4 Types of Formwork: How to Choose the Best One for Your Project
2021-02-02 FARS Engineering
The heart of every permanent, firm and iconic building is its foundation and architectural design. Formwork and falsework are critical components when laying down the foundation of a building regardless of the design. While the type of formwork chosen for a construction project depends on a variety of factors, you need to select a sturdy system that supports the entire structure and promotes a safe and cost-effective construction process.
When choosing the right formwork, pay close attention to the following:
- The resistance of the formwork material against dead and live loads
- The ability of the formwork to produce high-quality finishes
- Reusability of the formwork material
- Easy transportation, dismantling and reassembling of the formwork
- The weight of the material. Good formwork should be lightweight but sturdy.
- Good formwork should not get distorted when exposed to inclement weather.
Formwork construction should provide cost-cutting opportunities for contractors without compromising the quality of concrete structures. Let's have a look at some of the common formwork types and their applications.
1. Steel Formwork
Steel formwork systems are quickly gaining popularity among construction and civil engineers in Hong Kong and across the world because of the weight, strength and reliability. Although it might be costlier than the conventional formwork and falsework, steel has a long lifespan. Steel is waterproof, creates smooth finishes, minimises honeycombing effect, it is ideal for curved designs (tanks, columns, tunnels, drains, etc.) and it can be assembled and dismantled easily.
2. Aluminium Formwork
Lighter and cheaper than steel, aluminium formwork systems are a perfect alternative to steel when dealing with lightweight construction materials. Where steel is expensive to use and aluminium can support the weight of the structure, aluminium becomes a cost-effective alternative.
3. Timber Formwork
While this formwork is cheap and readily available, it is not durable and reusable as compared to steel and aluminium. When using timber formwork, choose lightweight but well-seasoned hardwood timber. Timber formwork is great when labour costs are low and when dealing with complex concrete sections that require flexible formwork.
4. Plywood Formwork
Used frequently alongside timber, plywood is an industrially manufactured wood available in varying thickness and size. In most formwork applications, plywood is used for sheathing, decking and creating form linings. Just like timber formwork, plywood is flexible, lightweight and cheap.
Consultation with civil engineering and construction professionals from the beginning of the project allows you to choose a formwork system suitable for your specific project. FARS Engineering LTD is one of the most reliable and trusted engineering companies that deliver formwork and falsework systems in Hong Kong.
Contact us today for a free consultation so that we can determine the right system for your construction project.