The formwork serves as a mold for concrete structural components unless such mold is provided by the soil, other structural components, etc. It molds the freshly placed concrete, which in this stage normally is viscous, to the shape specified in the drawing.

Consequently, the formwork must already be available when the necessary steel reinforcement and concrete mix are placed. Proper making of formwork decides on the accuracy to size, strength and surface finish of the concrete components. Formwork is required wherever monolithic concrete and reinforced concrete structures or structural components are constructed, such as for:

#1 solid structures (foundations, columns...),

#2 structures with special functions (containers, chimneys, hydraulic structures ...),

#3 structures to meet great statical requirements (bridges, towers...),

#4 reconstruction of structures,

#5 public buildings and structures of irregular arrangement.

Generally, each formwork is of provisional nature and is to be removed after the hardening of the concrete placed. The formwork is not to be built as strong as possible but as strong as necessary only!

Therefore, formwork stripping must always be kept in mind when erecting the formwork.

To avoid unnecessary difficulties of work and prevent damage from formwork parts, the following recommendations should be followed:

#1 Do not drive in too many nails.

#2 Use only as many timbers, braces, tie wires, etc. as necessary.

#3 Consider, which board, panel or squared timber is to be stripped first, to fix them so as to permit easy removal in the proper sequence.

Formwork making guaranteeing the necessary strength but also considering aspects of economical use of material and easy formwork stripping calls for extensive specialized knowledge of the direction of forces when placing the concrete mix.

Improperly made formwork, which gives way or breaks when the concrete is placed, results in heavy material damage or, in the worst case, may cause serious injury of persons.

On the other hand, an excessively strong formwork requires high physical efforts of the persons stripping the formwork and normally results in the complete destruction of the formwork parts.