Early Stripping Dropheads & Prop Heads
The engineered quick-release mechanism that allows horizontal panels to be cycled safely while shoring stays in place.
The Mechanics of Early Stripping
In traditional slab forming, panels must remain in place under the concrete until the slab reaches 75% to 85% of its final 28-day characteristic design compressive strength. This locks up expensive formwork panels for up to three weeks. Our engineered early stripping Drophead solves this operational bottleneck. By releasing a safety wedge pin with a single strike of a hammer, the drophead drops the landing frame by approximately 60mm (2.4 inches) while keeping the center load pin firmly under pressure against the ceiling slab.
Cycle Comparison: Standard Head vs Early Stripping Drophead
How the drophead system changes site logistics, cycle speed, and resource utilization on typical mid-rise structural decks:
| Operational Metric | Standard Fixed Head | Slabform Drophead System |
|---|---|---|
| Time before Panel Recovery | 14 to 21 Days (when concrete cures) | 36 to 72 Hours (2-3 days after pour) |
| Shoring Props Required | 100% of props tied down for 21 days | Props remain; panels cycled immediately |
| Fleet Assets Needed | Large fleet to cover multiple floors | Up to 50% less panel inventory needed |
Unlocking Rapid Slab Turnarounds
Because you can recover the modular aluminum panels and primary beams 36 hours after active pouring, you can immediately cycle them to the floor above. Only the vertical shoring props (specifically designated as 're-shoring') remain in place on the lower level to support the green curing slab. This allows you to construct a progressive 5-day cycle per floor using only one full set of panels and two or three sets of shoring props.
Structural Properties
Relevant Product Systems
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