A PVC tie-rod sleeve with a cap is a formwork accessory used in concrete construction to create a protective conduit around tie rods during concrete pouring. The sleeve prevents the tie rod from bonding to the concrete, allowing it to be removed easily after the concrete has been cured. The ends are fitted with PVC cones or caps to prevent concrete from entering the sleeve and create a clean recess for finishing and patching.
PVC formwork tubes are commonly used as tie-rod sleeves or spacer tubes in concrete wall and column formwork. They help maintain consistent wall thickness while protecting tie rods from direct contact with concrete.
Standard Sizes
Common sizes available in Saudi Arabia include:
- Diameter: 22 mm — suitable for standard 15 – 17 mm tie rods
- Diameter: 25 mm — suitable for heavier-duty tie rods
- Length: 20 – 200 cm, depending on wall thickness and formwork requirements
- PVC cones/caps: Typically 40 – 50 mm, depending on the sleeve system
Key Benefits
- Easy tie-rod removal — prevents the rod from bonding to concrete
- Consistent wall thickness — functions as a spacer within the formwork
- Reduced concrete leakage — caps help seal the sleeve openings
- Clean finishing — cones create a neat recess for subsequent patching
- Tie-rod protection — keeps reusable rods free from direct contact with concrete