Contractor's Guide: Formwork-Contractor's Guide

Contractor's Guide - Formwork (PDF)

Pdf Summary

Chapter 5 on formwork from the document provides a comprehensive guide on the system of support structures used in concrete construction. Formwork is vital for molding freshly placed concrete into desired shapes and sizes while maintaining its position and alignment. The temporary structures must support their own weight, as well as that of wet concrete and any additional loads during construction, without collapse or danger to workers or the public.<br /><br />The document highlights the significant cost of formwork, ranging from 35% to 60% of the total cost of concrete structures, emphasizing the need for economy without compromising safety or quality. Efficient planning, material selection, and form reuse are essential for cost savings and improved labor utilization.<br /><br />Safety is paramount in formwork construction. The document outlines the need for detailed design and inspection procedures to prevent failures, which can be due to human error, substandard materials, or design inadequacies. It stresses the importance of adhering to safety standards such as those outlined in the OSHA and ACI guidelines.<br /><br />The quality of concrete work depends heavily on the precision of formwork construction. Proper formwork ensures correct concrete dimensions and surface finishes, minimizing additional corrective work due to issues like bulging or misalignment.<br /><br />Various types and materials of forms are discussed, including job-built forms, prefabricated panel forms, manufactured forms, and stay-in-place forms, each suited for different construction needs. The document also outlines maintenance practices for extending form life, such as proper storage and handling of plywood forms and the use of appropriate form-release agents.<br /><br />Overall, the guide underscores the need for careful design, planning, and execution of formwork to ensure the structural integrity of concrete constructions while optimizing costs.

Keywords

formwork

concrete construction

support structures

safety standards

cost efficiency

material selection

design inspection

form types

OSHA guidelines

structural integrity