Formwork is far more than a temporary mould for fresh concrete—it’s the backbone of any cast-in-place structure, dictating geometry, finish quality, jobsite safety and overall project economics. Whether you’re erecting a high-rise core, pouring a residential basement wall or crafting a complex architectural feature, choosing the right formwork system determines how quickly, safely and cost-effectively you’ll achieve the desired result. In this guide, we’ll explore:
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By the end, you’ll have the insights you need to align your next concrete project with the optimal formwork solution.
Formwork refers to the temporary structures—panels, supports and accessories—that contain fresh concrete until it develops sufficient strength to support itself and any imposed loads. Its four core functions are:
Because formwork can account for up to 30% of total project cost and 60% of concrete-related labor, optimizing your formwork strategy is paramount for on-time delivery, budget control and long-term performance.
Definition & Components
Engineered formwork—often called “system” formwork—consists of prefabricated panels, frames and standardized fittings manufactured from steel or aluminum. These panels are designed with precision-machined edges and integrated connection points (clamps, bolts or quick-release clips), allowing them to interlock quickly without on-site cutting or custom carpentry.
Key Elements
Facing Panels: Smooth steel or aluminum sheets that define the concrete surface.
Framing Rails: Rigid box-section members that support the panels and transfer load to the props.
Connection Hardware: Factory-engineered clamps, wedges or pins that lock panels together with consistent pressure.
Bracing & Props: Adjustable shores, walers and cross-braces that secure the system and resist hydrostatic forces.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Ideal for repetitive pours in high-rise cores, flat slabs and tunnel linings where cycle time and finish quality are critical.
Definition & Components
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are hollow, interlocking blocks or panels made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane or similar insulating materials. Once stacked and braced, they create a continuous form into which concrete is poured. After curing, the forms remain as permanent insulation on both sides of the wall.
Key Elements
Insulating Panels/Blocks: EPS or polyurethane units with built-in webs or ribs to hold rebar and maintain cavity width.
Alignment Connectors: Plastic or metal ties that lock the two wythes of insulation together and set rebar spacing.
Reinforcement Cage: Steel rebar installed within the form cavity to meet structural requirements.
Bracing & Leveling System: Adjustable shores and braces to keep forms plumb and aligned during pouring.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Best for energy-efficient residential walls, basements and low-rise commercial buildings aiming for green-building certification.
Formwork shapes more than just concrete—it shapes project performance, safety, quality and sustainability. By understanding the strengths and trade-offs of engineered, timber, insulated, plastic and decking systems—and by applying best practices in planning, procurement, training and upkeep—construction teams can deliver durable, high-performance structures that meet design intent, budget constraints and environmental goals.
Introduction Construction sites are complex, fast-paced environments where numerous variables must be managed simultaneously. Site managers and contractors face a wide array of problems that
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Read More »Introduction In today’s competitive construction environment, speed, safety, and adaptability are paramount. That’s where Cuplock scaffolding comes in. Whether you’re building high-rise towers in urban
Read More »Introduction Formwork is far more than a temporary mould for fresh concrete—it’s the backbone of any cast-in-place structure, dictating geometry, finish quality, jobsite safety and
Read More »In a nutshell, formwork is the mold wherein fresh concrete is poured and formed. The mold, which can be permanent or temporary, holds the poured concrete and shapes it until it solidifies and becomes strong enough to support itself and other loads.
Formwork is also known as “shuttering.” However, in certain parts of the world, shuttering refers to using plywood or timber to create the mold.
Formwork systems can be classified according to the following parameters:
Construction costs usually consist of building materials (ca. 45%), labor (ca. 45%), and operating expenses (ca. 10%). Formwork material comprises 15% of the total building material and contributes roughly 44% of the total labor. Meanwhile, formwork construction accounts for up to 25% of the total cost of building the structure. For this reason, many builders and construction companies prefer reusable forms (panel forms). The process of removing formwork is called “stripping.”
As the name suggests, column formwork is used in the construction of circular or rectangular columns. Columns have formwork sections with a “closed load transmission,” which is supported by the formwork’s design and the guaranteed tensile strength rather than by using ties.
Steel formwork is often used to form circular columns as it is economical and available in incremental dimensions. Single-use forms, which are destroyed and disposed of during stripping, can be used as an alternative. However, using single-use formwork is not advisable if you need to construct multiple circular columns.
Meanwhile, rectangular columns are formed using three systems depending on their specifications. For instance, classic timber girders with steel walers and a plywood facing are often used when builders need to construct a significant number of columns with special dimensions. The windmill system, which is composed of columns or multipurpose panels of frame formwork systems, is suitable for building single columns with a standard dimension.
Finally, a foldable column formwork is highly suitable for columns with great heights. Because all the essential components (panels, connecting devices, ladders, and access platforms) are integrated into this type of column formwork, it helps builders reduce their construction time and costs.
Wall formwork comes in different types and classifications, as outlined below.
Conventional
Conventional wall formwork consists of boards or sheets and squared timber. It is flexible, but it can be costly and time-consuming as each component must be assembled on-site. In addition, all of its parts should be made according to the project’s specifications, and they must be nailed together and dismantled again after concreting.
Girder
This is a better version of the conventional formwork. Its components, which usually consist of dimensionally stable girders with two chords and one web, have been standardized to facilitate the assembly of identical and ready-to-use panels. The connection of the panels has also been systematized.
Frame
This type of wall formwork helps reduce labor time since its essential components (forming face, support for forming face, and steel walers) are assembled as one panel. The profile nose of the frames protects the edges of the forming face, thereby extending its lifespan. Connecting devices are used when assembling the frame panels to large-sized units, which are then usually transported by crane.
Crane-independent (hand-set)
This type of formwork can be moved by hand. Because of weight considerations, it is usually made of aluminum or plastic. It can take less concrete pressure than crane-dependent formwork, and is often used in housing and municipal construction projects.
Crane-dependent
Crane-dependent formwork systems feature a large frame and formwork panels, usually made of steel. As a result, they cannot be moved manually. Since they can resist more fresh concrete pressures than crane-independent forms, they are suitable for the construction of commercial buildings and other extensive infrastructure projects.
Two-sided
As the name implies, two-sided formwork is erected on both sides of the wall. Its formwork ties, which are usually sleeved by spacing plastic tubes so they can be reused, take up the fresh concrete pressure. Push-pull props or large heavy-duty braces are attached to the formwork to align and secure it against wind loads during operation.
Single-sided
Single-sided formwork is used when the concrete has to be poured against existing structures or when builders need to do concreting against a hill or soil. This is why it is most suitable for reconstruction jobs. With this type of formwork system, concrete pressure is transferred from the formwork to the base plates through a support structure.
Prefabricated
This formwork consists of two prefabricated concrete panels which are assembled in advance, and then transported and filled with concrete on-site. Braces and push-pull props are often used to secure the walls, while working and safety scaffolds are installed with the help of special adapters to make the construction process more cost-effective. Prefabricated formwork helps minimize project duration and labor costs. However, pre-planning is required to ensure that it is transported safely to the site.
Circular
Circular formwork is designed for the construction of curved and polygonal walls. It is also quite useful in the construction of specific concrete structures, such as septic tanks and car park ramps. This formwork system comes in three different types:
Climbing
Climbing formwork is quite useful in the construction of high-rise concrete structures, such as control towers and skyscrapers, because it climbs with the wall. It comprises large wall formwork mounted to a climbing scaffold. There are three different types of climbing formwork:
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