Wooden formwork has been a staple in the construction industry for centuries due to its versatility, affordability, and ease of use. It’s a temporary structure that shapes and supports concrete during its curing process, providing it with the desired shape and dimensions.
Wooden Formwork
Formwork is an important activity of any building. There are any materials for construction formwork, however Wooden panel is a popular material for construction formwork due to some of its advantages: cost saving, easy to handle, light-weight, durability, …
Key Advantages of Wooden Formwork:
- Versatility: Wooden formwork can be easily cut, shaped, and customized to accommodate various structural elements, from simple slabs to complex architectural features.
- Affordability: Compared to other materials like metal or plastic, wooden formwork is generally more cost-effective, especially for smaller projects.
- Ease of Use: Wood is a familiar material for many construction workers, making it relatively easy to handle and assemble.
- Lightweight: Wooden formwork is lighter than metal, making it easier to transport and maneuver on construction sites.
Common Types of Wooden Formwork:
- Plywood Formwork: This is the most common type, made from layers of wood glued together. Plywood is strong, durable, and offers a smooth surface finish for the concrete.
- Timber Formwork: This consists of solid wood beams and panels, often used for larger structures or where extra strength is required.
- Custom-Built Formwork: For highly complex or unique shapes, wooden formwork can be custom-built to meet specific requirements.
Formwork Process:
- Design and Planning: The formwork design is based on the architectural drawings and engineering calculations.
- Assembly: The wooden formwork panels and beams are assembled on-site, using temporary supports and bracing.
- Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement bars (rebar) are placed within the formwork to provide structural strength.
- Concrete Pouring: The concrete is poured into the formwork, ensuring proper compaction and leveling.
- Curing: The concrete is allowed to cure for a specified period, gaining its strength.
- Stripping: Once the concrete has hardened, the formwork is carefully removed.
Best Practices for Wooden Formwork:
- Quality Materials: Use high-quality wood that is free from defects and suitable for construction purposes.
- Proper Treatment: Treat the wood with water-repellent and mold-resistant chemicals to enhance its durability.
- Secure Assembly: Use appropriate connectors and bracing to ensure the formwork is stable and can withstand the weight of the wet concrete.
- Regular Inspection: Inspect the formwork regularly during the curing process to identify any potential issues.
- Proper Stripping: Remove the formwork carefully to avoid damaging the concrete surface.
While wooden formwork remains a popular choice, it’s important to consider its limitations, such as its susceptibility to moisture and its potential for warping or swelling. In some cases, other materials like metal or composite formwork may be more suitable, especially for large-scale projects or where specific requirements need to be met.
Affordability was a primary factor for Rush Commercial when making the concrete forming product selection for the construction of the Pacifica Apartments in Tacoma, Washington.
The two-building, 230,000-square-foot apartment complex featured 177 units, two underground parking garages, and required 7,000 yards of structural concrete – including five post-tensioned reinforced concrete decks with up to 800 cubic yards of concrete in each.
It wasn’t unfamiliar territory for the Washington State developer-contractor, which has built, owns and leases over one million square feet of commercial office space and 1,700 multi-family units. Rush Commercial selected 3/4-inch MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood for the concrete formwork. Superintendent Bob Bowman says key considerations were cost-effectiveness and how easily the panels could be to cut to size for use as fill-in formwork.
“There were many steps in the wall elevations and many different column block-outs on the exterior walls,” says Bowman. “Wood panels were the most cost effective for the formwork because we could cut and modify the panels to fit as needed. Then (after the concrete was poured) we would cut and modify the panels again to use in others areas.”
