EzyTube is primarily designed for installation by the top fitting technique ie. The tube is placed over the reinforcing steel from the top and lowered into position. Care should be taken to avoid scraping the internal layer / plastic liner on the steel rio bars (fitting correct sized spacer wheels and cutting off protruding tie wire are advised) as this may result in marks onto the surface of the concrete column.

When using a plastic lined or shaped Ezytube, the internal plastic liner of EzyTube has a small joint which results in a fine horizontal line on the surface of the column. Should any areas of the column be concealed or be less visible, the join should be located in this position.

The top and bottom of EzyTube must be fixed securely in place to prevent movement whilst filling with concrete. The base of the tube is held in place by fixing four equally spaced blocks of wood to the slab or footing. Due to the semi-rigid nature of the tube, it is recommended to secure the base of the tube with 2 pieces of ply cut to the correct radius as shown in the photo below. (photo to be inserted). This will overcome any potential deformation of the tube from isolated contact with the 4 timber restraints.
When fitted, the top edge of the tube is cut so that it is held neatly in place by the slab formwork.

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Additional bracing is not normally required on top fitted columns up to a height of 5.0 mtrs (subject to diameter). For columns that are longer than 5.0 mtrs, cross bracing supports should be installed at levels of approximately every 3.5 mtrs in height. Should the EzyTube form be required to be placed and filled prior to forming the slab, a horizontal collar should be applied approximately 0.5 mtr from the top of the tube. 3-4 props fixed to the collar running diagonally away from the column to a secure fixing at a level equal to the base of the tube. Under no circumstances should the props be positioned in direct contact with the EzyTube form.

EzyTube ensures ease in stripping which is unachievable by any other type of formwork tubing. After waiting for the concrete to set (in accordance with AS1509-1974), simply use a Stanley/ Utility knife (or similar) and perform a straight vertical cut from the top of the tube to the base. Pull the two sections apart and slide the EzyTube form off the concrete column. One person can perform this operation generally in a few minutes per column.

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