Shuttering concrete formwork

Types of Shuttering Concrete Formwork

Shuttering concrete formwork is the temporary structure that supports concrete during construction until the concrete is cured and load-bearing. It's made of panels that shape the concrete into desired forms and is reusable for multiple construction cycles. Shuttering formwork is essential for any construction project involving concrete structures like buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, and more.

Shuttering formwork comes in different types, including:

• Timber Formwork

  This type of formwork uses timber to create the desired shape and structure for the concrete. It is popular because it is lightweight, easy to work with, and can be adjusted to fit different shapes and sizes. There are different types of timber formwork, including:

  Boarded formwork - this consists of timber boards supported by a framework of timber battens and rails. It is easy to construct and dismantle.

  Centering - this is a type of formwork used for concrete slabs, arches, and beams. It involves creating a support structure that holds the concrete in the desired shape until it sets.

  Ribbed formwork - this consists of timber beams arranged in a rib-like structure. It is used for concrete ceilings and slabs.

• Steel Formwork

  Steel formwork is a popular type of concrete formwork used in construction. It uses steel plates to create forms for pouring concrete. It is durable, strong, and can be reused many times. There are different types of steel formwork, including:

  Conquest steel formwork - this is a modular formwork system made of high-strength steel. It can be used for walls, slabs, and columns.

  Shuttering steel formwork - this consists of a steel frame and plywood or steel sheets. It is easy to install and suitable for walls and slabs.

  Heavy-duty steel formwork - this is made of high-quality steel to withstand heavy concrete pressure. It is used in large-scale construction projects.

• Aluminum Formwork

  This type of formwork is made of aluminum alloy. It is lightweight and easy to handle. It provides a smooth finish to the concrete. It is also reusable and can be used for walls, slabs, and beams.

• Plastic Formwork

  This type of shuttering concrete formwork is made from high-quality plastic materials. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and resistant to moisture. It is suitable for small-scale construction projects and provides a smooth finish to the concrete. It is also reusable and can be used for walls and slabs.

• Fabric Formwork

  Fabric formwork is a type of formwork that uses permeable fabric materials to shape and support fluid concrete. The fabric molds the concrete into desired shapes and textures while allowing water to escape. This formwork is lightweight, flexible, and capable of creating intricate surface textures and shapes. It is often used in architectural and artistic concrete elements.

Function and Feature of Shuttering Concrete Formwork

Concrete formwork is a mold in which concrete is poured and shaped to form structures. It is an essential component in construction and comes in different types. Each type has unique features and functions. Below are the features and functions of shuttering concrete formwork.

• Features:

  Shuttering formworks are used for vertical concrete pours such as walls, columns, and piers. They are usually made of wood, steel, or aluminum. Shuttering formworks are reusable, allowing them to be used in multiple construction projects. They are designed to be adjustable to accommodate different sizes and shapes of concrete structures. Shuttering has safety features, including clamps and ties, which secure the formwork during concrete pouring.

• Function

  The primary function of shuttering formwork is to provide a mold for concrete to set in until it hardens. Shuttering formworks support and withstand the weight of wet concrete during the curing process. They control the shape, size, and alignment of the poured concrete. Shuttering formworks finish the concrete surface, ensuring the desired texture and pattern are achieved. They help concrete structures achieve the required strength and stability by distributing the weight evenly.

• Features:

  These formworks are used for horizontal concrete pours, including slabs, beams, and lintels. They are primarily made of plywood or metal. They are also reusable and designed to be adjustable and capable of supporting the weight of wet concrete, including hydraulic systems that provide lifting and adjusting power. They are also designed to be safe and provide concrete structures with a smooth finish.

• Function:

  Deck formwork provides a mold for concrete to set in, support, and withstand the weight of wet concrete. They also control the shape, size, and alignment of the poured concrete, ensuring even distribution of weight. They also assist in achieving the desired texture and pattern on the concrete surface. Additionally, they help concrete structures achieve the required strength and stability.

• Features:

  These formworks are made of strong materials such as plywood, steel, and aluminum. They are adaptable and can be adjusted to suit different sizes and shapes of concrete pours. They are also safe, with features like clamps and ties that secure the formwork during concrete pouring.

• Function:

  These formworks create a mold for concrete to set in, support the weight of wet concrete, and distribute the weight evenly. They also control the shape, size, and alignment of the poured concrete. Additionally, they assist in achieving the desired texture and finish of the concrete surface.

Scenarios of Shuttering Concrete Formwork

Shuttering concrete formwork is used in various applications across construction. It assists in shaping concrete structures during the pouring and setting stages. Here are some common application scenarios:

• Buildings

  Formwork is extensively used in building construction. Its reusable nature offers a cost-effective solution. It also facilitates the construction of complex shapes and designs. This enhances the overall aesthetic of the building. Additionally, it provides structural integrity by ensuring a stable concrete set.

• Bridges

  Formwork is vital in bridge construction. Its ability to create customized shapes is important in the construction of arches, girders, and deck slabs. Its adjustability feature helps in accommodating varying dimensions. This is important for different types of bridges such as suspension and beam bridges.

• Tunnels

  Concrete formwork is used in tunnel construction. Its steel formwork variant offers durability and resistance to high water pressure. It is essential in creating the lining structures that support tunnel integrity. Its adaptability makes it suitable for different tunnel widths and heights.

• Foundation

  Shuttering formwork is important in foundation construction. It helps in shaping and pouring concrete to form strip, pad, or raft foundations. Its high load-bearing capacity supports the weight of the wet concrete during curing. This ensures a well-defined foundation structure.

• Retaining walls

  Formwork is used to create retaining walls. Its customizable nature allows for the construction of walls of different heights and shapes. It also ensures a smooth concrete finish that enhances the aesthetic of the retaining wall. Its stability helps in preventing concrete collapse during the setting stage.

• Water tanks

  Formwork is used to construct water tanks. Its concrete walls offer durability and longevity. This helps in the storage of water. It also aids in building tanks of different sizes and shapes such as cylindrical and rectangular tanks. Additionally, it minimizes water seepage by creating a dense concrete structure.

• Silos

  Concrete formwork is used in constructing silos. Its high load-bearing capacity is important for the cylindrical or rectangular shape of the silo. Additionally, it minimizes friction between the stored material and the concrete surface. This is critical in the efficient emptying of the silo. Its smooth concrete finish also aids in the reduction of friction.

How to Choose Shuttering Concrete Formwork

The following are some of the factors that should be considered when choosing shuttering concrete formwork:

• Project Requirements

  The first thing that should be considered is the project requirements. This includes the design and architectural plans. The design plans should be checked to determine whether they require any special formwork shapes or sizes. Such requirements could include the need for integrated features such as ledges and beams. It should also be checked whether the project has any special requirements for the concrete finish. These requirements could assist in determining the most suitable type of formwork for the project.

• Material

  The formwork materials used for concrete construction can significantly influence the outcome of a project. This is because different materials have different properties. Shuttering formwork materials include steel, timber, and engineered composite materials. Each of these materials has different benefits and shortcomings. Therefore, it is important to consider factors such as the cost, the environmental impact, and the project budget. This will ensure that the appropriate concrete formwork material is chosen.

• Reusability

  Formwork for concrete construction that can be reused is known as removable formwork. It is important to consider the removability of the formwork to avoid damaging it during the removal process. The cost of formwork can impact the overall budget of the construction project. Therefore, if a project allows, formworks that are reusable should be considered. This is because it will save the cost of purchasing new formwork for subsequent projects.

• Labour Skills

  Labour skills also influence the kind of formwork to be used. Some formworks require skilled laborers with technical knowledge to install and remove. Such formworks include steel and modular formworks. On the other hand, timber formwork can be installed and removed by unskilled workers.

• Time

  Time is a very important factor in any construction project. This is because it determines the project's completion date. Therefore, it is advisable to choose formwork that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This will help to reduce the time spent on the formwork installation and removal.

Shuttering Concrete Formwork Q & A

Q: What are the types of formwork used in construction?

A: There are several types of formwork used in construction, including: Timber formwork constructed using timber; Plywood formwork, which consists of plywood and timber; Steel formwork, which is made of steel; Aluminum formwork, which is made of aluminum; Plastic formwork, which is made of plastic; Insulated formwork, which consists of insulation materials; and Permanent formwork, which includes concrete and reinforced steel.

Q: What is the difference between formwork and support?

A: Formwork is the process of installing a structure in a particular shape to hold concrete until it cures. Support, on the other hand, refers to the vertical component that holds the form and concrete weight. In other words, the form is the process, while the props are the materials.

Q: What are the three types of form support?

A: There are three types of form support: Single props, which are light and economical; Telescopic steel beams, which are versatile and can be used as vertical or horizontal support; and heavy-duty props, which are used for large structures and transfer loads to the foundation.

Q: What is the purpose of shuttering?

A: Shuttering helps to ensure that the concrete is placed at the desired location, and it also helps to ensure that the concrete is not damaged or displaced during the curing process. Shuttering also helps to support the weight of the concrete until it hardens.