FORMWORK

Introduction

Formwork is the mould to shape the concrete structure. Good concrete cannot be made from a
poor mould; thus formwork is very important in producing good concrete. Besides that, it has to
be designed to take the concrete load and the working load generated from workers and plant.
An excessive deflection or leaky and not well-fitted mould which loses grout and weakens the
concrete can destroy the appearance of the concrete product. Moreover a leaky joint can cause
honeycombing and joint marks on the face of concrete.

The timber formwork is  Steel formwork, shown 

prepared on site for the  here being struck, is 
construction of columns usually prefabricated 
and walls. off site.

Materials

Timber and plywood are generally used in Hong Kong for in-situ concrete work, as shown in the
AEB project illustrated in this website. Steel formwork is also used, particularly in Harmony and
Concord public housing work.

Glass-reinforced plastic formwork may be used for complex shapes and special surface features.

Timber Formwork Steel Formwork

 
Checklist

This section contains checklists of activities which need to be carried out before concrete is
placed in formwork.

Formwork

 Correct position
 Line and level
 Accuracy within permitted tolerances
 Shape of members
 Verticality (plumb)
 Correct angles for batters etc.
 Finishing heights (mark off)

Joint

 Formwork joints flush and tight

 No nails protruding into the concrete
 Formwork joints sealed as required
 Construction joints strutted and supported

Waterstops

 Correctly positioned
 Fixed and suitably supported

Ties and Fixings

 Correct number
 Correct lengths
 Tight enough and not too tight
 Fitted with the proper washers

Finish

 All forms perfectly cleaned out

 Release agents correctly applied
 

Striking

The specification will normally give guidance on when forms can be struck and these times may
be governed by the size and shape of the member, the concrete mix, and the weather.

To strike the wallform, ties and clamps should be loosened gradually, a little at a time.

To remove the props, release the props evenly in small stages starting at the middle of the span
and working out towards the supports. This can avoid overloading of the props at the centre of
the span due to large deflection at the centre.

Always withdraw or hammer down projecting nails as the formwork is struck from the concrete.

Make sure that other trades are kept away from areas below those where striking is being done.

Some Formwork Examples

Curing Concrete in Timber Formwork

Timber formwork for

ground beams

Formwork Removed: Soldier Pile Wall

The formworkers are

 stripping the wallform
after concrete curing

After the concreting and curing,

large steel wall panels are stripped
by the tower crane.

Cleaning

As soon as the formwork has been struck, it should be cleaned, not left until it is wanted again.

Timber and plywood forms should be cleaned with a stiff brush to remove any grout; a timber
scraper should be used for stubborn bits of grout.

With glass reinforced plastics, a brush and wet cloth are all that should be needed.

When steel forms are to be put in store or are not going to be used for some time, they should be
lightly oiled to prevent rusting.

Timber and untreated plywood should also have a coat of release agent applied for protection if
they are not going to be re-used immediately.

Any depressions, splits and nail holes should be repaired with plastic wood or similar material,
followed by a light rubbing down.

Before concreting, the insides of the forms should be cleaned. Where the forms are deep,
temporary openings should be provided for inspection.