A Complete Guide to Slab Formwork: Types, Materials, and Best Practices Modern challenges need modern solutions. A similar trend is seen in formwork design. Slab formwork has been used for a long time and now has a modular version. It includes panels and frames with integrated facing that are easier to install. But what is slab formwork? How is it used in modern construction work? It is a temporary structure that supports reinforced concrete when it has not settled. Traditionally, wooden beams and loose facings have been used to form slab formwork. However, the latest usage involves using modern materials. In the following discussion, you will learn about different types of slab formwork and their usage in modern construction.
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What Is Slab Formwork?
It is a strong structure that is resistant to significant concrete loads. A slab formwork helps carry concrete loads and supports them until they become strong and self-supporting. It includes wooden beams and supporting panels on which reinforced concrete is poured. A slab formwork helps it settle and solidify when fresh liquid concrete is poured. The basic components of the slab formwork involve supporting panels, beams, props, and joists. All of these parts work together to create a strong slab formwork. Modern slab formwork components are lighter. Workers can set them up and remove them from the structure easily.
Types of Slab Formwork
The categorisation of the formwork system depends on the types of components and their purpose. For example, plywood and timber used in Conventional Formwork are suitable for carrying small loads. Following are the types of slab formwork:
Conventional Slab Formwork
This type of formwork system uses timber or plywood. Conventional formwork also uses props of different sizes to support the structure vertically. The traditional method may be cheap but is not sustainable. This type of formwork can also carry small to medium loads. This means you cannot use conventional slab formwork to carry extensive concrete loads. Besides, the system cannot be sustained for long due to exposure to water, cold water, and external water.
Modular Slab Formwork
This type of system is better than the previous one. Here you can use steel, aluminium or plastic panels to make the modular slab formwok last longer. Workers can install the system on-site faster than the traditional slab formwork. Modern formwork contractors use more modular slab formwork systems because of their longevity. Modular formwork equipment works better and lasts longer, even in extreme weather or water conditions on construction sites. Even when the aluminium and steel formwork equipment are useless, they can be sold at scrap value.
Table Formwork
This type of slab formwork is often so large that large cranes carry it to the place of installation. A strong steel or aluminium formwork structure with strong plates on top helps make the flying or table formwork. With higher load-bearing capacity, table formwork is most suitable for high-rise buildings. In high-rise buildings, concrete slabs are much higher in weight and volume. You cannot build a strong building structure without a strong formwork system. Hence, the table formwork system becomes very useful.
Tunnel Formwork
It is a modern and complex formwork structure that constructs walls and slabs simultaneously. With a tunnel formwork system, you can build a cellular building structure. Both slabs and walls are made of reinforced concrete structures.
Materials Used in Slab Formwork
To build a strong formwork system, you need strong formwork equipment. Let’s understand the types of different equipment that make it a suitable structure.
Timber & Plywood—Timber and plywood are among the cheapest equipment. These materials are easy to access from anywhere, so formwork contractors have long relied on them.
Steel—Want a formwork system that can carry a huge concrete load? Use a steel structure in a table formwork system. It can reliably carry loads of concrete structures.
Aluminium—Its corrosion resistance and light weight make aluminium a favourite element in the formwork system. You can use it multiple times, and it will remain rust-free.
Plastic—Plastic formwork systems are available anywhere in the market. They are easy to carry and install, which makes them the first choice for table formwork systems.
It entirely depends on the project's requirement to use specific formwork elements. You can use traditional plywood and timber if you have a limited budget and a small construction project. Alternatively, aluminium and steel formwork is suitable for carrying extensive loads of concrete.
Best Practices for Slab Formwork
To properly utilise a formwork system, always remember the following factors:
Proper Design & Planning—Ensure your contractor correctly plans and designs the formwork system. This will ensure you get the right design and structure for your building.
Ensure Load-Bearing Capacity – Always choose the right formwork system for your building. A weak formwork system will not let the concrete settle properly. Keep in mind the design and weight distribution of the formwork system.
Use Quality Materials—Always use good-quality formwork materials to prevent leakage. Using poor-quality materials will prevent the liquid concrete from being cast properly.
Safety Measures – Ask your contractor to recheck all the props and joints. Structural failure of formwork is the last thing you want in a construction site.
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Timely Stripping & Curing – Understand when to remove formwork from the concrete. Thereafter, keep the structure moist with water for proper curing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choose the slab formwork system suitable for your building structure. Using a formwork system that is too strong will be costly, while poor formwork will prevent the concrete structure from becoming fully strong. If necessary, use aluminium or steel formwork; otherwise, a plywood, timber, or plastic formwork system will do Using a good quality formwork system is necessary for building durability and safety. Contact Formwork Contractors for a comprehensive formwork solution for your new building.
When it comes to constructing with concrete, the choice of formwork material plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and efficiency of the project. Different formwork materials offer unique advantages and are suited for various project requirements, site conditions, and construction needs. In this guide, we will explore the most common construction formwork materials, their capabilities, and the situations in which they excel.
Before diving into different types of formwork materials in construction, it's important to understand the qualities that make a good formwork system for concrete construction. Here are some key considerations:
Load-bearing capacity: The construction formwork material should be capable of supporting the weight of both wet and dry concrete without deformation or failure.
Structural integrity: Proper bracing and support should be provided to ensure that the formwork retains its shape during the concrete pouring process.
Leak-proof joints: Formwork systems must have tight and secure joints to prevent any leakage of the concrete.
Dimensional stability: The selected materials should not warp or distort under the pressure of the concrete.
Removability: If a removable formwork system is chosen, it should be designed to be easily removed without causing damage to the concrete surface.
Lightweight: Whenever possible, selecting lightweight formwork materials can help in easy handling and installation.
Timber Formwork
Timber is a popular choice for formwork due to its lightweight nature and ease of use. It is versatile and can be easily cut and shaped to create formwork of any size or height. Timber formwork is economical for smaller projects but may not be as efficient for larger-scale construction. It is not suitable for complex concrete pours that require flexible formwork. It is crucial to ensure the timber is termite-free, and its lifespan is relatively short compared to other materials.
Plywood Formwork
Plywood, a manufactured wooden material, is commonly used in conjunction with timber for formwork systems. It offers durability, lightweight characteristics, and is often used for sheathing, decking, and form lining. Plywood provides a smooth surface finish to the concrete and enhances the strength of the formwork structure.
Steel and Aluminum Formwork
Steel and aluminum formwork systems are known for their strength, durability, and longevity. Although steel concrete formwork is heavier and more expensive than wood formwork, they offer numerous benefits. They create a smooth finish on the concrete surface, reduce the occurrence of honeycombing, and can be used to form curved walls. Aluminum formwork is lighter than steel but slightly less strong.
Plastic Formwork
Plastic formwork systems consist of modular or interlocking components. They are best suited for smaller projects with repetitive formwork requirements. Plastic formwork is lightweight, easy to clean, and offers good surface finish to the concrete. However, due to the prefabricated nature of these systems, they may have limited versatility.
Fabric Formwork
Fabric formwork is a relatively newer formwork material gaining popularity for its flexibility and ability to create unique shapes and architectural details. Lightweight, high-strength fabric sheets are used to mold the formwork, offering increased design freedom and creative possibilities.
Stay-in-Place Formwork
Stay-in-place formwork is designed to remain in place after the concrete has cured. It provides additional reinforcement, axial and shear strength, and helps prevent corrosion and environmental damage. Typically used for piers and columns, this formwork utilizes prefabricated plastic components for easy assembly and long-term structural support.
Permanent Insulated Formwork
Permanent insulated formwork systems serve a dual purpose by providing formwork and insulation simultaneously. These systems enhance the energy efficiency of the structure and may offer additional benefits such as fire resistance, sound dampening, and resistance to rodents. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are a common type of permanent insulated formwork that utilizes polystyrene boards as insulation.
Choosing the right formwork material is crucial for successful concrete construction projects. Each type of formwork material has its own strengths and suitability for different project requirements. Selecting the most appropriate formwork material will not only ensure structural integrity but also contribute to the overall efficiency and quality of the project.
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