What’s the Role of Kickers and Rockers in Mivan Shuttering?
In Mivan construction, everyone talks about speed, smooth finish, and cost savings. But very few builders pay attention to the small components that quietly decide the quality of the structure. Two of these are kickers and rockers.
They may look like minor parts of the system, but on-site they decide whether your walls and columns stay perfectly aligned or become a source of delay and rework.
Kickers – The Alignment Starter
A kicker is a small concrete step, around 50–75 mm high, cast at the base of a wall or column before placing the Mivan panels.
Why it’s important:
- Works as a permanent guide for fixing panels.
- Stops wall or column formwork from slipping during pouring.
- Keeps alignment accurate across all floors.
Simple Example: At one Mumbai site, the team skipped proper kickers to save time. By the 5th floor, the column alignment had drifted, creating a visible lean. Rework added 12 extra days. A simple kicker would have avoided it.
Rockers – The Panel Stabilizers
A rocker is used at the base to hold vertical panels steady and prevent shifting.
Why it’s important:
- Holds wall panels tight against movement.
- Reduces pressure stress when concrete is poured.
- Helps distribute loads safely to the slab below.
Simple Example: In Pune, a builder faced honeycombing because rockers were not fixed correctly. Panels shifted during pouring, leaving gaps at the edges. After correcting rocker installation, all further slabs came out perfect.
Kickers + Rockers = Straight, Strong, and Smooth
Think of kickers as the starting line and rockers as the anchors. Together, they:
Why it’s important:
- Keep walls and columns straight.
- Save plaster and rework costs.
- Maintain structural accuracy.
- Protect project timelines.
What Builders Often Miss
Many teams see kickers and rockers as “small details.” But in fast construction like Mivan, even small errors multiply across floors. Builders who focus on these basics deliver projects faster, with fewer defects and happier clients.
Final Word
Mivan shuttering isn’t just about panels, pins, and speed. Kickers and rockers are the hidden heroes that make the system work properly. Paying attention to them means:
- Straighter columns
- Better finish
- Fewer site headaches
- Stronger reputation
