Formwork carpentry is a part of wooden structure used to support poured concrete on a construction site.
After the concrete sets, the hired formworkers strip already used forms to await the next project. In Australia, the demand for this specific trade is high. It can be classified into three types:
The main function is to hold up the wall material such as cement or masonry materials and other concrete structures so their performance requirement on strength and stiffness is very high. Usually, they are smaller than a light partition box, which can be combined modularly.
The main function is to hold up light partition material such as wood, so their performance requirement on strength and stiffness is less than ordinary formwork. It can be divided into two kinds: one is scissor-type, the other is hydraulic type. It mainly adopts a scissor-type formwork system, which has many advantages in cost, speed of construction and adaptability for complex apartment structures.
This kind of formwork is usually called a light partition box, whose main function is to hold up internal wall material such as cement or gypsum board, but they can't bear outside pressure The formwork carpentry should be prepared at the beginning of the foundations. Also one should check whether it has any problems after finishing the foundation and repair immediately. It can reduce project costs to a lower 1/3. Physical strength and agility are necessary for carrying heavy forms. Construction of formworks can be time-consuming, therefore employers should hire experienced carpenters to speed up the process.
The material can be cast into formwork during the building process to create intricate shapes, such as those required for artistic or aesthetic reasons, or it may simply be desirable to produce large complex structures economically. Although a general contracting crew might work on small-scale formwork, an expert formwork carpenter handles forms for larger structures.
Formwork in construction is physically demanding and is high-risk work, therefore, you should always hire an experienced carpenter with the necessary training in formwork or equivalent qualification. Essential qualifications can be attained through formal training and apprenticeship. The Australian Government's Job Outlook website has a handy guide for those more interested in carpentry.Timber formwork is used for concrete structures to support the concrete as it sets and hardens to form the desired shape (usually flat). Formworkers build various types of forms that work as moulds supporting the wet concrete. They also make concrete slabs and support beams. The material can be cast into formwork to create intricate shapes, such as those required for artistic or aesthetic reasons, or it may simply be desirable to produce large complex structures economically. Timber shuttering or joggle board is a common method for building simple forms to pour wet concrete into patios, slabs, and pads when you are not using more sophisticated methods such as steel formwork, plastic formwork, etc. The style of wood frame has many names including timber jib and T-bar and can be easily made with minimal carpentry skills and tools on site.
Ordinary formwork is the most common type, which is more sturdy than light formwork, but more expensive too. This type is good for large structures in the construction industry, where the wall thickness would be around 6-8 inches or more. It can also be adapted to any shape required by using different connectors and joints.
Often known as a light partition box, it does not need concrete inside of it to hold up the weight of something on top of it, so they are usually lighter in weight. They can be made from plywood or steel depending on their use or structure size requirement. They can be used to form curved walls and they can even be used as a temporary room which you can easily take down after the construction is complete.
This type of formwork also called a light partition box, its main function is to hold up internal wall material such as cement or gypsum board, but they cant bear outside pressure. This kind of formwork is usually attached to concrete by using screws, nails or glue.
The most commonly known types of wood that are used for building forms are spruce, fir and southern yellow pine. These woods have a low cost compared to other hardwoods and softwoods and don't warp too much during their working life. They are also very light in weight compared to other forms of lumber so they are easy to transport and work with.
Wooden formwork has an indefinite lifespan if it is maintained properly throughout the course of its usage. Obviously, there's nothing like new lumber but like old cars or old houses, formwork will still be able to take abuse before failing completely if it's well taken care of.
Formwork has a huge effect on concrete since it dictates how strong it will be as well as its overall durability after setting along with its aesthetics. If there is no formwork present during the pouring process, there will be no strength to it at all, meaning that the concrete would slowly flow out of the concrete forms and take any shape or pattern.
In some cases, timber formwork can be reused. Sometimes if the concrete is broken down from the wall and a new surface needs to be poured or formed for a different purpose, you can reuse your old formwork with sandbags or new concrete on top of it. Other times when your leftover forms are used to make a replica of an original structure's design, but on a smaller scale of course.
The first mistake is not bracing walls correctly. If not enough bracing is given to the side of your wooden forms, then your entire structure will have too much give and leave unwanted impressions on the casted concrete causing cracks and unevenness.
When using timber for formwork, you will want to use nails that are sized appropriately depending on the type of lumber you are working with. Using too big or not enough nails can cause your wooden forms to warp and deform making them unusable.
Formwork is a temporary structure made by formwork carpenters used to guide and support concrete as it sets and takes the shape and form of your desired design. This type of structure can also be used with other mediums such as plaster or drywall depending on the application needed.
Formwork carpenters also construct fillers for sealing gaps in civil projects. They analyse plans and make necessary adjustments to ensure premade form sizes match the exact structure dimensions. Additionally, they also assemble premade heavy plastic forms. New forms are built above the previously poured concrete in tall structures. Formwork is also essential for the construction of beams and columns.Wooden formwork has an indefinite lifespan if it is maintained properly throughout the course of its usage. There's nothing like new lumber but like old cars or old houses, formwork will still be able to take abuse before failing if it's well taken care of.