Depending on how you apply formworks to the structures, there are different kinds of formwork we have. Meanwhile, there are other ways of classifying formworks, including the materials they are made from and other properties. But this particular article will focus on the actual application of this formwork in a significant construction project. Let us consider these formworks one after the other. Click here to read more about Formwork Structures.

Foundation formwork

The design of foundation formwork can be in diverse ways which can be different from each other. For instance, there is a stark difference between erecting formwork for individual foundations and strip foundations. The former is often designed as socket foundations. Meanwhile, the entire design choice is determined by the height of the foundation formwork and the desired size you intend to make.

Similarly, the kind of formwork that you employ for individual foundations can also be similar to the column formwork. At the same time, this formwork that is applicable to strip foundations can also be identical to the entire formwork. Ideally, sheeting panels that comprise formwork bearers appear as walers and are also relevant to the foundation formwork. They can also be secured through the rim type of walers.

Concerning bracing, there is a need of supplying squared and round timbers, including the diagonally arranged boards. Recall that formwork ties are done using tie wires or metal screws to drive them adequately. Nevertheless, do not forget that there is also a need to adhere to the specified dimensions in the approved drawing. Meanwhile, the components of the foundation formwork include the following

  • Formwork sheeting
  • Stull
  • Waler
  • Post
  • Thrust-board
  • Concrete bottom
  • Tiw wire

Wall formwork

A wall formwork comprises vertically arranged upright timbers which serve as the formwork bearers. These bearers also connect the sheeting boards to the concrete side that are nailed together. Also, the side formwork boards on either side can be diagonally braced in the upright timbers—similarly, every third vertical timber on the cleats with horizontally arranged walers. Meanwhile, the opposite walers are also tied together at specified distances. 

In the building process, you can replace the sheeting boards with prefabricated sheeting panels. At the same time, one can provide the cleaning holes at the foot of the formwork. Finally, a wall formwork in the vertical section comprises the following

  • A stull
  • A screw tie
  • Waler
  • Bracing component
  • Post
  • Cleaning hole
  • A thrust boards

Ceiling formwork

The ceiling formwork is the kind of formwork that one finds in the basic construction structures or buildings. Using formwork sheeting also comprises sheeting boards or prefabricated sheeting panels. Meanwhile, this formwork sheeting also lies on the squared timber formwork bearers, arranged on the primary bearers. These bearers can carry off all the forces of the round timber columns.

At the same time, in the case of smaller rooms, the primary bearers are synced with both columns to form a trestle. It also uses diagonal board bracings to take up the horizontal acting forces on the structural formwork. It also has round timber columns on double wedges, serving as stripping aid and correction devices. A vertical section of a ceiling formwork also includes the following.

  • Formwork sheeting
  • Main bearer
  • Formwork bearer
  • Cleat
  • Wall
  • Bracing
  • Support wedges
  • Column 

Beam formwork

Any formwork that will serve as the beam formwork must have been prefabricated with the formwork sheeting parts, including the sheeting bottom and side sheeting panels. Moreover, the individual components of the beam formwork must be specified in the construction project. And the prefabrication process of the formwork sheeting requires some level of preparation, especially if you have to manufacture them on site.

For instance, the formwork sheeting bottom with the side panels has sheeting boards nailed together with the cover straps. The measurements of the sheeting bottom on the two sides of the reinforced concrete columns depend on the beam’s size. The sheeting thickness with its cover straps also has a thrust board width of about 100 mm. You can also place the sheeting bottom on pedestal support, a formed trestle that comprises a connected waler with two columns through the cleats.

Column formwork

Column formworks are similar to beam formworks, which are the prefabricated components of the sheeting boards with dimensions connected to the cover straps. Also, it contains the sheeting panels in the foot rim, anchored by steel bolts in the soil. This foot rim also comprises double-nailed boards. It is also essential to measure the foot rim with the exact location where the column will be placed. This feature also has the same functions as the thrust-board for laying the proper foundation or beam formwork. 

In addition, it may also have a lateral cleaning hole inside the foot of the formwork. This feature serves to remove impurities within the formwork before placing the concrete inside it. At the same time, one should provide both sides of the column with the formwork to enhance the erection of a reinforcement. This stage is essential if there is a need to erect a steel reinforcement inside the column formwork.

The Preparation and Treatment of a Formwork after Use

There is a need to check and clean the formwork to perfect it even before placing the concrete inside it. After the cleaning process is completed, there is also a need to close up and tighten the cleaning holes in the wall and column formworks. This closure will also help to optimize the maximum pressure of the concrete mix. As a result, the sheeting pieces of the cleaning holes can be put against the thrust board and the formwork bearers.

At times, there may be a need for an additional formwork bearer that is to be mounted. And after casting the concrete, there is a need to continue to water on the formwork. At the same time, it extracts less water from the concrete mix from the formwork to make the stripping or removal much more straightforward. But it is pretty vital to ensure that there are no changes to the formwork, especially when placing the concrete inside it.