The quality and durability of column formwork is determined by the material you select for the project. If you have a say in column formwork selection, put some effort into researching material options. Choose wisely and the labor will be easier, the structure will be sounder and your client will be happy with the end result.
Whether you work for a construction company, supplier, manufacturer or other related business, your choice of formwork material has a ripple effect throughout the entirety of the project. The efficiency and overarching success of the project is largely shaped by your choice of material, systems and equipment used for installation.
Each unique formwork material has specific advantages. Some materials are ideal for specific construction needs while others are better for on-site conditions and nuanced client requirements. Choose wisely and your formwork will provide sufficient load-bearing capacity that supports the hefty weight of concrete without faltering. Such structural integrity is fundamental to the project’s success.
The right material also provides dimensional stability to prevent distortion and warping when subjected to concrete pressure. Favor light material for formwork and you’ll find it is easier to handle during installation. The best formwork material is also leak-proof, providing comprehensive security.
This is your guide to the different materials used for construction formwork projects, highlighting their nuanced merits and also some of their weak points.
Concrete formwork is commonly used for columns as it is strong, durable and nearly indestructible. Reinforced concrete is especially sturdy. Whether the columns necessary for your project are small, midsize or large, you cannot go wrong with concrete. Sweat the small stuff during the installation process to prevent concrete formwork failure and this reliable material will provide solid support for decades to come.
Timber is light in weight and more malleable than most assume. Choose timber for your formwork and you’ll be able to alter both height and size to your exact specifications. Timber is also appealing as it is affordable. However, timber isn’t as efficient as other materials for expansive projects.
Moreover, if flexible formwork is required for elaborate concrete poured onto the site, timber is not the optimal material choice. One final caveat: if you elect to proceed with timber as your selected material, double-check it to guarantee it is not laden with termites.
Formwork of the permanent insulation variety is concrete with polystyrene boards serving as the insulation and additional support. The purpose of insulating the formwork is to improve the energy efficiency of the structure. Polystyrene boards boost the structure’s energy efficiency while simultaneously enhancing fire resistance. The material is also highly resistant to invasive rodents. Shop around and you'll find advanced material options provide a plethora of additional benefits including fireproofing. Moreover, permanent insulated formwork dampens sound vibrations.
Plywood is a manufactured wood material often used in combination with timber for a cohesive formwork system whole. Plywood is lightweight, durable, structurally sound and also features a smooth surface with an aesthetically pleasing finish
The plastic formwork system features interlocking components often referred to as modular components. If you are working on a relatively small project that requires repetitive formwork, plastic might be the best material. Plastic is lightweight, has an attractive surface finish and is cleaned with ease. The primary shortcoming with plastic formwork is it is typically prefabricated, meaning its flexibility is inherently limited.
A project that requires durable and strong formwork that can stand the test of time should be built with steel or aluminum. Though these metals are typically more expensive and heavier than other materials, they minimize honeycombing, generate a smooth concrete surface and can even be used for curvature. If you prefer formwork that is light in weight, opt for aluminum over steel. If strength is the primary concern, choose steel.
Formwork that stays in its current position is carefully designed to remain in place after concrete fully cures. Stay-in-place material bolsters reinforcement along with shear and axial strength. The stay-in-place variety also helps minimize environmental damage and corrosion.
If your project requires columns or piers, consider stay-in-place formwork’s prefabricated components made of plastic and you’ll find they are surprisingly easy to assemble. The reliable structural support is an added bonus.
If your project is characterized by distinct shapes and architectural qualities, give serious consideration to fabric as a material. Fabric formwork is becoming more popular with each passing year thanks to its dexterity. Fabric formwork consists of strong sheets for molding formwork. The sheets are easy to work with as they are light in weight, empowering you to design the project exactly as envisioned.
Removable formwork is an option though such systems have the potential to damage the surface of the concrete. If you choose removable formwork, opt for one that is designed to permit damage-free removal that preserves concrete.
Take your time when reviewing formwork material options. Consider a wide variety of factors including the project specifications, timeline for assembly and ability to function based on the project requirements. The best formwork construction is efficient to the point that it maintains its original shape. However, other nuances such as weight also matter.
Be aware that formwork materials have the potential to be difficult to handle and install, necessitating specific equipment. Opt for a material that is light in weight and your work crew will be appreciative of its ease of handling during the transportation and installation processes.
Though project costs are an important consideration, formwork durability and lifespan are more important. Weigh the benefits of fabrication and reuse with other factors such as the quality of the material finish and you'll make an educated decision with full confidence.
Choosing the right kind of formwork is important when you are starting a building construction project. This will affect the durability and efficiency of the building or other structures. The choice depends on the project and there are many options available in different materials and designs.
The following is a guide on how to select the proper formwork for your project:
Formwork plays a key role in any concrete-based construction, as it defines the shape of the concrete.
It is exposed to the pressure both of the poured-in fresh concrete and other elements acting upon the building such as wind or vibration forces, so it has to be of good quality and able to retain its shape. Ultimately, the better the formwork, the better the concrete structure.
Traditional and versatile, it is suitable for customised shapes but has a limited lifespan.
Timber formwork is one of the most conventional types of formwork. Due to the ease of cutting it into any shape and size, it can be used to build irregular and complex structures.
Timber formwork is manufactured onsite; hence, it is mostly suited for small to medium-scale projects. It has good thermal insulation and is relatively low in initial cost. Its main disadvantages are warping and low durability, resulting in reduced reusability.
A stronger and longer-lasting material than timber, which is well-suited for repetitive structures in large-scale developments
Steel formwork is also known as panelised formwork, which contains a large steel frame that is a highly versatile material. It is a compact, long-lasting material that can deal with heavy workloads.
Steel formworks are highly reusable, and they can be used for several cycles of building, which makes them economical. Sometimes, it can provide decent surface finishing to concrete surfaces.
It is the most convenient for mass construction. It is also known to be heavier among all of the forms of construction formworks making it difficult to assemble sometimes. Contractors need to use a lifting device to assemble them.
Lightweight and easy to handle, with a longer lifespan than timber.
Aluminium formwork weighs less than steel. It is easy to handle, and less support is needed. There are many particles with aluminium formwork that cannot be used anymore.
Reusing the aluminium formwork can reduce the cost. It can be used to build different kinds of buildings like residential and high-rise towers as well. Aluminium formwork can make the construction cycle punctual and it promises surface quality.
A cost-effective, eco-friendly option for small, repetitive structures.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Work-sun.
It is made from lightweight and durable plastic. It is easy to transport and install. Also, this product can be used for many types of applications, such as:
Walls
Columns
Slabs and more...
The plastic system is able to withstand harsh environments also. It is a recyclable material, and it can be reused many times at low cost.
Furthermore, it is waterproof and corrosion-resistant. Finally, I can say that PLASTIC FORMWORK is highly and greatly recommended for bridges and arches restrictions.
In conclusion, it is better and strongly recommended for any type of construction.
In the jargon of carpenters, they call it ‘shuttering ply’ – a shot of phenolic paper over plywood that produces a super-smooth concrete finish.
Plywood formwork is widely used with buildings and bridges, and the most common form is called formwork ply or form ply, which is made by gluing multiple layers of wood veneers from above and below together through special glue.
It is called ply because it consists of more than one layer of veneers and formply or formwork ply.
Why is it called formwork ply or formply? Because it can be used as formwork to construct:
Pillars
Columns
Beams
Slabs
And Walls…
And also refers to formboard, veneer formboard or general formply.
This type of form has a very smooth surface, and if there are excellent operations, it can also be repeated several times. Formplying is also called the veneer-faced family because it is made of gluing wood veneers, especially a smooth wood veneer without other outer layers, also called veneer.
Project Specs - How big is it, and what shape? How complex is the project or infrastructure?
Durability - Choose a formwork material that can withstand the required uses for your project.
Easy to use - It should be easy to put together and dismantle and save time and labour costs.
Cost - Cost will be a factor in the choice of formwork material. Consider initial cost, the lifespan of the formwork, and any opportunities for reuse or refabrication to get the most value for your money.
Finish Quality - Finish quality can affect use and appearance, so it is important to consider the quality of the finish required and plan the type of formwork to be applied accordingly.
As manufacturing techniques in formwork evolve, efficiency and reduced environmental impact become key considerations. Some innovations include modular construction that can be constructed and deconstructed quickly and recyclable, natural, sustainable materials that offer high-quality finishes.
Sustainable construction is currently a big focus on formwork: systems that can be recycled help reduce the CO2 footprint; certified raw materials, such as aluminium that has been responsibly sourced, are now the norm; and prompt installation also plays a part.
Getting the right formwork is a key element in ensuring the successful outcome of your building construction project. Using the tips outlined in this guide and keeping up to date with the latest developments, you will be able to make a choice of formwork that guarantees safety, durability and efficiency. Choose timber, steel, aluminium or ply form. Get in touch with the LFCS team if you need advice on choosing the right formwork for your project.
The company is the world’s best modular column formwork supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.