What Is Formwork? Types, Functions, & How to Use It

Formwork is a tool used in concrete casting to hold the mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water that has just been mixed and poured. As the four components of concrete are still soft, without formwork to hold them in place, they may spill easily.

Formwork is crucial in various construction jobs, e.g. for making staircases, beams, terrace concrete slabs, and home pillars. Formwork is also divided into several types, each with different functions. Let’s learn about types of formwork and how to use it correctly in this article!

What Is Formwork?

Formwork is a temporary mold used to hold the wet concrete mix until it hardens completely. It is very important in various construction needs, such as concrete slabs, beams, and columns. Without formwork to support it, the concrete mix will easily spill.

Types of Formwork and Their Functions

The main function of formwork is to support the concrete that is still in its mixed form. Additionally, it also functions as a working surface for construction workers. However, formwork made from certain materials has its own specific uses. Here is the complete information:

1. Fiberglass Formwork

Fiberglass formwork is an innovative solution for underground construction needs. This material does not rust or mold. Therefore, it is more durable and suitable for underground work. This type of formwork is made from materials that are strong yet lightweight and easy to clean.

2. Rigid Steel Formwork

Rigid steel formwork is a durable and long-lasting type of formwork. It is commonly used for large construction projects, such as high-rise buildings or bridges. The metal base material can withstand the pressure of large volumes of concrete mix which makes it safer for large-scale projects.

3. Wooden Formwork

Wooden formwork is the most common type of formwork. It is often used in home construction as it is more affordable and easy to find. This type of formwork can be used for columns and floor slabs. However, wooden formwork has a shorter lifespan compared to fiberglass and rigid steel formwork.

How to Use Formwork for Construction

Using formwork boards, whether for columns or floor slab formwork, requires high precision to ensure the concrete mix is poured neatly and doesn’t spill. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Formwork Based on the Construction Plan

As mentioned earlier, each type of formwork has its own advantages. Thus, you need to choose the appropriate formwork type based on the project you're working on. You should prepare the number of formwork boards in advance, following the construction plan that has been created.

2. Install the Formwork Carefully

Next, you should install the formwork at the designated location based on the plan. This installation must be done carefully, as the concrete mix will be poured onto it. Therefore, you need to make sure the reinforcement bars are securely placed inside the formwork. Also, ensure that the formwork support columns are properly installed.

3. Pour the Concrete Mix into the Formwork Area

Once the reinforcement bars and formwork boards are properly installed, you can start pouring the concrete mix slowly to avoid trapping air pockets inside. The pouring process must also follow the construction plan. For example, earthquake-resistant houses require a gradual pouring method.

4. Wet the Concrete to Maintain Moisture

Remember that concrete needs moisture until it hardens. Thus, watering helps the concrete reach its maximum strength. Without watering, the concrete will become more fragile and prone to cracks. So, make sure to water the concrete regularly until it has fully set.

Tips for Maximizing the Use of Formwork

Formwork is a construction tool that can be reused if you properly maintain it. Whether it's for columns or floor slabs, formwork is removed once the concrete has fully hardened. Here are some tips to use formwork effectively to make the construction process more efficient and cost-effective:

1. Use Formwork Oil for Easy Removal

Formwork oil helps make the removal of hardened concrete easier. This way, the process of removing the formwork will not damage the concrete surface. To do this, you need to apply the oil before pouring the concrete mix. This step also helps prevent the formwork from becoming fragile during the removal.

2. Know When to Remove the Formwork

The drying time for concrete varies depending on the weather and type of work. In general, column formwork can be removed earlier than beam or floor slab formwork. However, this can differ depending on the specific project being worked on.

3. Use Materials That Suit the Construction Needs

Next, you should choose the formwork material based on the project you're working on. For instance, if you're working on a large-scale construction project, such as a bridge or high-rise building, you need to use rigid steel formwork and several support columns. But, for residential buildings, wooden formwork will be more efficient.

4. Avoid Using Decayed Formwork

Decayed formwork will increase the risk of the concrete mix and reinforcement bars collapsing after all the effort put into installation. You surely don’t want this to happen, do you? Therefore, please make sure to check the quality of the formwork before installing it.

5. Use a Construction Vibrator

A construction vibrator is a tool that vibrates the poured concrete mix. It helps compact the concrete mix and releases any air trapped during the pouring process. In addition, this tool also helps make the concrete stronger which makes the process of formwork removal faster.

6. Add Extra Support if Necessary

Support columns for formwork are usually installed at the same time. For column formwork, there are several support columns surrounding it to provide additional stability to the slowly poured concrete mix. These columns will help hold the formwork in place and reduce the risk of cracking.

So, that’s all the explanation about what formwork is, the different types, and how to use it properly. For building a typical house, you can simply use wooden formwork. However, you should choose the formwork type that suits your construction project.

Formwork can be reused several times before it becomes worn out. Therefore, the installation and removal of formwork should be done carefully to avoid damage and help you save construction costs. Additionally, for certain projects, such as earthquake-resistant houses, the pouring process is done gradually and more slowly.

Choosing high-quality formwork should go hand in hand with selecting high-quality cement. For this, you can choose Semen Merah Putih Watershield as your cement. This cement is perfect for various construction projects, e.g. creating concrete slabs, casting, making plaster, and other surface coatings.

Semen Merah Putih Watershield features water-repellent technology that provides Triple Protection for buildings. It protects the concrete structure from water penetration from the ground and water exposure from outside and inside the building. With this cement, the concrete you create will be stronger, more durable, and require minimal maintenance.

Are you working on a house construction project? If so, choose quality cement, Semen Merah Putih Watershield, for all your building and renovation needs. Contact us now to get more information about our products and make your home stronger than ever with Semen Merah Putih Watershield.