When developing formwork it is important to consider the type of concrete and the pouring temperature, since both affect the pressure exerted. Also, formwork must be capable of resisting loads of wet and dry concrete.
Formwork requires planning, and structures such as poles and stabilizers to avoid movement during construction procedures, and these are called falsework. To ensure high quality when working with concrete, a qualified workforce and adequate supervision are necessary.
The following are the most known types of formwork:
1. Timber Formwork
It’s one of the first types used in the construction industry. It is assembled on-site and is the most flexible type.
2. Plywood Formwork
Plywood is often used along with timber. It is a manufactured wooden material, which is available in different sizes and thicknesses.
3. Metallic Formwork
Steel and aluminum formwork it´s gaining popularity due to its long service life and multiple reuses. Although it is costly, metallic formwork is useful for multiple projects, and it is a viable option when many opportunities for reuse are expected.
4. Plastic Formwork
This type of formwork is assembled from interlocking panels or modular systems, made of lightweight and robust plastic.
5. Fabric Formwork
Is also known as flexible formwork. This system uses lightweight and high-strength sheets of fabric, designed to adjust to the fluidity of concrete and create interesting architectural forms.
6. Stay-In-Place Formwork
This formwork is made on-site from prefabricated and fiber-reinforced plastic forms. It is mainly used in piers and columns, and also provides resistance against corrosion and other types of environmental damage.
7. Permanent Insulated Formwork
This is one of the most advanced formwork systems, offering permanent insulation. It may also include thermal, acoustic, fire-resistance, and rodent-resistance properties.
In the next article, we will talk about the classification of formwork based on its structural components.
