What Is Formwork or Shuttering | Types Of Formwork or Shuttering. Their Advantages & Disadvantages.

 

What Is Formwork or Shuttering | Types Of Formwork or Shuttering

What Is Formwork/shuttering?

Formwork or Shuttering is a type of temporary mold in which concrete is poured to cast the required shape of concrete during any kind of construction.

They may be made from timber or steel, the surface area which is in contact with the concrete is selected to give the required finishing. The formwork/shuttering and its associated items like prop-jacks, batten, clamp (sikanja) etc. must have sufficient strength to support the weight of the green concrete without any distortion.

There are many types of formwork in construction such as Timber Formwork, Steel Formwork, Aluminum Formwork, Plywood Formwork, Fabric Formwork, Plastic Formwork etc.

The formwork is removed once the concrete has gained sufficient strength, whereas, in some situations it may be left in place (permanent formwork).

For concrete formwork mainly timber and steel are commonly used for formwork. A range of other materials are also used but they are mainly used for specialist applications.

Importance of Formwork in Construction

• Without any suspense formwork/shuttering is important for any construction and its main advantage is that it can’t be replaced with any other technology.
• Concrete structures can be constructed quickly and in the most affordable way by          using formwork/shuttering.
• During all construction period, a formwork provides appropriate access and working platforms that certainly enhance workers’ scaffold safety.
• Formwork helps in reducing the cost of the construction since; it is used repeatedly floor to floor.
• Formwork mainly related to concrete. It helps in producing smooth and finished surface of the concrete.
• It provides better structural safety by offering solutions against all overlay loads, producing exceptionally safe and practical structures.

 

Types of Formwork /shuttering in Construction:

Various types formwork are as follows;

1. Timber Formwork/shuttering
2. Steel Formwork/shuttering
3. Aluminum Formwork/shuttering
4. Plywood Formwork/shuttering
5. Fabric Formwork/shuttering
6. Plastic Formwork/shuttering

 

Let discuss these types of shuttering materials in detail one by one.

1. Timber Formwork/shuttering: 

It is the most common type of formwork among all others. Timber formwork is the oldest type of form used in construction since, Timber formworks are extensively used in construction from the ancient period.

Pros and Cons:

·       It is the most used type of formwork in construction among all other types of formwork.

·       It offers onsite fabrication of the required shape and size.

·       It is easily used in any construction but it may prove time–consuming for large projects.

·       Plywood formwork material has a short lifespan.

·       Timber Shuttering is low-cost and easily workable shuttering. It can be cut and joined in any shape and size. 

Timber shuttering should follow the following requirement:

• Lightweight
• Well-Seasoned
• Free from termite attacks
• Easily Workable

 

Advantages of using Timber Forms

• Timber Shuttering is easy to form any shape, size, and height.
• It is economical for Small projects.
• It is light–weighted as compared to steel or aluminum Shuttering.

 

2. Steel Formwork/shuttering:

Steel formworks become more popular due to its strength, durability, and repetitive reuse for a long period. Steel formwork is costly for small work but can be used for a large number of projects. It gives a smooth surface finish to concrete compared to timber formwork. It can be used for circular or curved structures such as tanks, columns, chimneys, sewers, tunnels, and retaining walls.

Advantages of Steel Formwork

• It is strong, durable & has a longer life.
• It gives a smooth finish to the surface of the member.
• It is completely waterproof or moisture–proof and minimizes the honeycombing effect.
• It can be reused for more than 100 times.
• Steel formwork can be fixed and removed with greater ease.

 

3. Aluminum Formwork/shuttering:

We all know the density of aluminum is less than steel and that makes it light weighted than steel. This is the main advantage when compared to steel.

Aluminum formwork is very economical if large numbers of repeating usage are made in construction. But its main limitation is that no alteration is possible once the formwork is constructed.

4. Plywood Formwork/shuttering:

It is one of re-molded timber resin-bonded plywood sheets that is attached to timber frames to make up panels of the required sizes.

It is strong, flexible, and easy to handle. But its life is too short as compared to other materials.

5. Fabric Formwork/shuttering:

Due to the increase in the advancement and new technology trends in building planning and designing, the construction of complex–shaped structural members is increased.

The flexibility of fabric formwork makes it possible to produce concrete members of any shape.

6. Plastic Formwork/shuttering:

These types of formwork are lightly weighted, interlocking systems and can be used more than 100 times. It can be used for normal concrete construction. This type of formwork is now becoming popular for similar shapes and large housing schemes.

Advantage of Plastic Formwork:

• They are light in weight hence requires less handling cost.
• It can be utilized in the large concrete section.
• If careful installed and used, multiple reuses are possible making it highly economical.

 

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