How Far Apart Should Acrow Props be?

Acrow Props act as temporary support beams for ongoing construction until more permanent supports are installed. But how many do you need, and how far apart should Acrow Props be distributed?

Acrow Props (or Formwork Props) generally should sit one metre apart when load-bearing. There are a variety of factors that can influence the amount required.

Rating

There are approximately six sizes of adjustable props available on the market, each with their own load capacity. Their structural load roughly plateaus with size one props, meaning the larger the size and the more you extend the tube, the less support you have.

That is why if there is overlap and two Acrow Props can reach the same height, picking the overall smaller prop is recommended. Below is a table of six different size props and their weight capacity for reference.

Acrow Prop Angle

For supporting walls at angles, many formworkers will use bracing props specifically designed to function in that manner. Regular Formwork Props, however, are not designed to operate at full capacity even at an angle as little as two degrees.

Operating an angle can severely impact their weight capacity. As always, a structural engineer should assess the feasibility of using props on uneven or sloped terrain.

Scaffolding On-site

Depending on the site, certain scaffolding can act as a support or even a substitute. Tubes and couplers can connect props together, adding overall stability and supporting if one of them fails.

How Many Acrow Props Do I Need?

Acrow Props at every metre interval is the general rule for structural support. As detailed above, the use of scaffolding, prop size and load, and uneven terrain all contribute to determining the appropriate spacing for each construction site.

It is important to speak with a structural engineer to determine the correct number of props for a certain site.

For more on how to install Acrow Props or to grab a quote, call 1300 181 183 today, or contact our Sydney branch here.