The order of installing horizontal formwork

The installation of horizontal formwork (ceiling formwork) requires an exact sequence of actions and compliance with building codes.

The order of installing horizontal formwork for ceilings

1. Preparing the base:

• Clear the area from debris.
• Make sure that the base is strong and level.

2. Installing telescopic racks (or racks with tripods):

• Depending on the thickness of the floor, the step between the load-bearing beams is calculated.
• The step of placing racks along the beam is determined, taking into account the thickness of the floor and the distance between the load-bearing beams.
• The racks are installed on a solid foundation.
• Telescopic formwork racks are installed in rows.
• A tripod is installed on each rack for stability.
• If the floor is thick. Then reinforced racks and reinforced tripods are used.
• The distance between racks: usually 1.5 m along the longitudinal and transverse axis (the exact value depends on the thickness of the floor and the load).

3. Installation of longitudinal and transverse beams:

• Longitudinal beams (usually wooden I-beams) are placed on the posts.
• Then transverse beams are installed on top of the longitudinal beams (if provided for by the design).
• All connections are carefully secured.

4. Installation of the flooring (formwork slab):

• Panels (plywood, laminated plywood, boards) are placed on the beams.
• Panels are fitted tightly to each other.
• If necessary, locks or connecting strips are used.

6. Leveling and level control:

• The horizontality of the entire structure is checked.
• Height adjustment is performed using screw jacks on the posts.

7. Strengthening the structure:

• Additional braces and stretchers are installed if necessary.
• Particular attention is paid to edge areas and areas of increased load.

8. Reinforcement and concreting:

• After checking the formwork for strength and tightness, reinforcement is laid.
• Then concrete is poured.

Recommended distance between formwork posts

If the floor thickness is 10 cm and the step between the load-bearing beams is 2.5 m, then the formwork posts can be installed at a distance of 1.9 m.

For a floor thickness of 20 cm with a step between the load-bearing beams of 2 m, place the formwork posts at a distance of 1.5 m.

For thick 30-centimeter floors, when the step between the load-bearing beams is 1.75 m, it is optimal to place the posts at a distance of 1.3 m.

The exact distance between the posts is determined by calculation taking into account the load, which should be indicated in the work execution project.

We have been producing formwork for many years, comply with the requirements of DSTU and supply high-quality durable formwork elements to construction sites throughout Ukraine.

You can buy formwork on our website by going to the Horizontal formwork section.

We suggest you read another thematic article “How to install floor formwork correctly?”.

Call us if you have questions about formwork:

+380 (44) 586-56-32,

+380 (44) 333-41-99.