Formwork is basically a mould used in concrete construction sites to support the fresh mud structure until it toughens. There are many types of concrete formworks available, but it all depends upon the kind of structure being built. Check this website to find out more details.
However, formworks can be labeled according to the type of structural material being used in the construction, such as slab, column formwork, and beam formwork for working with beams and columns only and vice versa.
Formwork can be created from plywood, precast, fiberglass, steel or timber used in combination or separately. Steel forms are suitable in those situations where there is a chance the forms might be used again for different purposes. For constructing small areas, timber is helpful. Fiber glass created from aluminum and concrete are mainly used in cast-in-situ developments, such as curved exteriors of slabs.
Following are the different types of formworks used in construction projects and their properties.
- Plywood Formwork
Plywood sheets are bonded with resin and are strictly plugged onto timber frames to create different panels of different sizes. Plywood costs the same as timber when it comes to shuttering, but in some cases, it can prove to be cheaper and following are the conditions:
- You might need to do a smooth finish and you have surface finishing tools right with you.
- Timber shuttering requires less re-usage as compared to plywood.
- With the help of large panels, it is possible to reduce the estimated cost.
- Steel Formwork
This involves lining of panels tightened on the edges by steel angles. You can be able to support the panel units together with the help of suitable nuts and bolts etc. It is important to know that, panels can be designed in a variety of ways according to the demand of the boss. Steel forms are mainly used in large construction projects or where there is a huge chance of re-usage. This shuttering is very helpful with curved or circular exteriors.
- Steel forms compared with Timber formwork:
Steel forms come with a long guarantee and are completely durable and stronger. On the other hand, timber formwork requires a lot of re-usage. Steel forms as compared with timber forms, are very easy to install and maintain. Steel forms provide good quality finishes as compared to timber forms and no other process is required. Moisture is not absorbed by steel formwork. One important advantage of steel forms, is that they do not twist or shrink at any cost.
- Construction of Concrete Formwork
The construction requires the following procedures:
- Surface treatment and proper cleaning
- Delivery of cavity
- Placing and propping
- Closing
There are many construction props Adelaide being used to provide better and completely safe support to the buildings. With every selection of formwork, it is important to make sure the safety of the people. If the props you are using do not guarantee safety, then there is no point in using them, because your employee’s safety should be your number one concern.