Formwork Equipment
a. Shuttering Plates (Panels)
- Purpose: These are used to hold the fresh concrete in place while it sets. Shuttering plates are made of timber, steel, or plastic.
- Types:
- Timber Shuttering: Commonly used for small-scale construction and can be easily cut to size.
- Steel Shuttering: Used for repetitive work and offers better durability and surface finishes.
b. Scaffolding
- Purpose: Provides temporary support for workers and equipment while the formwork is being set up or dismantled.
- Types:
- Tube and Coupler Scaffolding: Traditional system with metal tubes connected using clamps.
- Prefabricated Modular Scaffolding: Ready-made scaffolding systems that are easier to erect and dismantle.
c. Props (Adjustable Props)
- Purpose: Used to support horizontal formwork for slabs and beams.
- Types:
- Steel Props: Adjustable and reusable props made of steel.
- Timber Props: Made of wood, used mainly in small projects.
d. Formwork Ties
- Purpose: These are metal rods or wires used to hold the two sides of the formwork together, ensuring proper alignment and preventing the formwork from spreading under pressure.
- Types:
- Through Ties: Used in wall formwork, where they pass through the concrete to hold the opposite sides of the formwork.
- Internal Ties: Used in slab and beam formwork to ensure the formwork doesn’t open under the pressure of the wet concrete.
e. Wedges and Clamps
- Purpose: Used to hold the formwork panels together and to adjust the position of the formwork components.
- Wedges: Wooden or metal wedges are placed under the panels to adjust their height or inclination.
- Clamps: Used to hold the formwork panels tightly together, especially at corners.
f. Formwork Supports (Bracing)
- Purpose: To provide lateral support and ensure that the formwork maintains its shape under the load of the concrete.
- Types:
- Horizontal Bracing: Prevents lateral movement of the formwork.
- Vertical Bracing: Supports the formwork vertically to prevent it from collapsing.
g. Formwork Release Agents
- Purpose: These are oils or chemical agents applied to the inner surfaces of the formwork to prevent concrete from sticking, facilitating the removal of the formwork.
- Types:
- Oil-based Release Agents: Commonly used and effective, but may affect the concrete surface.
- Water-based Release Agents: Eco-friendly and provide a smoother surface
Important Considerations for Formwork Design and Use
- Load-bearing Capacity: Formwork must be designed to bear both live and dead loads effectively.
- Safety: Proper safety measures must be in place for workers during formwork installation and removal.
- Economy: Reusability is a key factor for cost-effective formwork. Materials like steel and aluminum are preferred for large, repetitive projects.
- Surface Finish: The type of formwork material impacts the final finish of the concrete. Steel and aluminum generally provide smoother finishes compared to timber.
- Durability and Maintenance: Regular cleaning and proper storage of formwork equipment ensure longer durability and reuse.