Construction formwork system

Types of construction formwork system

Construction formwork systems are essential tools in the construction industry. They are temporary structures used to create a mold or framework where wet concrete can be poured and cured. This is important for the development of beams, columns, walls, and other structural elements of any building. Here are the common types of construction formwork systems:

• Timber Formwork

This formwork system is constructed using wood. It is very cost-effective and simple to use. Timber formwork is well-known for its flexibility, permitting it to be used for various projects. Additionally, it is easy to cut and shape to the required dimensions. Nonetheless, timber formwork requires maintenance, particularly during the curing process, when the concrete can cause the wood to rot.

• Metal Formwork

Metal formwork is made of aluminum, steel, or a combination of both. It is usually prefabricated into panels and designed to be reusable. The formwork system offers a smooth and even finish to the concrete. It is usually used for projects that need consistency and precision since adjustments are hard to make on-site without the right tools.

• Plastic Formwork

Plastic formwork is becoming more popular due to its lightweight nature. It is typically made of durable, reusable plastic, making it ideal for projects that require repetitive use. This formwork system is quick and straightforward to install and disassemble, reducing labor costs and time. It is excellent for small residential projects and landscaping.

• Engineered Formwork

Engineered formwork is typically made of prefabricated modules and is frequently used for large and complex construction projects. This formwork is generally made of steel, aluminum, or composites. It is known for its quality finish and the speed of construction. Engineered formwork has a long life span, permitting it to be reused many times.

• Reusable Plastic Formwork

This formwork is made from plastic materials that can be reused multiple times. It is lighter than metal and can be installed and disassembled without the need for heavy machinery. The formwork creates an excellent surface finish and can be used for different types of projects.

• Concrete Wall Formwork

This formwork is used for walls and columns. It can be constructed using a variety of materials, including plywood, timber, steel, or aluminum. The plywood formwork is cut into panels and installed around a wall or column. Once the concrete cures, the formwork is removed.

• Tunnel Formwork

This formwork is designed for constructing walls and slabs. It is made of prefabricated elements, mainly used for high-rise buildings. The tunnel form construction allows large sections of walls and floors to be constructed simultaneously, reducing construction time.

• Flexible Formwork

This formwork is constructed using flexible materials such as rubber, plastic, or fiberglass. It is used to create curved or irregular-shaped concrete structures. Flexible formwork is typically used for decorative features in architecture.

Function and feature of construction formwork system

A construction formwork system is a framework used in construction sites to provide a mold for pouring concrete on-site. The formwork systems are used in construction to hold the poured concrete while it sets and hardens. The formwork comes in various types, such as traditional timber formwork and engineered formwork, which includes reusable plastic, steel, and aluminium concrete formwork.

Here are some of the features of a construction formwork system:

• Load-bearing capacity: A good formwork system should be able to support the weight of the wet concrete it is holding. The load-bearing capacity of the formwork is the most important feature to consider when choosing a formwork system because the weight of the concrete may vary depending on the type of concrete used and the design of the structure.
• Flexibility: A good formwork system should be flexible enough to be used on different types of construction projects. This is important because construction projects involve different designs and shapes. A flexible formwork system can be adjusted to fit different shapes and sizes of concrete structures.
• Durability: Formwork is exposed to harsh conditions, including wet concrete, which can cause the formwork to deteriorate. A good construction formwork system should be able to withstand repeated use and harsh weather conditions.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble: Most formwork types are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled. An easy-to-assemble and disassemble formwork system saves time and money during the construction process.
• Smooth finishing: A good formwork system should provide a smooth surface for the concrete. This is important because the finishing of the concrete is an important part of the construction project.
• Lightweight: Most formwork types are made from lightweight materials like plastic and aluminum, which makes them easy to handle and transport. Lightweight formwork reduces the risk of accidents on the construction site.
• Reusable: Most modern formwork systems, like plastic and aluminum formwork, are designed to be reused. Reusable formwork saves money since contractors do not have to buy new formwork for each project. It also reduces waste on the construction site.

Scenarios of Construction Formwork System

• Residential Construction:

For single-family homes and apartment buildings, the construction formwork system is used. Custom formwork can be created to cast concrete walls, slabs, and columns of any shape and size. Since the formwork can be reused, it's a budget-friendly choice for small-scale projects.

• High-Rise Buildings:

High-rise developments utilize formwork systems such as climbing formwork or slip form formwork to allow for repetitive casting of floors and walls. These systems can be hydraulically lifted to the next level when the concrete sets. This increases efficiency and reduces labor costs for large projects requiring hundreds of identical concrete elements.

• Bridges and Tunnels:

Specialized formwork like segmental formwork is used for bridges and tunnels. It produces concrete segments with precise dimensions for assembling structural elements. Since the same mold can be used repeatedly, the formwork ensures the segments fit together seamlessly. This is crucial for the integrity of long-span structures like cable-stayed bridges.

• Infrastructure Projects:

Infrastructure projects, such as dams and water treatment plants, often require massive concrete components. Here, the formwork system allows for the efficient casting of large, standardized elements like dam walls and sedimentation tanks. This reduces construction time and ensures these critical structures are built rapidly and cost-effectively.

• Remote or Challenging Sites:

Construction in remote or challenging locations, such as deserts or mountainous terrain, can be difficult. Formwork systems like prefabricated formwork are beneficial in these situations. They require minimal on-site assembly and can be easily transported. This reduces the need for skilled labor and accelerates construction in these demanding environments.

How to Choose Construction Formwork System

Choosing the right construction formwork system is essential in ensuring the project's safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a construction formwork system:

• Material type

Aluminum, steel, and wood are some of the most common materials used for formwork construction. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, aluminium concrete formwork is lightweight, durable, and has a long lifespan. It requires little maintenance. Steel is strong and can be used for complex and high-rise structures. Wood is readily available and can be easily customized. It is also inexpensive. When choosing a formwork system, consider the material's properties. This includes strength, weight, and durability. Consider the formwork's longevity and the project's size and complexity.

• Formwork types

There are different types of formwork systems available in the market. They include traditional formwork, reusable plastic formwork, and tunnel formwork. Traditional formwork is a temporary but flexible structure. It is made of plywood and timber. Reusable plastic formwork utilizes reinforced plastics. It is lightweight and can be easily handled. Tunnel formwork construction is used for box-shaped structures. It is usually made of concrete.

When choosing a formwork system, consider the formwork type. Choose a system that can meet the project requirements. This includes the concrete finish, the number of reuses, and project budget.

• Formwork size

Construction formwork systems come in different sizes. Some are small and lightweight, while others are large and heavy. Consider the formwork size and how it will affect the project. Large formworks are stronger and more stable. However, they require more labor and equipment to handle and install. Small formworks are easier to install and handle. However, they have a higher risk of breaking or bending. When selecting a formwork system, consider the project's size and complexity. Choose a formwork size that can be easily transported, handled, and stored.

construction formwork system Q&A

Q1: What kind of material is used for formwork?

A1: The material used is either wood, steel, aluminum, or plastic for formwork. Each has different strengths, durability, and cost, which is used depending on the required finish and number of reuses.

Q2: What are the 3 types of formwork?

A2: The 3 types of formwork are traditional, engineered, and re-usable. Traditional formwork is made from wood, engineered is made of prefabricated modules, and re-usable formwork can be used multiple times due to its material such as steel and aluminum.

Q3: What are the benefits of formwork?

A3: The benefits of formwork include the fact that it provides a safe working platform, produces a good surface finish, and allows for the rapid construction of buildings. It also reduces the cost of labor and materials and allows for the construction of complex structures.

Q4: What are the types of formwork in construction?

A4: The types of formwork in construction include tunnel formwork, table, flying, and permanent. Tunnel formwork is used in the construction of continuous walls, and table formwork is used to construct slabs. Flying formwork is used for elevated structures, and permanent formwork is used for the construction of walls.

Q5: What is formwork construction?

A5: Formwork construction is the process of creating a temporary mold into which concrete is poured to form a structure. It is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures and is a key part of the construction process.