The urban skyline is dotted with innumerable skyscrapers and monolithic architectural masterpieces that could have only been completed at such epic proportions through the proper use of formwork. Where the ancient Romans used fibre and reeds to create some of the marvels of the world, modern construction calls for a more durable material that can be used multiple times. Steel formwork from us at Disc-O-Scaff allows for the construction of columns and slabs on site, speeding up and enhancing building projects.
The Fundamental Factors Guiding Formwork
Formwork acts as a temporary or permanent mould into which wet concrete is poured and left to harden in its desired shape. Formwork types are manufactured according to the structure they are supporting and must meet some fundamental performance requirements to ensure that the exacting needs of concrete construction are met. These include:
- It must be capable of withstanding both dead and dry loads.
- All joints must be leak-proof and able to retain its shape.
- Removal of the formwork must not damage the concrete.
- Formwork should be as lightweight as possible and reusable.
- The material should not cause warping or distortion.
Whether the formwork you require is temporary or permanent, the type you select should allow for easy on-site assembly and must be capable of resisting the loads of wet and dry concrete.
Structural Support
As the type of formwork is completely dependent on the structural element being constructed, we at Disc-O-Scaff would like to highlight a few of the many types of formwork used in construction:
- Column Formwork
As a temporary mould used on site, column formwork needs to be able to accommodate the high pressures of the concrete being poured and concreted quickly. Therefore, careful attention needs to be paid to the joints as they need to be formed very carefully and sealed tightly. Most construction projects use column formwork due to its ability to create clean, precise, and strong concrete supporting columns.
- Wall Formwork
There are two main types of wall formwork, namely girder and panelling. Girder wall formwork can be adapted to accommodate complex shapes and high loads. The fixed-sized panels for panelled wall formwork allow for the forming of large areas relatively quickly as they have fewer components.
- Beam Formwork
There are a multitude of beams used in construction as they are relied upon to help bear vertical loads, movements, and sheer forces. Beam formwork is used to create support structures, such as ceilings, floors, and bridges, and is often used together with column formwork.
Formwork is the foundation for any concrete construction project, with each structural formwork element being designed according to the structure they are supporting.
At Disc-O-Scaff, we found that selecting steel over other traditional formwork methods ensures that your formwork will last over several projects and produce a smooth finish time and again. For superior-quality formwork without the honeycomb effect, contact us.