A local engineer and entrepreneur recently urged builders to use formworks in their construction activities.
“I want to point out using formworks instead plywood for construction is going to be economical in the long run, resulting in big savings,” said Freddie Edel.
He said the formwork serves as mold for concrete structural components unless such mold is provided by the soil, other structural components, etc. It molds the placed fresh concrete, which in this stage normally is viscous, to the shape specified in the drawing.
Consequently, the formwork must already be available when the necessary steel reinforcement and concrete mix are placed. Proper making of formwork decides on the accuracy to size, strength and surface finish of the concrete components. Formwork is required wherever monolithic concrete and reinforced concrete structures or structural components are constructed, such as for:
- solid structures (foundations, columns etc.);
- structures with special functions (containers, chimneys, hydraulic structures etc.);
- structures to meet great statical requirements (bridges, towers etc.);
- reconstruction of structures; and
- public buildings and structures of irregular arrangement.
Edel said each formwork is of provisional nature and is to be removed after hardening of the concrete placed. The formwork is not to be built as strong as possible but as strong as necessary only.
Therefore, formwork stripping must always be kept in mind when erecting the formwork.
To avoid unnecessary difficulties of work and prevent damage from formwork parts, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Do not drive in too many nails.
- Use only as many timbers, braces, tie wires, etc., as necessary.
- Consider which board, panel or squared timber is to be stripped first, to fix them so as to permit easy removal in the proper sequence.
He said formwork guarantees the necessary strength and at the same time also considers the aspects of economical use of material and easy formwork.
He added improperly made formwork, which gives way or breaks when the concrete is placed, results in heavy material damage or, in the worst case, may cause serious injury of persons.
On the other hand, an excessively strong formwork requires high physical efforts of the persons stripping the formwork and normally results in the complete destruction of the formwork parts.
1 comment
Formwork/s is a system and it is a collective use of materials to form a “Mold” for concrete. It should not be generalized as non-wooden material.
I beleive the article is trying to relay the use of Formworks other than”Wood” as the base material. This can be Metal, Aluminum or Plastic.