Quality Assurance: The Ultimate Secret to Getting the Formwork Results You Want
2021-01-19 FARS Engineering
One of the biggest construction nightmares is watching what you have built for months crumble down and shatter into pieces. To prevent such occurrences, competent engineers lay down a comprehensive quality assurance framework for the early detection of defective formwork components and processes.
Formwork and falsework are critical to the structural integrity of every concrete structure. Any imperfections in formwork can lead to expensive reconstructions and litigations. With proper formwork quality assurance procedures in place, contractors can erect curved or straight structures with confidence and avoid formwork issues such as,
- Defective formwork components
- Lack of bracing structure to handle lateral forces
- Unintended waviness in vertical structures
- Flaking and uneven surfaces
- Inadequate shoring
- Improper formwork termination which leads to concrete spillage
Quality of Formwork Systems
Thorough checks and inspections are fundamental in fostering the strength of a formwork system. Proper installation of shoring props, use of the right sheathing, and proper placement of trusses boost the strength of the structure.
Quality assurance involves through-and-through scrutiny of the entire formwork to guarantee it can support dead and live loads, workers, construction equipment, construction materials, etc. Expert inspectors have to certify that the formwork has the right dimensions, rigidity, strength, and position before contractors put up structures.
Safety of Formwork Systems
Earlier this year, a Hong Kong construction worker fell off and died when the iron beam broke. Such fatal and injurious occupational accidents in the construction industry can be avoided by undertaking a thorough quality assurance inspection of the formwork and falsework systems.
Professional inspectors examine all components and accessories thoroughly to find faulty equipment that can lead to construction hazards. For safety reasons, quality assurance involves inspecting shore heads, firmness of screws, base plates, bracing, slip forms, guard rails, etc. Through quality assurance, installation of a firm, and fail-safe fall protection system increases the safety of construction workers.
Reduction of Costs
Well-structured and designed formwork systems reduce the overall costs of construction. Proper shoring and installation of bracing enable easy termination and stripping, thus reducing labour costs and increasing the reusability of formwork components. Using standard and approved materials enhances the compatibility of various components and foster reuse, thus decreasing the costs associated with the purchase of new formwork systems.
Good formwork systems minimise the chances of rework and expensive litigations. It cuts down construction costs, increases safety, and bolsters the structural integrity of structures. We have a team of formwork inspectors who understand the minimums for every project design and construction. Contact us at FARS Engineering Limited for a thorough and systematic formwork quality assurance service.