ARC232:Materials & Construction-II
FATIMA FAISAL
FA22-BAR-055
What is formwork? What are the materials used as
formwork in concrete?
Formwork, also known as shuttering or molds, is a temporary structure or
framework used in concrete construction to support and shape freshly
poured concrete until it sets and becomes self-supporting. It plays a critical
role in ensuring the structural integrity, accuracy, and quality of concrete
elements such as walls, columns, slabs, beams, and other structural
members.
• Aluminum Formwork • Timber Formwork
• Plastic Formwork • Plywood Formwork
• Fabric Formwork • Steel Formwork
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It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential,
commercial, and industrial buildings.
Aluminum formwork systems are often used for high-rise buildings,
bridges, and other complex structures requiring precision and speed of
construction.
Strength and stability: Aluminum offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio
and dimensional stability.
High quality: Aluminum formwork allows for high-quality finishes.
Lightweight: Aluminum formwork is lightweight compared to steel, making
it easier to handle, transport, and assemble on-site. It consists of frames
with integrated formwork components.
Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum formwork is highly resistant to corrosion,
making it suitable for use in harsh environmental conditions.
Fast Construction: Aluminum formwork systems enable rapid construction
cycles, reducing overall project duration and costs.
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Plastic formwork is suitable for small to medium-sized projects, such as
residential buildings, foundations, and retaining walls. It is easy to handle,
transport, and install, reducing labor and construction time.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polypropylene (PP): Plastic formwork
is made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene materials,
offering lightweight, durable alternatives to traditional formwork materials,
and reusable formwork solutions.
Smooth Finish: Plastic formwork provides a smooth surface finish,
eliminating the need for additional finishing processes.
Environmentally Friendly: Plastic formwork is recyclable and eco-friendly,
reducing waste generation and environmental impact. It can be easily
cleaned and reused for multiple projects, making it a sustainable option for
concrete construction.
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Support structure: It is lightweight, easy to handle, and requires minimal
support structure, reducing material and labor costs.
Flexible Membranes: Fabric formwork utilizes flexible fabrics or
membranes to shape concrete into unique and organic forms.
Versatility: Fabric formwork offers versatility in design, allowing for the
creation of complex architectural elements, decorative finishes and
sculptural concrete structures.
Aesthetics: Fabric formwork can enhance the aesthetic appeal of concrete
elements, creating visually striking finishes. Fabric formwork involves using
flexible fabrics or membranes to shape concrete into unique and organic
forms.
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Timber formwork is typically constructed using sawn lumber. It is suitable
for a wide range of applications, including walls, columns, beams, and
slabs.
Wooden Planks: Timber boards or planks are commonly used for formwork
due to their availability, affordability, and ease of handling. It is one of the
oldest and most widely used types of formwork in concrete construction.
Plywood: Plywood sheets offer a smooth surface finish and dimensional
stability. They are suitable for reusable formwork systems and can
withstand multiple uses with proper maintenance.
Laminated Timber: Laminated timber beams or panels provide enhanced
strength and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty formwork
applications.
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Plywood formwork is commonly used for walls, columns, slabs, and
formwork facing applications.
It offers good dimensional stability and can be reused several times with
proper care.
Steel or timber frames: Plywood formwork consists of sheets of plywood
supported by timber frames or steel props.
Wood veneers: Plywood is an engineered wood product made by gluing
together thin layers of wood veneers.
High quality: It provides a smooth surface finish for concrete and is suitable
for achieving high-quality finishes.
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Consistent shapes: It is highly resistant to warping, twisting, and moisture,
ensuring consistent concrete shapes and dimensions.
Prefabricated Panels: Steel formwork consists of prefabricated panels or
frames made of steel plates or sections. It offers high strength, dimensional
accuracy, and durability.
Adjustable Systems: Steel formwork systems often feature adjustable
components, allowing for flexibility in formwork design and construction.
Steel formwork can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reused, making
it cost-effective for repetitive projects.
Reusable: Steel formwork can be reused numerous times, making it cost-
effective for large-scale projects where high-quality finishes and rapid
construction are required, or repetitive construction tasks.
THANK YOU!
