Category: Structure & materials
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Formwork is temporary moulds of timber, steel or plastic into which concrete is poured and which stay until the concrete is strong enough, together with the props that carry them.
Why it matters on a project
Weak or uneven formwork produces leaning or bulging elements that are hard to fix, and formwork is a large part of the concrete rate.
Measurement and pricing
Measured in square metres of concrete surface in contact with the formwork.
Worked example
A 0.40 × 0.40 m column 3.0 m high: formwork = (0.40 × 4) × 3.0 = 4.8 m².
Common mistake
Striking formwork before the required time for the element and weather, especially under slabs and cantilevers.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can formwork timber be reused?
It depends on the type and care; film-faced plywood lasts more uses than ordinary timber.
Is steel formwork better?
It is faster, more accurate and longer-lasting on repetitive work; timber is more flexible for varied shapes and small jobs.
Related terms
- Reinforced concreteConcrete containing steel reinforcement to resist the tensile forces concrete alone cannot carry.
- CantileverA structural element fixed at one end and free at the other, such as balconies and canopies.
- Solid slabA concrete slab of uniform thickness without voids, common for small and medium spans.
- Unit rateThe item price per unit of measure, built from material, labour and equipment then indirect costs and profit.
Read next
- Work out quantities with our free calculators: concrete, tiles, paint and plaster. Open the calculators
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