Things You Should Know in A Formwork Construction

In the construction industry, job positions or laborers, standards of work, as well as the procedures of constructing are necessary to get the job done. Aside from the carpenters, the masons, and equipment, there is so much more to learn in construction. Have you heard about “formwork construction”? If not yet, finish this article to have additional knowledge.

What is Formwork Construction?

In constructing a facility, a building, or a wall, there should be a foundation that holds all the materials before constructing every part of the project, and this is where a “formwork” comes in. Formwork is the turn of phase used for the procedure of creating a provisional mold into which concrete is being poured and formed. A formwork is fabricated using timber or wood, but can also be created from steel, glass fiber, or other construction materials. Formwork actually helps speed up and enhance the construction process of the project.

How to Know if The Formwork is Good and Stable?

In constructing a building, a wall, or a bridge, formwork should be durable and stable to avoid unnecessary double work, and of course, accidents. For us to know if a “formwork” is in good condition, it should meet the following:

Strong and Durable Enough

A strong and durable formwork should withstand all the construction loads. Formwork should be braced properly to maintain its shape until the end of construction loads.

Light but Durable

Formwork should be as light as possible since formwork should be reused multiple times in construction. It should be light to avoid distortion and warping.

Cheap and Available in Market

In preparing a formwork, expensive materials are not necessary. It should be readily available in the market so it can be replaced (in any case of distortion) easily.

Different Types of System Formwork

In different types of construction or building, there are also different types of formwork to be done or prepared. Whether the construction will only have 1 level or building type, it should have formwork.

Wall Formworks

The large iron wall formwork consists of timber and/or steel girders connected to each other that support the surface for the form lining.

Slab Formworks

Slab formwork is completing the slab portion between beams with a large surface area. The loads on wood or plywood are considered as being consistently distributed over the entire surface of the plywood. 

Climbing Formworks

Climbing formwork is used for vertical concrete structures that rise with the building process. Despite being costly due to materials, it can be an effective solution for buildings to have that seamless wall structure.

Job Opportunity

In designing the formwork based on the project, the contractors or formwork engineers are responsible to do it. If you think you are fit for the job, you should be:

Project Engineer

A project engineer is responsible for providing engineering design and calculation support to high-rise buildings and civil infrastructure projects given.

Formwork Design Engineer

A formwork design engineer should ensure that all design solutions are safe, systematic, and cost-effective. He/she should prepare design calculations, ex. connections, weld, bolt, and steel formwork design.

Formwork Supervisor

The formwork supervisor is in charge to make an inspection of the formwork structure upon the completion of the formwork structure to ensure that the formwork structure is in accordance with the design and drawings for that formwork structure.

Being a worker in the construction industry will give you more opportunities to work abroad. And formwork construction is a specified skill that will allow you to have a working visa abroad if you choose this type of job. Good deal, right?

Final Thoughts

Working in a construction firm or industry is really a risky and challenging job. However, despite the heat of the sun or unpredictable weather during work, the bonding, learning, and experience during the construction project are what determines you to become an expert and professional construction staff.