Hop-Up 0.5m (SFU20001) is
available for advance guardrail installation before accessing the level above (left hand
picture). For 2.0m lift falsework RMDK Portable Step up 1.0m (SFU20002) can be
placed over the scaffolders guardrail to enable access to place the following lift of
scaffolders guardrail (middle picture). Please note that RMDK does not quote or supply
this equipment automatically. If required please contact your RMDK branch.

Add a Rapidshor Joint Sleeve to the top of the first Rapidshor Standard and secure
with an Omega Clip. Select a second lift Rapidshor standard and place the open end in
the Rapidshor sleeve to join. Take care that the length is correct for the standard
makeup shown. If the assembly is to be lifted subsequently by crane, line up the holes
on the standard and the sleeve and insert a second Omega Clip.

Add further Rapidshor ledgers and standards to complete the lift. Continue erection
until the leg make-up is complete up to jack level. Install the Rapidshor bracing with the
progress of the work in order to align the components and maintain stability.
Issue E
13/03/14

Further info: Contact your local RMDK office

Sheet 3 of 5

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions

Equipment Guidance Note UIX10202

Rapidshor Falsework

Add any boarded lift complete with handrails and toe-boards

Install Rapidshor Jacks into the top of the uppermost Rapidshor standard and place
and fix Rapidshor Heads or Rapidshor Tilt Heads on top. Adjust top jacks to their
approximate open dimension.

Fit the Rapidshor Adjustable Braces where specified by connecting first at the head
position and then at the Rapidshor ledger end. Leave the integral couplers loose at
this stage.

5.3.

Soffit

Install the primary beams centrally in the U-heads. Where the soffit is not horizontal,
shaped wedges under the primary beams or Rapidshor Tilt Heads may be shown on
the RMDK drawing.

Level the top of the primary beams accurately and adjust using the Rapidshor Jacks

Tighten the couplers on the Rapidshor Adjustable Braces to 40Nm. Where the top
level of Rapidshor Ledgers occur at the second rosette down ensure that the
Rapidshor Jacks and top standards are plumb before tightening is carried out.

Install the plywood backing members at the centres shown on the RMDK drawing and
clamp to the primary beams. Generally one clamp is used per intersection but this may
be shown as more on the RMDK drawing if the assembly is to be subsequently crane
handled using a C-hook.

Place and fix the ply sheets using nails or screws ensuring that the edges are
adequately supported.

Check the level of the ply soffit and carry out any fine adjustments using Rapidshor
Jacks. Ensure that all Rapidshor Jacks correctly support the primary beams and that
the couplers on all head jack braces are re-tightened subsequent to adjustment.

Install handrails. Provide barriers and warning notices to prevent access to incomplete
sections of falsework. Ensure that safe access and egress routes are provided to all
working areas, and that such routes, including ladders and stairways, are clear.

6.0

Use Of The Shoring S ystem

6.1.

Steelfixing and Formwork Operations

Set out and mark the perimeter of the structure. Fix the reinforcement and any
inserts/embedments.

Place the edge formwork together with any grout check, fillet and screed rails. Check
the correct concrete cover to the reinforcement. Blow out the pour to remove debris.

Issue E
13/03/14

Further info: Contact your local RMDK office

Sheet 4 of 5

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions

Equipment Guidance Note UIX10202

Rapidshor Falsework

6.2.

Checks and Loading

Prior to placement of concrete, check the Rapidshor falsework system to ensure that all
connections are sound, the vertical spacing of the ledgers is correct and that the bracing
pattern is as shown. Check that the jack at the head and base line up with the standards,
jack extensions do not exceed the maximum shown, primary beams are concentric in U
heads and foundations are firm. Adjust as necessary.
Consult the drawing for any specific requirements for placement of concrete and any
restrictions to loading.

Issue Permit to Load document to site operatives

Place the concrete and allow curing

7.0

Striking And Dismantling

Unloading of the falsework is carried out by rotation of the handles of the Rapidshor Jacks.
Ensure unloading of the falsework is carried out in sequence to avoid unacceptable load
shedding to un-struck areas. This may involve the sequential and part turn lowering of the
jack handles.

Once the majority of the load has been removed slacken the couplers and remove any
Rapidshor Jack bracing at the head.

Further lower the head jacks and remove the soffit plywood, secondary and primary
members.

Dismantle the structure in the reverse order to erection ensuring compliance with local
scaffolders access legislation. Remove components from the top of the falsework with
the progress of the work.

Remove braces only when they would prevent further dismantling to ensure that
stability is maintained.

Stack dismantled components neatly in the appropriate containers or stillages. Clean

as necessary prior to return to RMDK.

RMDK HIM sheets are available detailing the correct number of each Rapidshor item to
safely bundle or stillage.

Issue E
13/03/14

Further info: Contact your local RMDK office

Sheet 5 of 5

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions