top of page

Tie Rod Systems: Reliable and High-Strength Solutions for Construction

Tie rods are the unsung heroes of formwork systems—transferring lateral pressures from fresh concrete into supporting walers and props, ensuring perfect panel alignment and preventing bulging. At Avanza Steel, our scaffolding tie rods are precision-engineered from high-tensile steel, comply with IS 1367 and BS 1139 standards, and integrate seamlessly with our wing nuts, walers, and shuttering plates for robust, repeatable performance.

What Is a Tie Rod?


A tie rod is a threaded steel bar used to hold formwork panels (steel plates or plywood) firmly in place against the hydrostatic thrust of wet concrete. Paired with reusable wing nuts and washers, tie rods create a compression system that pulls walers tight to the form face, distributing loads evenly across the framework.
 

Core Advantages:

​

  • High Load Capacity: Rated for concrete pressures up to 60 kN/m² without deformation.
     

  • Reusable & Cost-Effective: Electro-galvanized finish resists corrosion; wing nuts and washers can be reused for 200+ cycles.
     

  • Quick Assembly: Tool-free wing nut engagement speeds up setup and stripping.
     

  • Precise Alignment: Threaded adjustment permits ±50 mm fine-tuning per rod length, ensuring flush panel joints.

Attribute
Specification
Rod Lengths
M16 (16 mm), M20 (20 mm), M22 (22 mm), Custom Requirement Possible
Material Grade
High-tensile steel, grade 8.8 per IS 1367
Finish
Electro-galvanized (minimum 20 µm zinc)
Wing Nuts & Washers
M16/M20/M22 galvanized wing nuts; 75 mm flat washers with chamfered edges
Safety Factor
1.5× yield load for temporary structures
Working Load
≥ 60 kN/m² concrete pressure
Compliance
IS 1367, BS 1139, EN 10204 3.1 certs available

Technical Specifications

Components & Variants

  1. Standard Tie Rods
     

    • TR-16: M16 × 1.80 m; weight ~5.0 kg 

    • TR-20: M20 × 2.00 m; weight ~6.5 kg

    • TR-25: M22 × 2.50 m; weight ~8.0 kg
       

  2. Wing Nuts
     

    • Ergonomic “butterfly” grip for hand-tightening; large wings for gloved hands.

    • Zinc-plated steel with hardened internal thread insert.
       

  3. Washers
     

    • Ø 75 mm flat washers disperse load over shuttering plates or plywood surfaces.

    • Chamfered edges prevent media tear of formwork faces.
       

  4. Spacer Sleeves (Optional)
     

    • PVC or steel sleeves for precise form thickness control (recommended for architectural surfaces).

 Applications & Use Cases

  1. Wall & Column Formwork
    Tie rods at 0.75 m vertical centres secure vertical panels, maintaining flush joints and preventing seepage.
     

  2. Beam & Lintel Casting
    Horizontal orientation of shorter TR-15 rods holds beam shutters against bespoke waler configurations.
     

  3. High-Pressure Pours
    In deep cores (up to 4 m), M22 rods paired with double-wing nuts handle thrusts exceeding 50 kN/m².
     

  4. Architectural Concrete
    Spacer sleeves and precision serrated washers enable exact panel offsets, critical for reveal and soffit features.

Installation & Best Practices

  1. Layout Planning
     

    • Mark rod positions on both form faces, aligning with waler centres.

    • Ensure rods pass cleanly through drilled panel holes.
       

  2. Rod Insertion
     

    • Slide rod through first panel, install spacer sleeve (if used), then pass through second panel.

    • Engage washer and hand-tighten wing nut until panels are snug.
       

  3. Adjusting Tension
     

    • Use wing nut to adjust panel compression; watch for even gaps between rods and waler faces across the entire form.
       

  4. Stripping
     

    • After concrete reaches 70 % design strength, back off wing nuts and withdraw rods carefully to avoid concrete spalling.

Maintenance & Lifecycle

  • Pre-Use Check: Inspect threads for wear or corrosion; ensure wing nuts spin freely without binding.
     

  • Post-Use Care: Remove excess concrete with a soft brush; rinse rods and nuts, then dry thoroughly.
     

  • Storage: Hang rods vertically in a dry, ventilated area to prevent bending and moisture buildup.
     

  • Lifecycle Tracking: Maintain usage logs—replace any rod showing > 10 % thread diameter reduction or significant surface corrosion.

Ensure flawless formwork performance with Avanza Steel’s precision tie rods:


👉 Download the full Product Brochure for detailed part codes, dimensional drawings, and load charts.
 

👉 Contact our team at avanzasteel@gmail.com or +91 33 4000 7575 to request a site-specific quote, arrange a factory tour, or schedule an on-site technical consultation.

  • What makes Cuplock scaffolding faster than traditional tube-and-clamp?
    The cup-and-blade mechanism requires no loose bolts or nuts—each connection locks with a simple downward press, reducing assembly time by up to 40 % compared to tube-and-clamp systems.
  • Are Avanza Steel’s Cuplock standards compatible with other brands?
    Yes, our Vertical Cuplock standards and Horizontal Ledgers maintain a strict tolerance of ± 0.5 mm on cup dimensions and blade ends, ensuring cross-compatibility with any IS 12873‐compliant Cuplock systems.
  • How do I calculate the number of ledgers needed per level?
    Divide the total bay length by 0.50 m (cup spacing) to get the number of ledger connections. For instance, a 3 m bay requires six ledgers per level—plus one spigot pin above for extension continuity.
  • Can Cuplock scaffolding be used on curved façades?
    Yes. Swivel clamps in combination with half-meter cup spacing allow you to create curved geometries. We recommend a maximum curvature radius of 2 m to maintain load distribution and minimize component stress.
  • Where can I find detailed part codes and weights?
    Refer to our Avanza Steel Product Brochure (page 5–6) for the full list of Vertical Cuplock codes (AV-05 to AV-30), corresponding weights, and all complementary accessories.
bottom of page