Formwork is the term used for the process of

creating a temporary mould into

which concrete is poured and formed.
Traditional formwork is fabricated
using timber, but it can also be constructed
from steel, glass fiber reinforced plastics and
other materials.
Timber is a type of wood which has been
processed into beams and planks.
It is also known as “lumber” in US and
Canada.
Timbers are used for the structural purpose
for building houses and making furniture.
Timber for formwork should satisfy the
following requirements, it should be:
* Well seasoned
* Light in weight
* Easily workable with nails without splitting
* Free from loose knots
Timber used for shuttering for exposed
concrete work should have smooth and even
surface on all faces which come in contact
with concrete.
Normal sizes of members for timber formwork
are:

Sheeting for slabs, beam, column side and beam

bottom 25 mm to 40mm

Thick Joints, ledges 50 x 70 mm to

50 x 150 mm

Posts 75 x 100mm to
100 x 100 mm
 Easy handling because it’s light weight.
 Easy to disassemble.
 Damaged parts can be replaced with new one.
 Very flexible.
 Economically cheap and easily available in the
market.
 Can’t be used for long. Have limited re-use.
Can only be re-used 5 or 6 times.
 If the timber is dry, it will absorb moisture
from wet concrete which could weaken the
resultant concrete member.
 Timber with high moisture content (more
than 20 % moisture content), wet concrete
will shrink & cup leading to open joints &
leakage of grout.