Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. It is used to build a huge range of structures from skyscrapers and bridges to dams and monuments. However, it is important to remember that concrete does not stand on its own – it needs to be poured into a specific type of mould in order to take shape and gain strength. This is where formwork comes in.
Formwork in construction is temporary support which acts as a mould for pouring fresh concrete in a building element, such as a wall, slab or column. Concrete is normally poured into the formwork while it is still wet, and when the concrete is set, the formwork is removed, leaving behind a hardened and matured concrete element.
The design of the formwork must reflect its intended use and be based on engineering principles. It must also comply with regulatory requirements. In addition, it should be capable of coping with any extra loads that may be imposed during the construction process, such as vibration or a live load due to labour.
A good example of this is a retaining wall. It is important to ensure that the retaining wall is designed to cope with a vertical live load, as well as a dead load from wind or soil pressure. This can be achieved by designing the retaining walls in accordance with the relevant code or standard.
Another example is a structural beam. A good design for a steel beam will ensure that the formwork will support a live and a dead load, as well as a vibrational load. In addition, it should be able to be easily removed without damage to the concrete.
There are a number of different types of formwork that are available in the market. Some are designed to be reusable, while others are designed for a single application. Timber is a popular material for creating frame formwork, as it is cheap and easy to assemble on site. It also has a high thermal resistance, which helps to prevent concrete damage in colder environments.
Jumpform and slipform climbing formwork are two of the most common types of climbing formwork used in concrete construction. Jumpform climbing formwork systems are usually designed to accommodate a large wall formwork on a climbing scaffold. This system allows for faster concrete pours than traditional methods and enables unskilled workers to carry out the work. Slipform climbing formwork, on the other hand, consists of a modular system that is suspended from suspension shoes or screws attached to pre-set anchors.
For a concrete structure to be strong and durable, it must be poured into a mould that can withstand the stresses that will be applied when the formwork is removed. A formwork should be constructed from a material that will not deteriorate or warp over time, and it should also be able to resist any damage caused by the environment or labour.
