The Drop Head is specifically designed for the early stripping of slab formwork system. It allows workers to remove formwork panels and beams just 1 to 3 days after concrete pouring, while the primary vertical steel props remain in place to continue supporting the concrete structure. This enables the early removal of panels and beams while the steel props safely maintain structural support. The system accelerates formwork turnaround, boosts construction efficiency, and reduces labor requirements.
How Drop Head(Early Stripping Head) Works?
Lowering Mechanism: A simple strike with a hammer on the wedge or release pin of the prop head allows the primary and secondary slab formwork system components to drop by 2 to 6 inches.
Load Transfer: The primary vertical steel props remain stationary while the surrounding panels detach from the concrete soffit and are removed, ensuring continuous structural support during the slab curing process.
Material Savings: Panels and beams can be removed just 1 to 3 days after pouring, eliminating the need to wait weeks for the slab to reach full structural strength. The stripped components can be immediately reused for construction on higher floors.
Drop Head Key Advantages
Cost Savings: Faster turnaround of formwork panels between floors reduces the total number of panels required for the project, thereby lowering costs.
Simple Installation: The formwork system requires fewer components; it can be easily assembled on the ground for slab support and installed by a crew of just 3–4 workers.
Increased Efficiency: Removal is possible before the slab reaches full structural strength; faster panel turnaround allows construction teams to pour a new slab every 3 to 5 days.
Enhanced Safety: Primary vertical steel props remain in place to support the concrete structure during the removal of the main formwork panels, ensuring structural safety.
