Formwork In Construction

The practice of using formworks in construction work is an ancient one. For centuries people have used formworks for erecting magnificent structures of which some have survived for centuries.

However, with time, as science and technology progressed, the types of formworks used for construction work became varied. Initially, timber formworks were the only alternative available to the builders.  Today, there exist more than ten varieties of formworks meant for different concrete construction purposes. 

Types of Formworks

Broadly, formwork varieties depend on two aspects – materials and function.

Formwork Alternatives Based on Materials

• Timber Forms: Traditionally, people made formworks using timber. This gradually turned out to be a less sustainable option as timber forms needed the felling of trees. Plus these were not reusable.
• Plywood Forms: The plywood forms replaced the timber forms. The former was a little more sustainable and reusable compared to the timber ones. Plus plywood forms offer smooth concrete surfaces as compared to timber forms.
• Aluminium Forms: Aluminium formworks are comparatively new to the formwork business. These are reusable, lightweight, and offer a good concrete finish. but are less durable as compared to steel.
• Steel Forms: Steel formworks are are heavy, difficult to carry and transportation are expensive
• Plastic Forms: Plastic forms are probably the most recent innovation. These are entirely recyclable, reusable up to 100 times, and easy to install and dismantle. Construction sites can cut their daily project cost simply by installing prefabricated plastic forms. They provide perfect concrete finish.
• Fabric Forms: For certain intricate designs, construction sites use fabric formworks. Especially for irregular shapes, fabric forms remain a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative.
• Stay-in-Place Forms: As the name suggests, these are formworks that stay fixed in a place. Formwork manufacturers often use plastic shuttering for fabricating these alternatives.
• Permanent Insulated Forms: It is one of the latest and most advanced formwork varieties. For its fire-resistant, rodent-resistant, heat-resistant, and soundproof qualities, this one finds extensive application across different construction projects.

Formwork Alternatives Based on Their Functions

• Foundation Formworks: Foundation formworks can be of various sizes, shapes, and dimensions depending on the foundation design. Typically, formwork sheeting, post, waler, stull, tie wire, thrust-board, and concrete bottom form these shuttering.
• Wall Formwork: In Wall formworks, vertical timber planks remain nailed to the concrete side sheeting boards. Wall formworks often comprise of stull, waler, screw tie, post, thrust boards, cleaning hole, and bracing components.
• Ceiling Formwork: This one finds extensive use in basic construction projects. Ceiling formworks typically include formwork sheeting, wall, cleat, bracing, formwork bearer, main bearer, support wedges and column.
• Beam Formwork: Easy to install and use, beam formworks ensure stability and strength of a structure in making. This one comes prefabricated and construction sites can get them customised according to their requirements.
• Column Formwork: These are particularly useful for erecting dimensionally flawless tall columns to support buildings. This prefabricated variety is widely used across several construction projects.

NovaFormWorks is a reputed formwork manufacturer in India. You will find modular forms, plastic forms, aluminium formworks and more in its collection. For every construction site requirement, Nova has one formwork in its assortment. You can also get the formworks tailor-made based on your requirements.