Tasks and functions of formwork

The main function of the formwork is to serve as a mold for the hardening concrete mass. The formwork primarily forms the viscous concrete mixture as it hardens, but it must also withstand the pressure that is exerted on it. On the one hand, the formwork is responsible for the subsequent appearance of the concrete surface, and on the other hand, for ensuring stable dimensions of the concrete structure during the transition of the building mass from a liquid to a solid state. The impact on the formwork changes over time as the reinforced concrete hardens. 

When forming a concrete wall or floor, the dead weight of the formwork elements and the pressure that the concrete creates are of decisive importance for the formwork. Due to the fact that reinforced concrete is being reinforced, the formwork may experience additional loads due to the weight of the steel reinforcement - for example, in the case of floors. It is also important how exactly the steel rods are stored. Reinforcement is often stored in bundles directly on the formwork, although the formwork was not initially designed for such loads. If the reinforcement is to be stored directly on the formwork, it is necessary to check before installing it whether the surface of the formwork elements is bent, damaged or deformed. It is also important to ensure that the surface of the formwork is not damaged during storage and when the reinforcement is moved to another location.

Unplanned storage of formwork elements directly on the formwork also leads to additional deformation. High loads can occur during installation and dismantling work, especially when working with large-sized formwork systems. In view of this, it is important to ensure the safety of workers and persons involved throughout the entire formwork process.

The greatest loads occur at the beginning of concreting, when pouring the concrete mixture and compacting. For horizontal formwork elements, the load is usually decisive until the reinforcement begins to hold the concrete. For vertical components, the pressure of the fresh concrete has a greater influence. With the onset of the hardening process and the subsequent completion of hardening, the load on the vertical formwork elements becomes less. For horizontal formwork elements, the load is reduced only after the reinforcement is “activated”. The quality of the formwork affects many things:

• Formation of concrete surfaces
• Appearance of hardened concrete
• Tightness of formwork joints
• Work safety

Complex or simple shape of the building and its elements, the dimensions of the future structure are of decisive importance when choosing a formwork system. It also affects the amount of work, the time spent and, ultimately, the costs.

Call us if you need formwork that can be purchased with delivery throughout Ukraine.

Also read the article from the blog "Why is it better to buy formwork rather than make it yourself?"