FORMWORK FOR RCC STRUCTURE PROJECT REPORT 2024-25

Formwork
Formwork refers to the temporary structure used to support concrete until it hardens and
becomes self-supporting. It plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, quality, and safety of
the concrete construction process. Formwork can be made of a variety of materials, including
timber, steel, and prefabricated panels, and must be designed to withstand the pressure of the
concrete as it is poured and cured.

What is Formwork?
The construction of formwork takes time and involves the expenditure of up to 20 to 25% of
the cost of the structure or even more. The design of these temporary structures is made for
economic expenditure. The operation of removing the formwork is known as stripping. Stripped
formwork can be reused. Reusable forms are known as panel forms and non-usable forms are
called stationary forms.
Timber is the most common material used for formwork. The disadvantage of timber
formwork is that it will warp, swell, and shrink. The application of water-impermeable cost to
the surface of wood mitigates these defects.

Get

Design and Layout

The design and construction of formwork must consider both safety and the required surface
finish. The formwork must be rigid and tight enough to prevent cement slurry loss from fresh
concrete or the formation of fins and honeycombing on the surface. IS 14687 can be consulted
for more information on design, detailing, and so on.
Formwork and its supports keep their correct shapes and profiles so that the final concrete
structure stays within the specified dimensional tolerances. They must be built to withstand the
combination of self-weight, reinforcement weight, wet concrete weight, concrete pressure,
construction and weather loads, as well as all incidental dynamic effects caused by placing,
vibrating, and compacting the concrete. The reinforcement steel shall never be tied to or
supported by the formwork.

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All horizontal and vertical formwork joints on the exposed surface must be staggered in order
for the joint lines to be visible. The size of such panels must be approved by the Engineer in
charge before they are used in the construction of the works if the contractor proposes to make
up the formwork from standard-sized manufactured formwork panels. The finished appearance
of the entire elevation of the structure and adjoining structures shall be considered when planning
the pattern of joint lines caused by formwork and by construction joints to ensure continuity of
horizontal and vertical lines.

Formwork Importance
No doubt formwork is essential for any construction; its main advantage is that it can’t be
replaced with any other technology.
Using formwork, concrete structures can be constructed quickly and in the most affordable way.
During all construction work periods, a formwork offers appropriate access and working
platforms that considerably enhance workers’ scaffold safety.
Formwork helps in lowering the timeline and costs of the project by lowering the floor-to-floor
construction cycle time, which means more projects can fulfil their budgetary demands.
Formwork facilitates construction managers to offer exact on-time shuttering and de–shuttering
of formwork resources, which results in improving project effectiveness and resource usage.
Formwork is mainly associated with concrete. It helps in producing a smooth finished surface of
the concrete.
It provides good structural safety by offering solutions against all overlay loads, producing
exceptionally safe and practical structures.

Components of Formwork
The various components of formwork are shown in the figure below, and let us study them
one by one.

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Fig.1. Components of Formwork

TIES: A tie is a tensile unit used to connect opposite sides of formwork. It serves as a
balanced connection or is used to resist the effective pressure of fresh concrete.
BRACES: Braces are used to keep the formwork upright by deterring form deflection under
lateral pressure.
STUDS: Studs in the formwork are used to support sheathing panels and make a framework
to keep them in position.
SHEATHING: Sheathing panel is used to keep the concrete in its required shape and
position until it sets and hardens.
WALES: Wales are horizontal propping members that are placed against sheathing to
directly resist sheathing pressure.
BATTENS: Battens are vertical members in the formwork which keep cleats and wales
uptight and in position.
FOOTING: Footing is the bottommost member which supports the entire formwork.

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Cost/Economy of Formwork
Construction of formwork takes much effort and also consumes up to 20 to 25% of the cost
of the whole structure work. That’s why it is very important to keep it cost-effective parallel to
its strength.
Here are some key points which can help reduce the cost of formwork.
Try to reduce the variation in the building or structure design. It can help to reuse the shuttering
again. And the way of reusing shuttering reduces its cost.
Economical structure design can reduce the sections of structural members. Reduction of
sections can help to fix less shuttering, as a result, costs can be reduced.
Proper cutting of plywood and timber can also reduce the cost of shuttering.
The use of the different engineered systems of form-work can reduce labour costs and save time
but as per material. They are costly, initially, they are not reducing the cost of shuttering. But in
large projects saving time can help to reduce the all-over project cost.

Requirements of a Good Formwork

It is very important that the formwork is well supported and strong enough to bear all loads
applied to it.
Formwork must be aligned and braced well from all sides to keep its original shape.
It should be watertight to prevent the leakage of cement grout.
It should be constructed in a proper way so that at the removal stage concrete can be safe.
The form-work material must be available locally, cheap, and can be used more than one
time.

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Try to keep it lightweight as possible to prevent the extra load on supports. Especially in
horizontal shuttering, lightweight formwork also can help to reduce labour costs or effort.
It must be fixed in line and levels as per the drawing.
Form-work material should not be damaged or rusted, which affects the quality of concrete
finishing.

Types of Formwork
There are several types of formwork used in construction. They are discussed below in
detail.

Timber Formwork

Timber formwork is the most common type of formwork among all others. Timber forms are
extensively used in construction since the ancient period. Timber formwork is the oldest type of
form used in construction.
Timber formwork is one most used in construction among all other types of formwork. It
offers onsite fabrication of the required shape and size. It is easily used in any construction but it
may prove time–consuming for large projects. Plywood formwork material has a short lifespan.
Timber Shuttering is low-cost and easily workable shuttering. It can be cut and joined in any
shape and size.

Fig.2. Timber Formwork

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Requirement of Timber Formwork

 Light in weight
 Properly seasoned
 Free from any termite attacks
 Easily workable

Advantages of Timber Formwork

 Timber Shuttering is easy to form any shape, size, and height.

 It is proven economical for small projects.
 It can be made using locally available timber.
 Timber is light–weighted compared to steel or aluminum shuttering.

Steel Formwork

Steel formwork has become more popular due to its strength, durability, and repetitive reuse
for a long period. Steel formwork is costly for small work but can be used for a large number of
projects. Steel shuttering offers a smooth surface finish to concrete compared to timber
formwork. It can be used for circular or curved structures such as tanks, columns, chimneys,
sewers, tunnels, and retaining walls.

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Fig.3. Steel Formwork

Advantages of Steel Formwork

 Strong, durable and longer life

 It offers a smooth finish to the surface of the member.
 It is completely waterproof or moisture–proof and minimises the honeycombing
effect.
 It can be reused more than 100 times.
 Steel formwork can be fixed and removed with greater ease.

Aluminium Formwork

As we know the density of aluminium is less compared to steel and that makes it light-weighted
than steel. This is the main advantage when compared to steel. Aluminium formwork is almost
the same as formwork made from steel. Shuttering down with aluminium form is proven
economical if large numbers of repeating usage are made in construction. Its major drawback is
that no alteration is possible once the formwork is constructed.

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Fig.4. Aluminium Formwork

Plywood Formwork

Plywood formwork is one of re-moulded timber resin-bonded plywood sheets attached to

timber frames to make up panels of the required sizes. It is strong, flexible, and easy to handle.
Its life is too short compared to other materials.

Fig.5. Plywood Formwork

Fabric Formwork

With the advancement and new technology trends in building planning and designing, the
construction of complex–shaped structural members is increased. To satisfy this need the fabric
formwork is introduced which makes the flexibility of this material make it possible to produce
concrete in any shape. The flexibility of fabric formwork makes it possible to produce concrete
members of any shape.

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Fig.6. Fabric Formwork

Plastic Formwork

Plastic formworks are lightly weighted, interlocking systems and can be used more than 100
times. It can be used for normal concrete construction. This type of formwork is now becoming
popular for similar shapes and large housing schemes.

Fig.7. Plastic Formwork

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Advantages of Plastic Formwork

 Plastic forms are light in weight and hence require less handling cost.
 It can be utilised in the large concrete section.
 If careful installation and use, multiple reuses are possible making it highly
economical.

FORMWORK FOR COLUMN

Formwork for columns is an essential part of the construction process, providing temporary
support and containment for the concrete until it sets and gains sufficient strength.
1. PANELS: Large, flat surfaces enclosing the column area.
2. SHEAR WALLS OR TIES: Steel rods or struts securing panels against lateral pressure.
3. WALER OR STRONGBACK: Horizontal member distributing load and providing support.
4. KICKERS: Inclined braces maintaining vertical alignment of formwork.
5. FORM TIES: Steel ties holding formwork panels together.
6. FORMWORK ACCESSORIES: Wedges, clamps, bolts, and nuts for assembly and
adjustments.

FORMWORK FOR SLAB

Formwork for slabs, also known as decking or form decking, is used to support and contain
the concrete during the construction of horizontal slabs. Here are the key components and steps
involved:
1. Joists or Beams: Horizontal supports for the formwork system.
2. Stringers: Parallel members aligning and supporting formwork panels.
3. Formwork Panels: Flat surfaces creating the slab structure.
4. Props or Shoring: Vertical supports carrying the formwork and concrete load..

CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE FORMWORK

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The construction of concrete formwork involves several steps to create temporary structures
that shape and support the poured concrete until it sets and gains sufficient strength. Here is an
overview of the process:
1. Design and Planning: Determine formwork dimensions and layout based on drawings.
2. Material Selection: Choose suitable formwork material.
3. Preparation of Formwork Components: Cut and treat panels, fabricate additional components.
4. Foundation Preparation: Level and stabilize the ground.
5. Assembly of Formwork: Erect and connect formwork components securely.
6. Reinforcement Placement: Install steel reinforcement within the formwork.
7. Alignment and Leveling: Ensure formwork is aligned and level.
8. Bracing and Support: Provide adequate support and bracing for formwork.
9. Formwork Inspection: Check for defects and rectify any issues.
10. Concrete Pouring: Carefully pour concrete into the formwork.
11. Concrete Curing: Allow concrete to cure under proper conditions.
12. Formwork Removal: Remove formwork systematically, taking care not to damage the
concrete.

Removal Of Formwork
The minimum period before the removal of formwork for various types of structures is tabulated
below:

Sr.No. Type of Formwork Minimum Period Before Removal

Of Formwork
1 Vertical formwork to columns, 16-24 hours
walls and beams
2 Soffit formwork to slabs 3 days
3 Soffit formwork to beam 7 days
4 Props to slabs
Slab spanning up to 4.5 m 7 days
Slab spanning over 4.5 m 14 days
5 Props to beams and arches

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Comparison between Steel & Timber Formwork

Aspect Steel Formwork Timber Formwork
Material Made of steel, typically steelMade of timber, usually
plates plywood or lumber
Strength High strength and durability Moderate strength and
durability
Reusability Highly reusable, suitable for Limited reusability, may
repetitive use require replacement after
multiple uses
Weight Heavyweight, requires heavy Lightweight, can be easily
machinery for handling handled manually
Installation Requires skilled labor for Requires skilled labor for
assembly assembly
Cost Relatively higher initial cost Relatively lower initial cost
Formwork Highly customizable for Limited customization
Customization various shapes and sizes options
Moisture Resistant to moisture and Can be susceptible to
Resistance weather conditions moisture damage
Fire Resistance Resistant to fire Susceptible to fire, requires
fire-retardant treatments
Sustainability Not environmentally friendly, Environmentally friendly,
steel production has a higher timber is a renewable
carbon footprint resource

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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, formwork plays a vital role in the construction of beams and columns. Beam
formwork and concrete column forms for sale provide the necessary support and shape for
concrete during the construction process.

REFERANCES
 Design of steel structure text book
 http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/WasteDisposal.htm
 http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/recycling/solidwaste/landfiller.ht
ml
 http://web.mit.edu/urbanupgrading/upgrading/issues-tools/issues/waste-
collection.html#Anchor-Collection-45656
 http://www.sustainability-ed.org/pages/example2-2.htm
 http://www.massbalance.org/downloads/projectfiles/1826-00237.pdf
 http://msw.cecs.ucf.edu/Lesson8-Incineration.html
 http://www.csiro.au/org/ps16w.htmlhttp://viso.ei.jrc.it/iwmlca/

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