Formworks play a significant role in construction. Be it for building a solid foundation for the structure or construction beams and columns of the building that help hold and support the weight of the whole structure; formwork is used in one way or another. Overall, it could be said that to build flawless and solid structures, formworks are very important.
Without having formwork by your side, it would be nearly impossible to hold wet concrete in one place during the curing process. Without formwork, this fresh concrete would spread out and flow everywhere, thus making it hard for you to form a stable structure.
The primary purpose of using any formwork, whether traditional or modular, is to form precise shapes and sizes. Without having uniform shapes or sizes, you would only be left with uneven and unstable structures that would fall at any time.
There are many types of formworks that are used to increase the productivity and efficiency of the construction. Each of the formworks has different purposes that make them valuable in their way. This guide delves into the various types of formworks, highlighting their unique purposes, advantages, and applications.
Purpose of Formwork In Construction
Formworks are basically temporary molds made from various materials. These materials are used to shape and form wet concrete into the required shape and size. The primary purpose of formworks is to ensure proper shape and size.
Here are some of the purposes of formworks in the construction world.
1: Structural Support
The very first purpose and importance of using formwork is to provide structural support. This means when the fresh concrete mixture is poured into the mold, it is quite heavy and needs robust support that can hold it in one place; this is achieved through work. Formworks can easily hold wet concrete in one place, which makes it easier for concrete to be built well.
2: Shaping Concrete
The second purpose of formwork is that it can be used to shape wet concrete. Formworks come in different shapes and sizes, which is adequate to build stable and strong concrete structures in desirable shapes and sizes without worrying about weak structure integrity or deformation.
3: Safety Support
Formwork plays an important role in creating and providing a safe working environment. It ensures fresh liquid concrete is held in one place till it has enough strength to support itself and any additional loads that are put on it. This reduces the risk of sudden collapse.
Also, Read: Why is Formwork Essential in the Construction Industry?
4: High-quality Finishes
Formwork ensures that all the final concrete structures are flawless and of high quality. This is important for aesthetics. To do so, it is also essential to have your formworks appropriately installed. Properly installed formworks reduce the need for extra finishing work to get a smooth finish.
5: Speedy Process
Certain formworks, like modular or ones that have prefabricated systems, are easier to set up. This reduces the time taken to assemble and dismantle the formworks. Moreover, specific formwork, like climbing formwork, can be used immediately to construct another floor level. This makes the construction process faster and more efficient.
6: Reducing Construction Cost
Formwork offers many advantages. For example, it is reusable, can last for a longer duration, is easy to set up and handle and is easily customizable. This reduces the need for new formwork in each construction phase, thus minimizing the overall construction cost and expense.
Types of Formworks Used In Construction
There are several formworks that fit the need for small-scale and large-scale projects. Each formwork has specific uses that make it simple to construct the structure.
Here are some of the types of formworks used during the construction process.
- Timber formwork is one of the oldest and most conventional formwork that is still widely used in the construction world. These formworks are generally made using wooden planks or plywood, which are easy to set up and handle. Timber formwork also has high flexibility, which makes it simpler for workers to work with it.
- Steel formworks are commonly made using durable and robust materials that can bear the load effectively without bending or deforming. This type of formwork is often used during large-scale construction projects. In addition, it can be used multiple times, making steel forms an environmentally friendly option.
- Aluminum formworks, just like steel, are of high quality and have high strength. Aluminum forms are much lighter in weight than steel, which makes it easier for workers to finish assembling work efficiently. Just like steel, aluminum forms are strong and can be reused multiple times without degrading.
- One of the most popular types of formwork, known for its reusability and efficiency, is plastic formwork. As a modular formwork system, plastic formworks are easy to assemble, clean, and reuse, making it a highly practical choice for repetitive construction tasks. Its versatility and durability make it an ideal solution for creating consistent, high-quality structures efficiently.
Use of Formwork in Various Construction Applications
- Timber Formwork Uses: Generally used in small-scale projects, used for customization and flexibility.
- Steel Formwork Uses: Ideal for high-rise building projects and applications requiring heavy load-bearing capacity.
- Aluminum Formwork Uses: Used in multi-story apartment buildings, best for repetitive construction, and requires reusability.
- Plastic Formwork Uses: Perfect for moderate load-bearing projects; highly effective for constructing continuous structures.
Also, Read>>> Factors to Consider When Selecting Formwork for Concrete Structures
Advantages of Using Formwork in Construction
Formworks have various advantages that highlight their importance in the construction industry.
For example, formwork improves the speed of construction; it makes it quicker for fresh concrete to form the required shape. In addition, it provides smooth finishes that lessen the need for extra finishing work.
Another advantage of using formwork is that it enhances durability and provides support and strength for concrete. It makes sure wet concrete has enough strength to support its weight and can withstand heavy loads for years to come.
In addition, because of its high reusability, formwork reduces construction waste not just by minimizing the need for new formwork material but also by minimizing wastage during pouring.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, formworks are the backbone of any solid and durable structure. They provide stability, uniformity, and high-quality finishes while reducing costs and waste.
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Their plastic shuttering panels are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern construction projects, offering advantages such as reusability, lightweight handling, and resistance to wear and tear. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, their panels ensure smooth finishes, precise shapes, and structural integrity, making them a preferred choice among builders and contractors.
