Table of Contents
What is Formwork?
Going by the name, formwork means “mould”. It indicates the casing inside the casting material, which is generally concrete, which gets poured to get the required structural shape.
When you look at the construction industry, the formwork is almost like the mould for casting the concrete member in various sizes and shape by using different materials like plastic, timber, aluminium and steel.
Also, shuttering is a synonym that you can use for the formwork.
The formwork needs to have ample strength for carrying the live load and the dead load atop it at the casting operation and even after that, till such time the concrete gets hard and gains a certain percentage of the design strength. To know more, you can check out www.concreteformworkbrisbane.com/.
Benefits of using formwork
The primary benefit of using formwork is that, it aids in the construction process by helping to achieve accuracy. The formwork should be designed and constructed properly for achieving dimensional accuracy of the concrete member. When you use formwork, there are lesser chances of cracking, honeycombing, and bulging.
Formworks help in saving time and money as well. It becomes easier to pour concrete in the formwork at one go without any interruption, thereby avoiding the need for joints. This, in turn, reduces cure time and also keeps the quality of construction high.
It is easier to achieve a good finish with formworks when compared to other methods like brickwork or blockwork.
The requirements for a suitable formwork
Simply put, there are specific needs for a suitable formwork. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- It should get capable of withstanding all kinds of live and dead load.
- It is also good to obtain a waterproof character so that it doesn’t absorb water from the concrete.
- Also, the entire formwork should get correctly constructed and propped to avoid deformation in shape. It helps it to retain the original shape.
- The shrinkage and deflection need to be minimum.
- It is essential that the joins stay tight to minimise the cement grout leakage.
- The formwork material needs to be cheap, suitable for reuse, and readily available.
- The formwork should get constructed with various segments. Hence, moving away from the formwork shouldn’t damage the concrete.
- It is essential to set the formwork precisely to the desired line. Also, the levels need to possess and plane surface.
- Things should be as light as they can be.
- The formwork material shouldn’t warp or get distorted when exposed to the elements.
The multiple kinds of formwork depending on the material
The timber formwork
The timber formwork is widely used in the construction domain and fabricated on the site making use of timber. It is also easy to generate, but it can take up ample time for the more significant structures.
The timber shuttering needs to be well-seasoned, lightweight, easily workable and free from all kinds of termite attacks. Hence, it proves to be a popular choice for many customers.
The plywood formwork
It is an artificially manufactured wooden material that is accessible in various sizes and thicknesses for the concrete member. It is also strong, lightweight and durable. It means the principal advantage of this form in comparison to the timber form is that you have a smooth surface.
3. The aluminium formwork
This formwork is lighter as compared to the steel formwork. Also, it proves to be strong and comes with a better finish. The only flip side is that it tends to be expensive.
4. The plastic formwork
The plastic formwork is becoming quite popular among construction companies because of its low cost and ease of use. It is also reusable, which means it is quite eco-friendly. However, the only downside is that it doesn’t provide a very good finish to the concrete surface.
5. The glass-reinforced plastic formwork
The glass-reinforced plastic formwork is quite strong and provides a very good finish to the concrete surface. However, it is quite expensive and not very eco-friendly because it is not reusable.
These are some of the most popular types of formwork that you can choose from for your construction project.
Make sure to keep all the factors in mind before making your final decision.
Formwork is an essential part of any construction project. It is used to create the mould for concrete structures. There are various types of formwork available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Choose the right type of formwork for your project and follow the safety tips to ensure that you use it safely.Now that you know about the various types of formwork, it is time to learn how to use them safely.
Here are some safety tips that you should keep in mind:
1. Always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
2. Inspect the formwork before using it. Look for any cracks or damage.
3. Do not use damaged formwork.
4. Do not overload the formwork.
5. Make sure the formwork is level and stable before using it.
6. Do not stand on the formwork.
7. Wear safety gear when using the formwork.
8. Dispose of the formwork properly after use.
Follow these safety tips to ensure that you use the formwork safely and avoid any accidents.
Finally, there is the steel formwork that you can opt in for. Today, it is becoming trendy because of its multiple uses and durability. The steel formwork tends to be expensive, but it can get used for several projects. The steel shuttering can provide a smooth finish to the concrete surface. Furthermore, it is also suitable for curved and circular structures, such as columns, tanks, tunnels, chimneys, and retaining walls.
What are the Needs for a Stable Formwork?
As we all know, the formwork is in place till such time the concrete is being cast, right? For this reason, you must be aware that there are two types of loads that the formwork system has to withstand, namely:
– Dead Loads: These refer to the weight of the formwork materials. The wights of the clamps, supports and brackets also come under this category.
– Live Loads: These are the loads that come from the fresh concrete. It can be in wet or dry form, along with the weight of the reinforcement bars. For both these loads, there are different recommendations that you must follow for ensuring stability of the formwork.
– As per the recommendations of the European norms, for a temporary structure like the formwork, a minimum factor of safety of 1.5 should be provided. This means that the material that you have chosen for constructing the formwork should have the strength to withstand at least 1.5 times the maximum expected loads.
– In the case of permanent structures, the minimum factor of safety is generally 2. It means that the material should be strong enough to take twice the maximum expected loads.
– There are different specifications for different materials used in formwork. For instance, in the case of plywood, a minimum factor of safety of 1.8 is recommended for fresh concrete loads and 2.0 for dead loads by the American Plywood Association.
You must also remember that the formwork system should be able to take its own weight, the weight of the wet concrete (at any point of time) and the weight of the reinforcement bars (if any). Also, there should be no deformation in the formwork at any point of time. When you are looking for formwork contractors Brisbane, do check if they can provide you with a stable formwork system as per the recommendations.
What are the main requirements of good formwork?
There are 10 primary requirements for good formwork:
1. It should be strong enough to support the weight of the concrete and any other construction materials.
2. It should be stable and not move or shift during the construction process.
3. It should be easy to remove so that you can easily take it down after the concrete has set.
4. It should be easy to clean so that you can reuse it for future projects.
5. It should be smooth so that the concrete surface will have a good finish.
6. It should be level so that the concrete will not sag or bulge.
7. It should be wide enough to support the entire concrete pour.
8. It should be tall enough to support the height of the concrete pour.
9. It should be made of materials that are resistant to corrosion and weathering.
10. It should be made of materials that are non-toxic and safe to use.
These 10 requirements are essential for good formwork. If you keep these in mind, you will be able to choose the right formwork for your project and ensure that it is up to the task.
10 frequently asked questions about formwork
1. What is formwork?
Formwork is a temporary structure that is used to support the mould for concrete structures. It is made of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic.
2. What are the different types of formworks?
There are various types of formworks available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular types of formworks include wooden formwork, metal formwork, plastic formwork, and steel formwork.
3. What are the advantages of using formwork?
Formwork is used to create the mould for concrete structures. It is easy to use and provides a good finish to the concrete surface.
4. What are the disadvantages of using formwork?
The main disadvantage of using formwork is that it is a temporary structure, and it needs to be removed after the concrete has set. This can be time-consuming and expensive.
5. How long does formwork last?
The lifespan of formwork depends on the type of material used. For example, wooden formwork can last for several years, while metal formwork has a shorter lifespan.
6. How much does formwork cost?
The cost of formwork varies depending on the type of material used. Wooden formwork is relatively inexpensive, while steel formwork is more expensive.
7. What are the safety concerns with using formwork?
There are some safety concerns associated with using formwork. For example, it is important to make sure that the formwork is stable and not overloaded. Additionally, you should wear safety gear when handling the formwork.
8. How do I choose the right formwork for my project?
When choosing formwork, you need to consider the type of concrete structure you are creating, the size of the project, and the budget.
9. Can I use formwork more than once?
Yes, formwork can be reused. However, it is important to make sure that it is cleaned and inspected before using it again.
10. Where can I find formwork for my project?
There are various companies that manufacture formwork. You can also find formwork at construction supply stores.
Advantages and disadvantages of formwork
The advantages of formwork include:
-It is relatively cheap and easy to use.
-It is reusable, which makes it eco-friendly.
-It is easy to remove and clean.
-It can be used for a variety of construction projects.
The disadvantages of formwork include:
-It can be dangerous if not used properly.
-It can be time-consuming to set up and take down.
-It is not very strong, so it might not be suitable for very large or heavy construction projects.
Now that you know about the advantages and disadvantages of formwork, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is the right choice for your construction project.
When to use formwork
Formwork should be used when:
-You need to create a mould for concrete structures.
-You need to support the weight of the concrete during the construction process.
-You need to create a smooth level surface for the concrete.
-You need to create a curved or circular concrete structure.
Formwork should not be used when:
-You need a very strong or durable construction material.
-You need a construction material that is easy to remove.
-You are working on a small construction project.
If you need to create a mould for concrete structures, formwork is the right choice. However, if you need a very strong or durable construction material, you should consider other options. Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful.
Conclusion
Formwork is a vital part of any concrete construction project. It is important to choose the right formwork for your project and to follow all safety guidelines when using it. With proper care, formwork can be reused multiple times.
