Wall formwork comes in different types and classifications, as outlined below.
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Conventional
Conventional wall formwork consists of boards or sheets and squared timber. It is flexible, but it can be costly and time-consuming as each component must be assembled on-site. In addition, all of its parts should be made according to the project&#;s specifications, and they must be nailed together and dismantled again after concreting.
Girder
This is a better version of the conventional formwork. Its components, which usually consist of dimensionally stable girders with two chords and one web, have been standardized to facilitate the assembly of identical and ready-to-use panels. The connection of the panels has also been systematized.
Frame
This type of wall formwork helps reduce labor time since its essential components (forming face, support for forming face, and steel walers) are assembled as one panel. The profile nose of the frames protects the edges of the forming face, thereby extending its lifespan. Connecting devices are used when assembling the frame panels to large-sized units, which are then usually transported by crane.
Crane-independent (hand-set)
This type of formwork can be moved by hand. Because of weight considerations, it is usually made of aluminum or plastic. It can take less concrete pressure than crane-dependent formwork, and is often used in housing and municipal construction projects.
Crane-dependent
Crane-dependent formwork systems feature a large frame and formwork panels, usually made of steel. As a result, they cannot be moved manually. Since they can resist more fresh concrete pressures than crane-independent forms, they are suitable for the construction of commercial buildings and other extensive infrastructure projects.
Two-sided
As the name implies, two-sided formwork is erected on both sides of the wall. Its formwork ties, which are usually sleeved by spacing plastic tubes so they can be reused, take up the fresh concrete pressure. Push-pull props or large heavy-duty braces are attached to the formwork to align and secure it against wind loads during operation.
Single-sided
Single-sided formwork is used when the concrete has to be poured against existing structures or when builders need to do concreting against a hill or soil. This is why it is most suitable for reconstruction jobs. With this type of formwork system, concrete pressure is transferred from the formwork to the base plates through a support structure.
Prefabricated
This formwork consists of two prefabricated concrete panels which are assembled in advance, and then transported and filled with concrete on-site. Braces and push-pull props are often used to secure the walls, while working and safety scaffolds are installed with the help of special adapters to make the construction process more cost-effective. Prefabricated formwork helps minimize project duration and labor costs. However, pre-planning is required to ensure that it is transported safely to the site.
Circular
Circular formwork is designed for the construction of curved and polygonal walls. It is also quite useful in the construction of specific concrete structures, such as septic tanks and car park ramps. This formwork system comes in three different types:
Climbing
Climbing formwork is quite useful in the construction of high-rise concrete structures, such as control towers and skyscrapers, because it climbs with the wall. It comprises large wall formwork mounted to a climbing scaffold. There are three different types of climbing formwork:
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Choosing the right kind of formwork is important when you are starting a building construction project. This will affect the durability and efficiency of the building or other structures. The choice depends on the project and there are many options available in different materials and designs.
The following is a guide on how to select the proper formwork for your project:
Understanding Formwork and Its Importance
Formwork plays a key role in any concrete-based construction, as it defines the shape of the concrete.
It is exposed to the pressure both of the poured-in fresh concrete and other elements acting upon the building such as wind or vibration forces, so it has to be of good quality and able to retain its shape. Ultimately, the better the formwork, the better the concrete structure.
Types of Formwork Materials
Timber Formwork
Traditional and versatile, it is suitable for customised shapes but has a limited lifespan.
Timber formwork is one of the most conventional types of formwork. Due to the ease of cutting it into any shape and size, it can be used to build irregular and complex structures.
Timber formwork is manufactured onsite; hence, it is mostly suited for small to medium-scale projects. It has good thermal insulation and is relatively low in initial cost. Its main disadvantages are warping and low durability, resulting in reduced reusability.
Steel Formwork
A stronger and longer-lasting material than timber, which is well-suited for repetitive structures in large-scale developments
Steel formwork is also known as panelised formwork, which contains a large steel frame that is a highly versatile material. It is a compact, long-lasting material that can deal with heavy workloads.
Steel formworks are highly reusable, and they can be used for several cycles of building, which makes them economical. Sometimes, it can provide decent surface finishing to concrete surfaces.
It is the most convenient for mass construction. It is also known to be heavier among all of the forms of construction formworks making it difficult to assemble sometimes. Contractors need to use a lifting device to assemble them.
Aluminium Formwork
Lightweight and easy to handle, with a longer lifespan than timber.
Aluminium formwork weighs less than steel. It is easy to handle, and less support is needed. There are many particles with aluminium formwork that cannot be used anymore.
Reusing the aluminium formwork can reduce the cost. It can be used to build different kinds of buildings like residential and high-rise towers as well. Aluminium formwork can make the construction cycle punctual and it promises surface quality.
Plastic Formwork
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A cost-effective, eco-friendly option for small, repetitive structures.
It is made from lightweight and durable plastic. It is easy to transport and install. Also, this product can be used for many types of applications, such as:
Walls
Columns
Slabs and more...
The plastic system is able to withstand harsh environments also. It is a recyclable material, and it can be reused many times at low cost.
Furthermore, it is waterproof and corrosion-resistant. Finally, I can say that PLASTIC FORMWORK is highly and greatly recommended for bridges and arches restrictions.
In conclusion, it is better and strongly recommended for any type of construction.
Formwork Ply
In the jargon of carpenters, they call it &#;shuttering ply&#; &#; a shot of phenolic paper over plywood that produces a super-smooth concrete finish.
Plywood formwork is widely used with buildings and bridges, and the most common form is called formwork ply or form ply, which is made by gluing multiple layers of wood veneers from above and below together through special glue.
It is called ply because it consists of more than one layer of veneers and formply or formwork ply.
Why is it called formwork ply or formply? Because it can be used as formwork to construct:
Pillars
Columns
Beams
Slabs
And Walls&#;
And also refers to formboard, veneer formboard or general formply.
This type of form has a very smooth surface, and if there are excellent operations, it can also be repeated several times. Formplying is also called the veneer-faced family because it is made of gluing wood veneers, especially a smooth wood veneer without other outer layers, also called veneer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Formwork
Project Specs - How big is it, and what shape? How complex is the project or infrastructure?
Durability - Choose a formwork material that can withstand the required uses for your project.
Easy to use - It should be easy to put together and dismantle and save time and labour costs.
Cost - Cost will be a factor in the choice of formwork material. Consider initial cost, the lifespan of the formwork, and any opportunities for reuse or refabrication to get the most value for your money.
Finish Quality - Finish quality can affect use and appearance, so it is important to consider the quality of the finish required and plan the type of formwork to be applied accordingly.
As manufacturing techniques in formwork evolve, efficiency and reduced environmental impact become key considerations. Some innovations include modular construction that can be constructed and deconstructed quickly and recyclable, natural, sustainable materials that offer high-quality finishes.
Sustainability and Formwork
Sustainable construction is currently a big focus on formwork: systems that can be recycled help reduce the CO2 footprint; certified raw materials, such as aluminium that has been responsibly sourced, are now the norm; and prompt installation also plays a part.
Summary
Getting the right formwork is a key element in ensuring the successful outcome of your building construction project. Using the tips outlined in this guide and keeping up to date with the latest developments, you will be able to make a choice of formwork that guarantees safety, durability and efficiency. Choose timber, steel, aluminium or ply form. Get in touch with the LFCS team if you need advice on choosing the right formwork for your project.
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