Formwork Design Guidelines PDF

LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED FCCE
FORM WORK DESIGN
CONCRETE LOAD AND PRESSURE
LOADS
Formwork for concrete must support all vertical and lateral loads that may be applied
until such time as these loads can be carried by the concrete structure itself.
Loads on forms are:
• Weight of reinforcing steel and fresh concrete
• Self weight of forms
• Various live loads imposed during the construction process
VERTICAL LOADS
Generally the weight of concrete with reinforcement can be assumed as 25 KN / cum.

Self weight of formwork, for ordinary structure, varies between 0.5 KN / sq.m to
0.75 KN / sq.m. A Minimum live load of 2.5 KN / sq.m on plan area is adequate for ordinary
construction. When motorized buggies are used, this is not so commom in India, the
minimum live load should be 3.75 KN/ sq.m. The minimum design load for combined dead
and live load should be 5.0 kN/sq.m or 6.25 kN/sq.m, if motorized buggies are used.
LATERAL PRESSURE ON CONCRETE
The effect of high frequency vibration on freshly placed concrete within formwork is
to keep it in a fluid state so that it behaves almost as a liquid. However, full hydrostatic
pressure may or may not be developed depending on whether stiffening of arching of
concrete occurs before the lift is finished.
For pressure calculation of concrete the following factors are taken into consideration:
• Density of concrete (kg/cum)
• Workability of the mix, Slump (mm)
• Rate of placing R (m/h)
• Concrete temperature (deg. Celsius)
FORM WORK DESIGN 10

• Height of lift H (m)
• Minimum dimension of the section cast, d (mm)
For structures concrete placed at controlled rates ACI committee 347 has developed
the formulae below for the maximum lateral pressure on the form for prescribed conditions
of temperature, rate of placement, vibration, weight-of concrete and slump. They are all
empirical formulae based on experiments and should not be considered theoretically precise.
If Pm = Lateral pressure, kg / sq. cm
Rst = Rate of placement, m/h
Tc = Temperature of concrete in the form, deg. Celsius
h = height of fresh concrete above point considered, m
Then,
1. For columns, Pm = 0.073 + 8.0 Rst

Tc + 17.8
Not more than 1.47 kg/sq.cm or.24 h whichever is least
2. For walls, rate of placement not exceeding 2.0 m/h,
Pm = 0.073 + 8.0 Rst

Tc + 17.8
Not more than 0.98 kg / sq.cm or 0.24 h whichever is least
3. For walls, rate of placement ranging from 2.0 m/h to 3.0 m/h
Pm = 0.073 + 11.78 + 2.49 Rst

Tc + 17.8
Not more than 0.98 kg/sq.cm or 0.24 h whichever is least. Concrete pressure on
formwork can also be based on CIRIA Report 108, Excerpts of which are enclosed. This
takes into account the dimension of section cast.
HORIZONTAL LOADS
Bracings and props should be designed for all foreseeable horizontal loads due to
wind, inclined supports, dumping of concrete and equipment. However, in no case this
FORM WORK DESIGN 11

horizontal load acting in any direction at each floor line should be less than 150 kg per linear
meter of floor edge or 2 % of total dead load on the form distributed as a uniform load per
linear meter of slab edge, whichever is greater. Wall forms should be designed to meet wind
load requirements of the local building code. Bracing for wall forms should be designed for a
horizontal load of at least 150 kg per linear meter of wall, applied at top.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT LOADS
If special methods of placing concrete using equipment like pumps are adopted the
formwork including staging should be designed for additional loads. In the case of pumping,
if the transport pipes are anchored on to the staging, the bends in the pipes will transmit very
high lateral and vertical loads to the staging.
It is also necessary to take into account the effects of starting and stopping of heavy
equipment on the deck. They can be estimated using the expression
F = Wa/g
Where, F = average force
W= weight of loaded equipment
a = acceleration or deceleration of equipment
When large concreting buckets are used, it may be necessary to unload the concrete
in one place for distribution. This can cause impact due to dropping, uplift and unbalanced
loading on the formwork and staging.
In the case of special structures like shells and domes there are additional factors to
be considered. Due regard should be given to unsymmetrical of eccentric loading which may
occur in the formwork during placement. Stress occurring during erection and decent ring of
the false work should also be considered. Since a three dimensional analysis of these
complex shapes is required, a competent an experienced engineer should do the structural
analysis. It is also essential to consider the necessity on back forms and the load flow from
concrete pressures on inclined form surfaces.
FORM WORK DESIGN 12

DESIGN CRITERIA
Although there is a need for greater accuracy than is frequently used in formwork
design, excessive refinement wastes time. Absolute precision is unwarranted when so many
assumptions have to be made as to loads, lateral pressures, and quality of materials,
workmanship at site and other factors.
Hence following simplifications can be done for computations of bending moment,

shear force and deflection:
• All loads are assumed uniformly distributed
• Beam supported over three or more spans are regarded as continuous and
approximate formulae are used.
The stresses induced in every member of formwork, in bending, in shear and in

bearing should be within the permissible working stress for that material. Forms must be so
designed that the various parts will not deflect beyond the prescribed limits. The permissible
deflection depress on the desired finish as well as the location.
In the absence of job specification to the contrary acceptable and frequently used
values of permissible deflections are:
• for sheathing, 1.6 mm
• for members spanning up to 1.5m is 3.0 mm
• for members spanning more than 1.5m is 6.0 mm or span/360, whichever is less
DESIGN METHOD
Freshly placed concrete comprises a gradation of particles from coarse aggregate

down to fine cement particles, all of which are suspended to a greater or lesser extent in
water. This is not a stable condition. The loss or displacement of an amore fraction of the
total mix water (by settlement, leakage or hydration) can change the structure of the fresh
concrete from a quash liquid to a relatively stiff framework of touching particles with the
water contained within the voids. This change in structure is important. While the aggregates
and cement are suspended in water, the concrete exerts a fluid pressure (Dh) on the
formwork, but once a stable particle structure has been created, further increments of vertical
FORM WORK DESIGN 13

load have an insignificant effect on the lateral pressure. Therefore the maximum lateral
pressure is generally below the fluid head and it is controlled by this change of stricture
(which can take from a few minutes to a few hours).
The following factors affect the change of state (and hence the maximum formwork
pressure):
Concrete
Admixtures
Aggregate shape. Size, grading and density
Cementations materials
Mix proportions
Temperature at placing
Weight density
Workability
Formwork
Permeability/water tightness
Plan area of the cast section
Plan shape of the cast section
Roughness of the sheeting material
Slope of the form

Stiffness of the form
Vertical from height
Placing
Impact of concrete discharge
In air or underwater
Placing method (e.g. in lifts or continuous vertical rate of rise)
Vibration
FORM WORK DESIGN 14

The complex inter-relationships of these factors are not described in this Report. A
rationalized design equation is presented, together with a description of how the variables
should be treated under design conditions.
Using concepts developed at the Cement and Concrete Association and during recent
research on the mechanisms creating formwork pressures. The data for OPC concrete were
analyzed to quantify the relationships between maximum pressure, vertical from height, rate
of rise and concrete temperature at placing. Modifications to these basic relationships were
then developed for concrete containing admixtures. This analysis led to the following
expression for the maximum concrete pressure on formwork:
Pmax = D (C1 √R + C2K√ (H-C2 √R1)) or Dh kN/m2 whichever is less.
Where
C1 - coefficient dependent on the size and shape of from work (see Table I for
values). √ (mh)
C2 - coefficient dependent on the constituent materials of the converts (see Table I for
values). √m
D - Weight density of concrete kN/m3
H - Vertical form height in m.
h - Vertical pour height in m.
K - Temperature coefficient taken as (36/ (T+16)) 2
R - The rate a: which the concrete raises vertically up the form. m/h
T - concrete temperature at placing. ˚C
When C1 √R > H, the fluid pressure (Dh) should be taken as the design pressure.
The term C1 √ R incorporates the effects of vibration and workability, because these
factors are largely dependant on size, shape and rate of rise. All the effects of the height of
discharge, cement type, admixtures, and concrete temperature at placing are incorporated in
the term:
C2 K√ (H-C1 √R)
The design chart. Table 2. quantifies these equations for normal UK conditions
where the concrete placing temperature is between 5 and 15º C. Pressure values shown in
bold on the chart are for placing conditions broadly covered by pressure measurements on
FORM WORK DESIGN 15

site, where the highest recorded pressures were 90 kN/m2 for walls and 166 kN/m2 for
columns. Values not in bold are outside recorded experience. They are in accord with the
general trend, but may be somewhat conservative.
No change is proposed in the design pressure envelope from that given in the CIRJA
Report I design method. The envelope (Figure 1) comprises fluid pressure to the depth where
the maximum pressure obtained from the design equation or chart occurs and then remains at
this value.
Figure 1 Design Pressure Envelope
Figure 2 is an example of measurements of formwork pressure and deflection taken

on a sit. This illustration shows that once a form deflects, it remains in that state until the tie
bolts are released. In theory, rigid forms would experience a reduction in pressure after the
maximum. In practice. Forms are not rigid, and some stress remains between the form and
concrete. For this reason, no reduction in pressure after the maximum is given in the design
pressure envelope.
FORM WORK DESIGN 16

Figure 2 Formwork pressures and deflection measurements

Table 1 Values of coefficients C1 and C2
Walls C1 = 1.0 Columns: C1 = 1.5
Concrete Value of C2
OPC. RHPC, or SRPC without admixtures 0.3
OPC. RHPC or SRPC with any admixture, except a retarder 0.3
OPC. RHPC or SRPC with a retarder 0.45
LHPBFR. PBFC.PPFAC or blends containing less than 70% ggbfs 0.45

or 40% pfa without admixtures
LHPBFC.PBFC.PPFAC or blends containing less than 70% ggbfs or

0.45
40% pfa with any admixtures except a retarder
LHPBFC.PBFC.PPFAC or blends containing less than 70% ggbfs or

0.6
40 pfa with a retarder
Blends containing more than 70% ggbfs or 40% pfa 0.6
FORM WORK DESIGN 17

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE
Cementitious Materials and Admixtures
Coefficient C2 (see Table 1) takes into account the effects of different cementitious
materials and admixtures. The term ‘admixture’ in Table I covers the range of products
commercially available in 1985: Within the grouping ‘retarder’ fall readers, retarding water-
reducers and retarding superplasticisers, also any admixture which is used above the
recommended dosage such that it effectively acts as a retarder.
A major change from existing practice is the recommendation that superplasticised

concrete should be included within the general grouping, and that it does not necessarily
require design pressure equal to the fluid head.
Aggregates
While quantifying the design equation, the effects of the aggregate shape and grading
could not be isolated from the other mix parameters, so these factors are not included in the
design method. With the exception of no-fines concrete the formula apply to all graded
natural aggregates.
The design equations apply to concrete mixes containing maximum aggregate sizes
up to 40 mm. Pressures with larger maximum sized aggregates are likely to be controlled by
the impact on discharge and the heavy vibration required..
MIX PROPORTIONS
The formula and design tables apply to the whole range of normal mix proportions.
No-Fines Concrete
Because no - fines concrete has a particle structure from the moment of placing. It
results in a low formwork pressure. Typical design values are of the order of 2 to 2.5 kN/m2
so that handling stresses are likely to control the design of the form.
FORM WORK DESIGN 18

Workability
Slump is not included as a variable in the design chart for the following reasons:
1. The problems with placing low workability concrete around reinforcement lead to
prolonged vibration and formwork pressures similar to those obtained with more
workable concretes.
2. The site data show no consistent difference in formwork pressure between low,
medium and high slump concretes.
3. Slump is not a good measure of the factors which affect formwork pressure.
Concrete Temperature at Placing
At low rates of concrete placing, hydration effects become a significant factor in

determining the maximum formwork pressure. Because these effects depend on the concrete
temperature at placing, the design equation including a temperature factor
K = (36/ (T + 16)) 2
Although this only strictly applies to OPC and RHPC concretes, it is sufficiently
accurate for all types of concrete when used in conjunction with coefficient C2. The K factor
represents a ratio of stiffening effects, which are dependent on temperature at placing. Data
for concrete temperatures at placing in excess of 30ْ C or below 5ْ C are rare, and it is prudent
not to extrapolate the design equation beyond these values.
VERTICAL FORM HEIGHT
The vertical form height is important for two reasons:
1. It limits the potential maximum pressure which can develop (in general, the
maximum design pressure is not greater than Dh ).
2. Height of discharges affects the magnitude of the impact forces.
Both these factors affect the maximum formwork pressure, and they have been
incorporated in the design equation as a function of the form height.
Sometimes, the form can be substantially higher than the height of section cast (see
Figure 3). In these cases, the limiting pressure might be the fluid pressure (which is obtained
FORM WORK DESIGN 19

from the weight density times the actual pour height). This should be checked with a separate
calculation.
Figure 3 Height Value to be used in Formulae

Shape and Plan Area of the Cast Section
In a section of small plan area, vibration can be sufficient to mobilize all the concrete
in a layer and to transmit a relatively high amount of energy to the form. This has the effect
of increasing the depth over which vibration is effective, and consequently the pressure on
the form.
In a larger section, all the concrete in a layer is not mobilized at the same time, and
less energy is transmitted into the formwork. The point of concrete discharge and vibration is
normally moved along the section, which allows the concrete a period of rest before the next
layer is placed. The net effect is that in ‘walls’ the maximum pressures are lower than in
‘columns’. In fundamental terms, a wall is where the concrete placed in layers with the point
of discharge and vibration moving along the wall, while, for columns, the point of discharge
and vibration is raised vertically. These conditions can be conservatively defined using the
following simple definitions:
Wall or base – section where either the width or breadth exceeds 2 m
Column - section where both the width and breadth are 2 m or less.
The few size data recorded for small, single- storey columns indicated a fluid
pressure distribution. The formula generally predicts fluid head for small columns. This is
reasonable, because small columns can be placed very quickly and vibrated such that the full
FORM WORK DESIGN 20

fluid head is mobilized. However, an analysis of the forces on column camps indicates that
they would fail if concrete in columns develops full fluid pressure. It is therefore widespread
practice to design small ply and timber column forms assuming less than the fluid head. The
possible explanation of this anomaly has not been experimentally verified.
Formwork Permeability
Formwork pressure decreases as the formwork permeability increases, if all other

conditions are equal. This reflects the extent to which excess pore water pressure can
dissipate through the formwork. The pressures are substantially lower with extremely
permeable form materials such as expanded metal of fabric. In theory, the design equation
should contain a factor for form permeability. Effects such as reduction of permeability
through previous usage and the use of sealers and coating, throw doubt on the ‘practicality’
of such a factor. Because the design equation does not include a factor for form permeability,
the estimated pressures are not applicable to form materials such as expanded metal, where
they effectively act as free surfaces and prevent the build up of pore water pressure.
Formwork Stiffness and Roughness
Study of the data suggests that the use of stiffer forms results in high pressures.
Conversely, independent research work shows that the formwork pressure decreases
substantially if a stiff form is moved slightly outwards. In most practical situations, the
stiltness of a form varies from point to point, and it is difficult to quantify. Formwork
stiffness was not, therefore, included in the design equation.
While the concrete is acting as a fluid, the formwork roughness is immaterial, until a
particle structure forms and the concrete starts to develop internal friction. Compared with
other factors, its influence on the maximum pressure is small, and it has not been isolated in
the design equation.
Slope of the Form
The pressure on sloping forms was not specifically examined in the research, and
only a few experimental results were available. However, the CIRIA method described in
this Report can be used conservatively with non-parallel sided walls with and without a
uniform rate of rise. If the volume supply rate is varied so that the rate of vertical rise is
FORM WORK DESIGN 21

constant, the equation of tables can be directly used. The pressure at any level in the pour is
the same on both faces, and the direction of action is perpendicular to the form (see Figure
4).
Figure 4 Pressure envelopes on the Formwork of a wall with sloping face where the fluid head is fully
developed
The following method is suggested for calculating the pressure envelope with a
constant volume supply rate:
1. Split the pour into horizontal levels with the vertical distance between each level 1m or
less.
2. Calculate the plan area at each level.
3. Calculate the instantaneous rate of rise at each level from
R level = Uniform volume supply rate (m3 /h)

Plan area at the level considered (m2)
4. Calculate the pressure at each level using the full height of the form H either from the
equation or tables.
5. Produce the design pressure envelope acting at right angles to the form.
FORM WORK DESIGN 22

Placing Method
The design equations do not apply to conditions where the concrete is being pumped
from below of where pre-placed large aggregate is grouted from below. In both these cased,
the formwork pressures are likely to be higher than these given in the Report.
American experience” suggests that the formwork should be designed to withstand

fluid pressure plus 50% for pump surge.
Rate of Rise
The rate at which the concrete rises vertically up the formwork is an important factor,
and it is included in the design equation. In practice, this is never constant, but, the use of an
average rate of rise is normally adequate for vertical formwork. The average rate of rose
might not be applicable when a considerable lift is placed rapidly, followed by a long delay
before the subsequent lift.
As the rate of rise increased, the maximum pressure increased, but the relationship is
not linear. At high rates of rise, changes in the rate of rise have less effect on the maximum
pressure than changes at lower rates of rise (see Figure 5).
Figure 5 Relationship between rate of rise and pressure
FORM WORK DESIGN 23

FORM WORK DESIGN 24

FORM WORK DESIGN 25

Extracts from IS: 456 – 2000 regarding formwork
General
The formwork shall be designed and constructed so as to remain sufficiently rigid during
placing and compaction of concrete and shall be such as to prevent loss of slurry from the
concrete. The tolerances on the shapes, lines and dimensions shown in the drawing shall be
within the limits given below:
1. Deviation from specified dimension of
Cross-section of columns and beams - + 12 mm / - 6 mm
2. Deviation from dimension of footings
1. Dimension in plan - + 50 mm / - 12 mm
2. Eccentricity - 0.02 times the width of the footing
in the direction of deviation but
not more than 50 mm.
3. Thickness - +/- 0.05 times the specified
thickness
These tolerances apply to concrete dimensions only and not to positioning of vertical
reinforcing steel or dowels.
Stripping time
Forms shall not be released until the concrete has achieved strength of at least twice the
stress to which the concrete may be subjected at the time of removal of formwork. The
strength referred to shall be that of concrete using the same cement and aggregates and
admixtures, if any, with the same proportions and cured under conditions of temperature and
moisture similar to those existing on the work.
While the above criteria of strength shall be the guiding factor for removal of formwork,
in normal circumstances where ambient temperature does not fall below 15oC and where
ordinary Portland cement is used and adequate curing is done, following striking period may
deem to satisfy the guideline given below.
FORM WORK DESIGN 26

Minimum period before

Sl. No. Type of Formwork
striking of formwork
1 Vertical formwork to columns, walls, beams 16 – 24 hours
Soffit formwork to slabs (Props to be refixed
2 3 days
immediately after removal of formwork)
Soffit formwork to beams (props to be refixed
3 7 days
immediately after removal of formwork)
Props to slabs:
4 1) Spanning up to 4.5 m 7 days
2) Spanning over 4.5 m 14 days
Props to beams and arches:
5 1) Spanning up to 4.5 m 14 days
2) Spanning over 4.5 m 21 days
For other cements and lower temperatures, the stripping time recommended above
may be suitably modified.
The number of props left under, their sizes and disposition shall as to be able to safely
carry the full dead load of the slab, beam or arch as the case may be together with any live
load likely to occur during curing or further construction.
Where the shape of the element is such that the formwork has re-entrant angles, the
formwork shall be removed as soon as possible after the concrete has set, to avoid shrinkage
cracking occurring due to the restraint imposed.
FORM WORK DESIGN 27

System Formwork Design

The design procedure will be explained through the following examples and design charts:
Data
Slab Thickness = 150 mm
Use 12 mm plywood as sheathing
H-16 Timber beams as secondary and primary beams
Floor Props CT as the staging (floor to floor ht. 3.3 m)
Loads
Slab self weight (0.15) x (25+1) = 3.9 kN/ m2
Live load = 1.5 kN/ m2
Formwork load = 0.3 kN/ m2
Total Load = 5.7 kN/ m2
Analysis & Design
Plywood
End condition is assumed that of a propped cantilever
Let “L” be the effective span
Note: effective span = clear span + t
Where t is the thickness of plywood
For analysis 1 meter width of plywood is assumed
Bending moment consideration
Allowable Bending moment = 0.2 kN m
M = w x L2/8 = 5.7 x L2/8
By equating Max moment M to the allowable bending moment, we get
L = (0.2 x 8/5.7)^0.5 = 530 mm
Shear force consideration
Allowable shear force = 6.16 kN
Q = (5/8) x w x L = (5/8) x 5.7 x L
By equating Max shear force to the allowable shear force
L = (8/5) x 6.16 / 5.7 = 1730 mm
Deflection consideration
Allowable deflection = l/360 or 1.5 mm whichever is less
FORM WORK DESIGN 28

Modulus of rigidity = 1.05 kN m2

Maximum deflection is given by
d = (1/185) x wxL^4 / (EI) = (1 / 185) x 5.7 x L^4 / (1.07)
By equating the maximum deflection the allowable or limiting deflection,
L = ((185 x 1.07) / (5.7 x 360)) ^ 0.333 = 460 mm
Effective span is taken as the minimum of the above values
Therefore effective span = 460 mm
Using H-16 beams the c/c span will be Effective span – thickness of plywood + width of
flange of secondary member
Effective span – 12 + 65 = 512 mm
Say 500 mm
Secondary member
H 16 Beam is used as a secondary member
Simply supported end condition is assumed
Spacing of H - Beams = 500 mm
Width of loading = 500 mm
Loading Intensity is the product of width of loading and total load,
W = loading intensity = 0.5 x 5.7 = 2.85 kN / m
Allowable bending moment = 3 kN m
Max moment is given by,
M = w x L^2/8 = 2.85 x L ^ 2/8
By equating the allowable bending moment to the maximum moment, we get
L = (3.0 x 8 / 2.35) ^ 0.5 = 2900 mm
Shear force consideration,
Allowable shear force = 6 kN
Max shear force is given by,
Q = W x L/2 = 2.85 x L/2
By equating the allowable shear force to the maximum shear force
L = 2.6 / 2.85 = 4210 mm
FORM WORK DESIGN 29

Deflection consideration
Allowable deflection = L/360 or 6 mm whichever is less,
d = (5/384) x W x L^4 / (E I) = (5/384) x 2.85 x L^4 / 145
By equating the maximum deflection to the allowable deflection,
L = ((384 / 5) x 1.45 / (2.85 x 360)) ^ 0.333 = 2210 mm
Minimum of the above values is 2210 mm
Therefore max. Span of secondary H 16 is 2210 mm
Say 2000 mm
Primary member
H 16 Beam is used as a primary member
Spacing of primary member = 2000 mm
Width of lading = 2000 mm
Allowable moment = 3 kN m
Maximum moment is given by,
M = w x L^2/8 = 11.4 x L ^2/8
By equating the allowable moment to the maximum moment, Effective span is
L = (3.0 x 8 / 11.4) ^0.5 = 1450 mm
Shear Force consideration
Allowable shear = 6 kN
Maximum shear is given by the equation,
Q = W^L/2 = 11.4 x L/2
By equating the allowable shear to the maximum shear,
Effective span, L = 2.6 / 11.4 =1050 mm
Deflection Consideration
Allowable deflection = L / 360 or 6 mm whichever is less,
Maximum deflection is given by the equation
d = (5/384) x w x L^4 / (E I) = (5 /384) x 11.4 x L ^ 4 / 145
FORM WORK DESIGN 30

By equating the allowable deflection to the maximum deflection

Effective span, L = ((384/5) x 145 / (11.4 x 360)) ^0.333 = 1390 mm
Minimum of the above values is 1050 mm
Therefore max. span of primary H-16 is 1000 mm
Check for prop
Prop = CT 410
Floor to floor ht. = 3.3 m
Ht. of prop = (3300 – 12 – 160 – 160) mm = 2968 mm
Load carrying capacity of CT 410 at 2.968 m = 26 kN
Loading area = (2.0 x 1.0) m2 = 2.0 m2
Design load intensity = 5.7 kN/ m2
Actual load on prop = 5.7 x 2.0 = 11.4 kN
Hence Safe
COLUMN
Force in diagonal tie rod of column
For a 4.8 m height column box upto 600 mm size
Column side = 600 mm
Steel waler spacing = 1300 mm
Design Concrete pressure for columns = 90 kN/ m2
Width of loading on waler = 1300 mm
Horizontal force due to pressure on each of the four walers = 0.6 x 1.3 x 90
= 70.2 kN
At each side of the two open corners of the column box, the waler end will be subjected to
the following forces Fy
Fx
Fx
Fy
Where Fx = 70.2 / 2 = 35.1 kN

Fy = 70.2 / 2 = 35.1 kN
FORM WORK DESIGN 31

Resultant diagonal force R = 1.414 x Fx or Fy = 49.6 kN

This Force is resisted by the tie rod which has the Safe bearing capacity of 50 kN.
Design of Slab Formwork - Conventional

Data
Slab Thickness 150 mm
Use 12 mm plywood as sheathing
4” x 4” Timber beams as secondary and primary beams
Floor Props CT as the staging
Section property of 4” x 4” (i.e., 10 cm x 10 cm) Timber
Breadth, B = 100 mm
Depth, D = 100 mm
Area, A =BxD = 10000 mm2
Moment of Inertia, I = (1/12) x100x1003 = 833.33 x 104 mm4
Section modulus, Zxx = I/ (D/2) =166.67 x 103 mm3
Modulus of elasticity = 7700 N/mm2
Allowable Bending Stress fb = 700 N/mm2
Allowable Shear Stress fq = 60 N/mm2
Bending Moment capacity = fb x Zxx
= 700 x 166.67 x 103
= 1.167 kN.m
Shear Force Capacity = fq x A
= 60 x 10000
= 6 kN
EI = 64.17 kN m2
Loads
Slab self weight (0.15) x (25+1) = 3.9 kN/ m2
Live load = 1.5 kN/ m2
Formwork load = 0.3 kN/ m2
Total Load = 5.7 kN/ m2
FORM WORK DESIGN 32

Analysis & Design

Plywood
End condition is assumed that of a propped cantilever
Let “L” be the effective span
Note: effective span = clear span + t
Where t is the thickness of plywood
For analysis 1 meter width of plywood is assumed
2
M = w x L /8 = 5.7 x L2/8
By equating Max moment M to the allowable bending moment, we get
L = (0.2 x 8/5.7)^0.5 = 530 mm
Shear force condition
Allowable shear force = 6.16 kN
Q = (5/8) x w x L = (5/8) x 5.7 x L
By equating Max shear force to the allowable shear force
L = (8/5) x 6.16 / 5.7 = 1730 mm
Deflection condition
Allowable deflection = l/360 or 1.5 mm whichever is less
Modulus of rigidity = 1.05 kN m2
d = (1/145) x wxL^4 / (EI) = (1 / 185) x 5.7 x L^4 / (1.07)
By equating the maximum deflection the allowable or limiting deflection,
L = ((145 x 1.07) / (5.7 x 360)) ^ 0.333 = 460 mm
Effective span is taken as the minimum of the above values
Therefore effective span = 460 mm
Using 100 mm x 100 mm Timber Beams the c/c span will be
Eff. Span – 12 + 100 = 547 mm
Say 540 mm
FORM WORK DESIGN 33

Secondary Beam
Spacing = 54 cm
Width of loading = 54 cm
Bending moment Consideration
Allowable bending moment = 1.167 kN m
Maximum moment of the member is given by,
M = w x L2/8 = 3.08 x L 2/8
By equating the maximum moment to the allowable moment, effective span is given by
L = (1.167 x 8 / 3.08) ^ 0.5 = 1740 mm
Shear Force consideration
The maximum shear force is given by,
Q = W x L/2 = 3.08 x L/2
By equating the maximum shear force to the allowable shear force, effective span is given by
L = 2.6 / 3.08 = 3900 mm
Allowable deflection = L / 360 or 6 mm whichever is less
The maximum deflection is given by,
d = (5/384) x W x L^4 / (E I) = (5/384) x 3.08 x L^4 / 64.17
By equating the maximum deflection to the limiting deflection,
L = (((384 / 5) x 64.17 / (3.08 x 360)) ^ 0.333 = 1640 mm
Minimum of the above values is = 1640 mm
Therefore max. span of secondary member is = 1640 mm
Say 1600 mm
Primary Beam
Spacing = 1600 mm
Width of lading = 1600 mm
FORM WORK DESIGN 34


The maximum moment is given by the equation
M = W x L2/8 = 9.12 x L 2/8
By equating the maximum moment to the allowable moment, effective span is
L = (1.167 x 8 / 9.12) ^0.5 = 1010 mm
Shear force consideration
Maximum shear force is given by,
Q = WxL/2 = 9.12 x L/2
By equating the maximum shear force to the limiting shear force, effective span
L = 2.6 / 9.12 = 1320 mm
Allowable deflection = L / 360 or 6 mm whichever is less
d = (5/384) x w x L^4 / (E I) = (5 /384) x 9.12 x L ^ 4 / 64.17
By equating the maximum deflection to the limiting deflection, effective span
L = (((384/5) x 64.17 / (9.12 x 360)) ^0.333 = 1140 mm
Minimum of the above values is = 1010 mm

Therefore max. Span of primary member is 1010 mm.
EARLY STRIPPING
Any floor is designed for Dead Loads + Live Loads
Dead load includes,
¾ Self weight of floor
¾ Floor finishes
¾ Partitions
¾ False ceiling etc
The percentage of self weight alone when compared to the total design load could vary
from 30 % to 60 %. After concreting of the floor the loads are only the sum of self weight
FORM WORK DESIGN 35

and nominal live load. This could be between 40 % and 70 % of the design load. This
reduction in load is more advantageous for early stripping. This is more helpful when the
percentage is less. Hence when the concrete attains the above percentage of its 28 day
strength it is possible to remove the form work fully. Normally concrete attains 40 % strength
in 3 days and 70 % strength in 8 days.
It is also possible to remove the formwork after leaving props known as “Reshores”
to reduce the span of the beam and slab even when the concrete has not attained sufficient
strength for getting fully deshuttered. This will help it getting more number of uses from the
available form work. In case the floor above is to be supported when concreted, then
additional supporting props or scaffolds will have to be provided in the slab below to
withstand the additional load due to weight and construction live loads from floor above.
FORM WORK DESIGN 36

LOAD AND SECTION PROPERTIES

LOAD AS PER DIN STANDARDS
DENSITY OF FRESH CONCRETE 25.00 kN/m3

SHUTTERING LOAD 0.50 kN/m3
LIVE LOAD 1.50 kN/m3 (OR) 20% OF THE SLAB
CONCRETE LOAD WHICHEVER IS
MORE.
12MM THICK PLYWOOD
ALLOWABLE BENDING MOMENT 0.20 kN.m

ALLOWABLE SHEAR 6.16 kN
ALLOWABLE DEFLECTION L/360 (or) 1.5mm WHICHEVER IS LESS
PERMISSIBLE EI VALUE 1.07 kN.m2
19 MM THIICK PLYWOOD

ALLOWABLE DEFLECTION L/360 (or) 1.5mm WHICHEVER IS LESS
PERMISSIBLE EI VALUE 2.73 kN.m2
H-16 TIMBER BEAM

ALLOWABLE DEFLECTION L/360 (or) 6mm WHICHEVER IS LESS
PERMISSIBLE EI VALUE 145 kN.m2
H-20 TIMBER BEAM

ALLOWABLE SHEAR 12 kN
H-16 TIMBER BEAM (imported)

LOAD AND SECTIONAL PROPERTIES 38

H-20 TIMBER BEAM (imported)

PERMISSIBLR EI VALUE 450 kN.m2
H-20 STEEL BEAM

HOLLOW I 160 ALUMINIUM BEAM

STANDARD STEEL WALER

BEAM SPAN 2230

BEAM SPAN EXTN. 152

LOAD AND SECTIONAL PROPERTIES 39

SLAB & BEAM FORMWORKS USING L&T FLEX SYSTEM
CONTENTS
TABLE. F1. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF PLYWOOD SHEATHING
CHARTS AND TABLES

TABLE. F2. ALLOWBLE SPAN OF H-BEAMS (SECONDARY) BELOW RC. SLAB
LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED
TABLE. F3. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF H-BEAMS (PRIMAYR) BELOW RC. SLAB (FOR INTERMEDIATE ROWS)
TABLE. F4. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF H-BEAMS (PRIMARY) BELOW RC. SLAB (FOR END ROWS)
TABLE. F5. ALLOWABLE LOAD ON CT PROPS
TABLE. F6. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF H-16 BEAM @ BEAM BOTTOM (FORINTERMEDIATE BEAMS)
TABLE. F7. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF H-16 BEAM @ BEAM BOTTOM (FOR END BEAMS)
TABLE. F8. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF H-20 BEAM @ BEAM BOTTOM (FOR INTERMEDIATE BEAMS)
TABLE. F9. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF H-20 BEAM @ BEAM BOTTOM (FOR END BEAMS)
TABLE. F10. ALLOWABLE SPACING OF BEAM FORMING SUPPORT @ BEAM SIDE
TABLE. F11. SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENTS OF BEAM FORMING SUPPORT AND TRANSVERSE H-20W BEAMS
FCCE
41
TABLE F1 ALLOWABLE EFFCETIVE SPAN OF PLYWOOD
FOR SLAB THICK UPTO 300 mm
SLAB THICK (mm) 100 120 150 180 200 230 250 280 300
Total Load (kN/m2) 4.4 4.9 5.7 6.5 7.0 7.8 8.3 9.1 9.7
Max. eff. Span of 500 480 460 440 430 410 400 390 380
12 mm plywood (mm)
Max. eff. Span of 680 660 630 600 590 560 550 540 530
19mm plywood (mm)
FOR SLAB THICKNESS FROM 350 TO 1200MM
SLAB THICK (mm) 350 400 450 500 550 600 800 1000 1200
Total Load (kN/m2) 11.2 12.8 14.3 16 17.5 19 25.3 31.5 37.7
Max. eff. Span of 370 350 330 320 300 290 250 230 210
12 mm plywood (mm)
Max. eff. Span of 490 460 440 410 390 380 330 290 270
19mm plywood (mm)
Note: 1kN = 100 Kg.
CHARTS AND TABLES 42




FLOOR PROP
B
C
A
A
B
C







SLAB & BEAM FORMWORKS USING L&T HD.TOWERS
CONTENTS
TABLE. H1. LOAD ON HD FRAME OF TOWER 225x152 SIZE @ BEAM BOTTOM
(ASSUMED NO INTERMEDIATE TOWER PROVIDED BELOW SLAB.)

(ASSUMED ONE INTERMEDIATE TOWER PROVIDED BEALOW SLAB.)

(ASSUMED NO INTERMEDIATE TOWER PROVIDED BEALOW SLAB.)
CHARTS AND TABLES

TABLE . H4. LOAD ON HD FRAME OF TOWER 152x152 SIZE @ BEAM BOTTOM
LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED
TABLE. H5. ALLOWABEL SPAN OF BEAM SPAN EXTN.152 @ SLAB BOTTOM

TABLE. H6. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF BEAM SPAN EXTN.152 @ SLAB BOTTOM

TABLE. H7. ALLOWABLE SPAN OF BEAM SPAN EXTN.152 @ BEAM BOTTOM
TABLE. H8. ALLOWABLE LOAD ON STEEL WALER @ BEAM BOTTOM
TABLE. H9. ALLOWABLE SPACING OF H-16 BEAMS @ SLAB BOTTOM




TABLE. H13. LOAD ON HD. FRAME @ SLAB BOTTOM

FCCE
53













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LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED FCCE

FORM WORK DESIGN

CONCRETE LOAD AND PRESSURE

Loads on forms are:

• Weight of reinforcing steel and fresh concrete

• Self weight of forms

• Various live loads imposed during the construction process

Generally the weight of concrete with reinforcement can be assumed as 25 KN / cum.

LATERAL PRESSURE ON CONCRETE

• Density of concrete (kg/cum)

• Workability of the mix, Slump (mm)

• Rate of placing R (m/h)

• Concrete temperature (deg. Celsius)

FORM WORK DESIGN 10

• Height of lift H (m)

• Minimum dimension of the section cast, d (mm)

If Pm = Lateral pressure, kg / sq. cm

Rst = Rate of placement, m/h

Tc = Temperature of concrete in the form, deg. Celsius

h = height of fresh concrete above point considered, m

1. For columns, Pm = 0.073 + 8.0 Rst

2. For walls, rate of placement not exceeding 2.0 m/h,

Pm = 0.073 + 8.0 Rst

Pm = 0.073 + 11.78 + 2.49 Rst

FORM WORK DESIGN 11

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT LOADS

Where, F = average force

W= weight of loaded equipment

a = acceleration or deceleration of equipment

FORM WORK DESIGN 12

Hence following simplifications can be done for computations of bending moment,

• All loads are assumed uniformly distributed

The stresses induced in every member of formwork, in bending, in shear and in

• for sheathing, 1.6 mm

• for members spanning up to 1.5m is 3.0 mm

Freshly placed concrete comprises a gradation of particles from coarse aggregate

FORM WORK DESIGN 13

 Aggregate shape. Size, grading and density

 Plan area of the cast section

 Plan shape of the cast section

 Roughness of the sheeting material

 Slope of the form

 Placing method (e.g. in lifts or continuous vertical rate of rise)

FORM WORK DESIGN 14

Pmax = D (C1 √R + C2K√ (H-C2 √R1)) or Dh kN/m2 whichever is less.

FORM WORK DESIGN 15

Figure 1 Design Pressure Envelope

Figure 2 is an example of measurements of formwork pressure and deflection taken

FORM WORK DESIGN 16

Figure 2 Formwork pressures and deflection measurements

Walls C1 = 1.0 Columns: C1 = 1.5

OPC. RHPC, or SRPC without admixtures 0.3

OPC. RHPC or SRPC with any admixture, except a retarder 0.3

OPC. RHPC or SRPC with a retarder 0.45

LHPBFR. PBFC.PPFAC or blends containing less than 70% ggbfs 0.45

LHPBFC.PBFC.PPFAC or blends containing less than 70% ggbfs or

LHPBFC.PBFC.PPFAC or blends containing less than 70% ggbfs or

FORM WORK DESIGN 17

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE

Cementitious Materials and Admixtures

A major change from existing practice is the recommendation that superplasticised

FORM WORK DESIGN 18

Concrete Temperature at Placing

Aggregate shape. Size, grading and density

Plan area of the cast section

Plan shape of the cast section

Roughness of the sheeting material

Slope of the form

Placing method (e.g. in lifts or continuous vertical rate of rise)