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What is formwork?
When concrete is fresh and in its liquid state it must
be restrained within a mould in order for it to set in its
required shape. Formwork is the term used to
describe this mould.
For most in-situ pours, the formwork is made of
wood. A smooth outer surface provides the main
support for the concrete as it sets. This is normally
made of plywood.
Concrete is approximately 2.4 times as dense as
water, and in its liquid state, it imposes considerable
forces on the formwork containing it. Consequently it
is necessary to reinforce the plywood with horizontal
wooden beams or wailings.
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
If constructed properly, this mechanism of a
plywood skin supported by timber wailings
provides ample support for the setting
concrete. The mechanism of transferring these
loads to a solid support can be performed by
numerous methods which are collectively
known as falsework.
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
GOOD FORMWORK:
There are two factors that decide how well the
concrete will look in the final result.. one is how
the concrete is placed and compacted, and the
other is the quality of the formwork.
Formwork is made from expensive materials, and
requires great skill and experience in its
manufactures. Its importance is evident when you
consider that the cost of fabrication, erecting and
striking the formwork, often exceeds the cost of
the concrete it is designed to shape and support.
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
Formwork usually needs to be used many
times for it to be cost efficient. This can only be
done if it is carefully handled, cleaned and
stored, regardless of what material it is made
from.
For anything other than most smallest of
concreting jobs e.g. walls over 1m in height, a
drawing should be provided, showing what
formwork is required. This need not be an
intricate design drawing, a simple sketch is
usually sufficient.
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
The below picture shows part of a concrete
structure soon after the formwork has been
struck. Not the poor finish (circled). This is an
imprint off the painted plywood formwork.
Some of the paint has run, and this has been
transposed to the concrete. It is important to
remember that the face of the concrete is
effectively a negative of the formwork face.
Always inspect the formwork prior to pouring.
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
Civil Engineering Drawing &
Graphics
Good formwork should fulfill the following
criteria:
It is strong enough to support the weight
2. Shuttering
3. Provision of camber