1. Introduction

1.1 Definition of Formwork

As a Chinese saying goes, “A freshly built wall is as weak as tofu”. When fresh concrete is placed, it is in a weak state. It requires to be supported by temporary supports and castings of the desired shape until it becomes sufficiently strong to support its own weight. This temporary casing is known as the formwork or forms or shuttering.

1.2 General Introduction of Formwork

Formwork plays a key role in concrete construction.

Formwork is the molds & dies of concrete construction.

Forms mold the concrete to the desired size & shape & control its alignment & position.

Formwork also carries the weight of freshly placed concrete and itself besides live load due to materials, equipment, and workmen.

1.3 Importance of Formwork

Formwork constitutes 20% of the standard cost and 60% of the time in concrete construction.

Thus a good formwork system helps in achieving speed, quality, economy and safety in reinforced-concrete construction.

Formwork is the most important tool in the construction of any building concreting and reinforcement binding. Assembling Formwork System is the main activity after that to hold them in their position. 

1.4 Requirement of Formwork

To have a design for quick erection and removal.

To handle easily using available equipment or manpower.

Joints between formwork must be tight enough to prevent leakage of grout.

To obtain the required shape, size, finish position and alignment of concrete members.

To have enough load carrying, or transferring capacity to take pressure or weight of fresh concrete and any other loads, without distortion, deflection, leakage, failure or danger to workmen.