Formwork involves pouring cement into molds to create large concrete slabs and sections which form parts of a structure. These are strengthened by reinforcement through steel pins which are added to the concrete before it sets. Various types of formwork offer different results: some are stripped away after the concrete has set; some is left in place and set within the concrete.

The use of formwork in construction is vital to the successful completion and stability of many structures. With the use of formwork, many feats of construction have been achieved which would previously have been inconceivable and impossible.

How formwork originated

Formwork originated in the Roman era when concrete and formwork were used to build superstructures such as the Colosseum. Since then, many famous architectural wonders have been erected all over the world, providing many examples of the incredible structures which are possible through the use of formwork.

Types of formwork

There are different types of formwork available to suit different structural requirements in construction, most of which use scaffolding systems to support the molds as they are filled with concrete. The most common types of formwork used are timber formwork engineered formwork,re-usable plastic formwork stay-in-place formwork.

Timber formwork uses timber to create the molds into which the cement is poured. Once the cement has been reinforced and then allowed to set, the timber is broken away leaving a solid slab of concrete in the shape required for building. Timber formwork is a common choice among contractors.

Engineered formwork uses molds for concrete which have been made from engineered, metal frames, allowing greater precision and accuracy when creating forms.

Re-usable plastic formwork has an interlocking system that forms the concrete mold. These systems are used to build simpler concrete structures and can be reused once the concrete has set.

Stay in place formwork is used to create concrete slabs but once the concrete is set, the formwork systems are left in place. Once left in place, the systems form part of the final structure.

Formwork contractors have been hard at work revamping city centers, creating large structures and improving the infrastructure of major cities, as well as building magnificent stadiums for the tournament.

Formwork has enabled the world to create impressive and appealing skylines. Without formwork, high rise buildings, large bridges, building extensions, sports stadiums, shopping malls, and many others would be impossible to construct.