Formwork is a steel or wooden template used to shape the structure when pouring concrete. Formwork supports the concrete pouring process more conveniently. These boards will be removed when the concrete has dried and solidified.
Formwork is usually made from steel, wood or composite plastic. It has good load-bearing and machining capabilities, and provides a flat surface to work on. The edges of the formwork are often reinforced with other materials to increase its durability and accuracy.
When construction is carried out, formwork is installed according to the instructions and instructions from technical drawings. Workers will use it to build necessary components such as walls, floors, ceilings and other structures. Formwork helps ensure that these components are built in the correct shape, size and location as designed, creating quality and consistent structures.
After construction work is completed, formwork can be removed and reused in subsequent projects, saving costs and resources. In addition, formwork can also be recycled or disposed of after it is no longer in use, contributing to a sustainable construction process and environmental protection.
Characteristics of formwork
Formwork is an important material in construction. It is used to create molds and structures for concrete casting. Here are some important characteristics of formwork:
Quality: Formwork needs to be of good quality to ensure accuracy and durability of concrete structures. The quality of formwork depends on the type of wood used, thickness and distribution of waterproof glue layers.
Thickness: The thickness of formwork usually ranges from 15mm to 25mm. Choosing the appropriate thickness depends on the specific project and requirements related to weight and pressure.
Size: Formwork panels can have different sizes depending on the requirements of the project. The usual size is 1200mm x 2400mm for convenience in transportation and installation.
Hardness: Formwork needs to be designed to ensure good mechanical properties and withstand the pressure of concrete casting. This requires the formwork to have optimal stiffness and elasticity to avoid deformation and damage when force is applied.
Waterproof: To ensure the formwork is waterproof, it needs to be covered with a layer of waterproof glue on the outside. Waterproofing adhesive also helps prolong the life of formwork by protecting the wood from mold and rot.
Reusability: An important characteristic of formwork is its reusability. If the formwork is properly treated and stored, it can be used many times in different concrete casting projects. This helps reduce costs and environmental impact.
Types of formwork today
Formwork is an important part of the construction and engineering industry. They are used to create different patterns and shapes during construction.
- Sawn and plywood formwork
Lumber and plywood formwork are the most common type of formwork and are widely used in the construction industry. Lumber formwork is made from natural wood and is highly durable. Plywood formwork is created by gluing many wooden planks together. This creates a strong and stable formwork.
Steel formwork is used in large projects and has special requirements for strength and bearing. Steel formwork is usually made from steel that is highly durable and resistant to environmental factors such as water and chemicals. The joints in steel formwork are also designed to create stability and good load bearing.
- Reinforced concrete formwork
This type of formwork is used when constructing high-strength concrete structures. Reinforced concrete formwork is a combined iron and concrete structure that helps create a strong concrete container for building concrete structures such as walls, floors and columns.
Plastic formwork is often used for small and light projects, such as house construction, and can be reused many times. Plastic formwork has high durability and good water resistance, making construction quick and cost-effective.
Cement formwork is often used to shape cement surfaces, such as walls or floors. They are made from boards of suitable thickness and material to prevent cracking, withstand pressure and retain the shape of the cement surface during the drying and hardening process.
Formwork application in construction
Below are some important applications of formwork in construction:
- Formwork for casting concrete
This is the most common application of formwork in construction. Formwork is used to create different shapes and sizes of concrete, such as columns, floors, walls and tunnels.
Using formwork allows for quick and cost-effective construction compared to other traditional methods.
Formwork is also used to create unique shapes and patterns on concrete surfaces. This helps bring beauty and aesthetics to construction projects
- Jointed and crack-resistant formwork
Using high-quality formwork can help prevent cracking and sagging of concrete. High quality and suitable formwork systems are used to resist tensile and pressure forces during the molding and casting of concrete.
With the development of technology, 3D simulation software and applications allow construction to create digital models of formwork. This makes designing and editing formwork easy and saves time.
Formwork can also be designed to be reused in many construction processes, reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Above are some important characteristics of formwork. Hopefully this information will help you better understand them and how to choose the right formwork for your construction project.
