Factors to Consider When Selecting Formwork for Concrete Structures

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Plastic Fomrworks
  4. »
  5. Factors to Consider When Selecting Formwork for Concrete Structures

Back then, formworks were often used with timber, reeds, and fiber to shape and support the structure. Over time, as technology became more advanced, it led to more improvements in formwork materials and the introduction of new types. This has significantly enhanced construction efficiency and opened a whole new world for builders to use formwork in construction.

One of such noteworthy developments was using formworks to build concrete structures. In early times concrete structures were made without using formworks; however, as time progressed, this way began to change; with the development of formwork materials, they have been widely used in shaping and moulding concrete in precise and flawless structures.

Though everyone has more access to different formworks than ever before, instead of increasing the efficiency and productivity of construction, the concrete structure is depleting.

As formworks come in various effective types under certain conditions, it is important to find and choose the right formwork that could be easily used to construct concrete structures.

This guide will help you understand how to use the right formwork effectively to enhance the concrete structure’s overall construction efficiency, durability, and longevity.

 

Types of Formwork Materials: What Are the Common Choices in Construction?

Formworks are temporary mould that comes in different materials like plywood, steel, plastic, and aluminium. This temporary mould is only used for a short duration; in this short duration, it helps wet concrete to form the shape required for the construction project. Once the wet concrete is hardened, it is carefully removed, thus leaving behind the solid, smooth concrete structure. For setting up that process there are a lot of materials that can do this; here are some known names of formwork materials that are mentioned more often by building contractors.

Timber Formworks

One of the oldest formwork materials that is used in creating concrete structures. This type of formwork is most commonly used in small-scale projects as they are more easily accessible and have high ease of use, as most of the workers are quite familiar with using timber formwork more than modular forms.

Timber formworks are also easily customizable and fit various shapes and sizes of construction designs. However, certain timber forms’ drawbacks include less durability, high maintenance, and limited usability.

Metal Formworks

Metal formworks are most commonly made using highly durable materials like steel and aluminium. Prefabricated systems often allow workers to assemble the forms quickly and effectively without making mistakes. Metal forms are most commonly used in modern construction and can withstand the weight and pressure of wet concrete.

Since metal forms are generally made using durable and robust metal, they are more resistant to wear and tear. This makes them more effective to use for heavy-duty applications. Even with all the disadvantages, they are less suitable for projects with constrained budgets as they come in high initial cost and are pretty heavy, making them less desirable formwork options for many.

Plastic Formworks

Plastic formworks are often made using high-density polyethylene or recycled plastic. This type of formwork is much lighter in weight and can easily be used and installed due to its prefabricated system.

Plastic formworks are much easier to transport than heavy forms like steel. Not just this, plastic formwork can also be used in diverse climates as it is highly resistant to moisture and does not react much under chemicals. This makes it an ideal option to go with when exposed to harsh climate conditions. Plastic formworks also have a high initial cost and can not be used for heavy load-bearing projects.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Formworks in Construction

Irrespective of the materials you use, each formwork has pros and cons.

For example, formwork quickly helps shape and mould the wet, thick concrete into the required shape. It ensures wet concrete stays in one place without moving or spreading out, which would cause the concrete to deform.

Certain formworks like aluminum, steel, and plastic that are modular based can improve the efficiency and productivity of the construction by reducing the time consumed during the assembling and disassembling of the formworks. Formworks are also cost-effective as they can be reused multiple times.

Also Read More >> Can Plastic Formwork Replace Wood and Steel? 

Certain disadvantages of formworks could include high purchasing costs for high durability and high quality.

While high-quality formworks can be considered a compelling long-term investment, it is still not much of an option for small-scale projects.

Traditional formworks like wood take much time to assemble and set and are more labour-intensive than the others. To improve the efficiency and productivity of the formwork, they must also be adequately maintained. In addition, specific formwork is unsuitable for high-load applications even with a high starting tag.

 

Factors to Consider While Choosing Formwork for Concrete Construction 

While choosing the correct formwork for a concrete structure, there are certain factors that you should follow to find the right formwork.

  • Considering structure design and type can help you find the formwork that can bear the load and weight of the concrete as per the requirement.
  • Durability and longevity are important factors; materials like metal and aluminum can last much longer and be used for construction projects with high load-bearing requirements.
  • Consider other factors like cost, budget, and ease of use.
  • Modular formworks have a high initial cost but provide long-term value due to their durability and reusability. Hence, it is essential to consider price and long-term investment when purchasing formwork.
  • Look for formworks that offer smooth finishes to enhance the overall aesthetic of the structure.
  • Flexibility for complex designs is crucial—formwork should easily adapt to changes and complex shapes.
  • Understand how often you could use the formwork; the higher the reusability rate, the lower the cost per cycle.
  • Make sure you are considering weather conditions, as various materials react differently under diverse climate conditions. Formworks with high durability, like plastic, have high resistance to moisture and water, while traditional formworks, like wood, are not so durable when exposed to moisture and heat.

It is important to select formwork based on factors like climate, load requirements, budget, installation time, and affordability for optimal results in your construction project.

By carefully considering these factors, you can easily choose the most appropriate formwork system that could ensure the success of your concrete construction project.

 

Conclusion 

Formwork selection goes beyond picking the right materials, it involves other factors that would affect the concrete structure construction.

Be it plastic, wood, steel, or aluminium, each form has its advantages and disadvantages that can only be fully utilized if used under the correct conditions.

Some forms are more durable and effective than others. Hence it is important to carefully consider all the factors that would help build the smooth concrete structure. Also, make sure you are considering the longevity of the formworks that would allow you to use them again in future projects without spending much.

For instance, NovaFormworks, a top plastic formwork manufacturer in Bangalore, provides the finest quality plastic formworks, which are the most durable and reliable. Their formworks are Ideal for construction use, made up of strong and safe plastic products that are weather resistant and will last longer without losing their shape during construction.

Due to its reusability, it saves cost and time by applying it to create pillars, walls, and structures such as bridges, overpasses, clover leaves, expressways, off-ramps, and various other civil and commercial industrial engineering projects.

Download Catalogue