Description

Concrete can be formed into a variety of intricate shapes with interesting surface finishes, but this relies on quality formwork. Whether using traditional boxing or proprietary formwork, it’s important to get the basics right.

FORMWORK must contain freshly placed and compacted concrete until it has gained enough strength to be self-supporting and to produce a concrete unit of the required shape and size with the desired finish.

Formwork is a significant part of the cost of structural concrete units. Speed of erection and stripping affects the rate of construction, and the contractor working with the project team needs to be skilled in its design and fabrication.

Scope

The article includes the following:

• Design of formwork
• Fabrication generally by contractor
• Traditional boxing used less
• Sheeting and decking
• Release agents
• Include striking strips
• Proprietary systems
• Permanent formwork
• Slab on grade
• Pay attention to the details