A collection of articles on concrete formwork design and construction
1. A Collection Of Articles On
Concrete Formwork Design And
Construction
By
Detail By Design
2. Concrete is a combination construction material made mostly from water, cement, and aggregates.
Concrete can be made with a variety of combinations from the above three components and is one of the
most used products today. Architects specify concrete for foundations, walls, pavements, structures,
bridges, roads, runways, parking lots, dams, pipes, fences, posts, and even watercraft. Some well know
concrete structures include the world’s tallest building- Burj Khalifa, dams, e.g. Hoover Dam, canals, e.g.,
the Panama Canal, and historic structures like the ancient Roman Pantheon.
From history, we know that builders in Roman times used concrete and a great example is the Coliseum.
However after Rome fell, concrete was temporarily forgotten until it was resurrected in the mid-18th
century. As we can see from Roman ruins, structures made of concrete can have a long service life.
Modern structural concrete differs from Roman concrete in two important aspects. First, the mix
consistency is fluid and homogeneous which allows the product to be poured into concrete formwork
rather than requiring hand-layering together with the placement of aggregate, which, as Roman builders
used often enough was rubble. Second, integral reinforcing steel gives modern concrete formations
additional great structural and tension strength. In contrast, Roman concrete was dependent only upon
the strength of the concrete bonding to resist tension. Also with modern day’s concrete, since concrete
has a high thermal mass and very low permeability, it can be used for energy efficient housing too.
Concrete has impacted the world in recent times tremendously. Its usage is worldwide, and is used
twice as much as steel, wood, plastics, and aluminum combined. Concrete's use in the modern world is
only exceeded by the usage of naturally occurring water. Concrete is also the basis of a large commercial
industry and is used to define the infrastructure of the modern world. The business of concrete production
is a thirty billion dollar a year industry, taking into account only the value of the ready-mixed concrete
product sold each year.
The ever present use of concrete has been made easier by advances in concrete formwork technology.
Since concrete initially occurs as slurry without forms, the product will settle into lumps or pancakes.
Concrete formwork allows concrete to be used in more application and in more difficult projects. In
addition to the extensive application of formwork, concrete detailing now gives concrete a new image.
Gone are the days of simple flat finishes. Today concrete can be poured to resemble stone, brick, tile,
and a variety of other products. There are so many possibilities that one should consider asking an
expert in concrete consulting. There are so many aspects that the property owner may find it too difficult
to plan for the upcoming remodeling projects. This is why it is better to consult with an expert so as to
now see new trends in concrete detailing work. The expert can save you time and money by advising you
as to the best formwork needed, and to the newest possibilities found in concrete detailing.
3. Key Areas of Concern for the Concrete Formwork Design Specialist
There is a wide range of things that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to concrete
formwork design overall. This type of design is going to serve as the molding foundation of the structure
that is being produced. While you do have the opportunity to remove this framework once the concrete
is strong enough to support itself, it can also become a permanent component of the structure if you
decide to leave it in place instead. However, as the design specialist of this concrete formwork, it is
imperative that you address several imperative areas of concern even before the work is started. What
are these areas of concern?
Selecting the Appropriate Materials
Before any work can even be started, the designer of the formwork is primarily responsible for selecting
the best materials that can be used in order to get the job done right the first time around. They need
to ensure that the chosen materials meet the expectations and requirements of the job and are able to
maintain the safety and quality standards that have been put in place as well for the overall project. In
order to save both time and money, the designer needs to ensure that the formwork is easily
constructed and develop it in a way that it can be efficiently stripped back down in a timely fashion.
Quality Strength & Structure over Quality Appearance
Many engineers and formwork designers become ensnared by the trap of creating a concrete formwork
design looks great and have an appealing quality from the surface, but that are not efficient and
effective at fulfilling their specific purpose and overall objective. The strength and sturdiness of this
formwork needs to be the first priority, because the design has to be able to bear the weight of the
heavy loads that it will be supporting. That is the only way that it is going to be able to produce the
concrete that is required for the structure in an acceptable condition.
Do Not Set Yourself Up for Failure
There are many concrete detailing specialists that may have an abundance of experience and training
within this field but that fail in their work from the very beginning. How is that possible? By not paying
the proper amount of attention to ensuring that you have the best quality materials available for the
job, you will be setting yourself up for failure before the job even begins.
4. Paying Attention to the Costs Associated with Concrete Formwork Design
In recent years, concrete formwork design has become widely popular throughout the world as many
different professionals and specialists strive to find more efficient and cost-effective methods and
techniques to implement within their respective industries. Concrete formwork has always been viewed
as the underlying mold and basic foundation of concrete elements that are produced with a specific size
and setting in mind.
Once it has been erected in order to fulfill its primary purpose, it can either be removed once the
concrete has been able to reach a high extent of strength and sturdiness or it can be left in to become a
permanent part of the finished structure. However, before making any final decisions about the
concrete detailing, you need to first focus on the on the costs that are associated with this type of
design.
The Integral Element of the Cost
When it comes to the costs and expenses associated with the concrete formwork design, the most
integral element that plays a significant role is the formwork itself. You have to be able to control and
manage these costs effectively and efficiently, so it is imperative that you choose wisely when it comes
to selecting the concrete forms that you are going to use to meet the requirements and exceed the
expectations of the specific job or project that is being worked.
Cutting Corners is Not the Safest Route
Even though saving money is a top priority for many people, especially those that are trying to adhere to
the limited constraints of a tight budget, it is vital that you do not sacrifice the quality of the formwork
itself. This high level of quality is necessary in order to create a completed concrete element that is able
to successfully meet the specified criteria for the job that is being worked through in reference to the
finish, size and position. Along with quality, you also want to make sure that you are not jeopardizing
the safety elements of the formwork design as well because it is crucial that those regulations are also
met.
Only Make Wise Decisions
Cost is a key factor that should never be forgotten when it comes to concrete formwork design, but you
should not allow the associated costs and expenses become the crutch that impairs your overall vision.
5. You still have to have a formwork that is reliable, efficient and of a high quality that will provide lasting
benefits as well as meet safety regulations along with the various requirements of your specific job.
Understanding the Basics of Concrete Formwork Design
You may have seen the phrase “concrete formwork design” circulating on different forms of print media
or may have conversed about the overall concept of this formwork around the water cooler at work.
Even though it may seem like an overcomplicated and highly complex concept, it is actually much
simpler to understand than you may think. What exactly is concrete formwork design? How is it used
and how can it benefit you today?
What is Concrete Formwork Design?
The basic purpose of concrete formwork is to provide a mold for the production of various concrete
elements that all have a specific size and overall configuration. In most cases, it is erected primarily to
meet that target objective and then it is immediately removed once the concrete has been able to
progress to an acceptable level of strength and stability. Even though this step takes place in the vast
majority of situations, it is still possible for you to have this formwork remain in place even after the
concrete has been strengthened can effectively become a permanent part of the structure without
compromising its overall stability and texture.
How to Ensure Satisfactory Performance
When building the plan for the design and development of the concrete formwork design that you will
choose, your main focus needs to be ensuring that the formwork is sufficiently strong and sturdy
enough to carry the weight of the loads that have been produced directly by the concrete, workers and
any other type of equipment or useful materials that were brought in to provide further support for the
forms.
There are many people and professionals that derail this train of thought and overall progress with
hopes of still being able to establish the satisfactory degree of performance of their efforts, but they
have to eventually face the grim reality of the consequence of their mistaken actions. The strength and
sturdiness of the formwork truly does need to be at the top of the list of priorities.
Rely on the Expertise and Guidance of Trained Professionals
Even though it may seem like a simple process that can be handled properly even by an inexperienced
amateur, this is the farthest thing from the truth. If you truly do want to have this done right the first
time around by constructing a foundation that is going to last for many years to come and pay off as a
6. great investment of your time and money, then you should not hesitate to trust in the expertise of a
trained professional that has an abundance of experience in concrete formwork and overall concrete
detailing.
Understanding the Differences in Concrete Formwork Design Types
Concrete formwork design has truly become widely popular over the years and has transitioned
gradually into becoming a dominant force and highly chosen preference within the industry. When it
comes to these specific type of design overall, there are basically two different categories that can be
focused on in which all formwork can be classified. What are these two categories? The first category is
a job-built form and the second category is a prefabricated form. What are the differences that exist
between the two categories?
The Advantages of a Job-Built Form
When working with a job-built form, you will be specifically working with a form that is specially
designed, developed and used to meet the specific requirements of a specific project. This form is
structurally sound but it not built to be vague or easily customizable for a wide range of different
projects. It is constructed for the needs of one specific project and should be used in order to fulfill only
those needs for maximum benefits.
In most cases, job-built forms are built with lumber framing as well as plywood sheathing and may even
consist of proprietary hardware within the planned assembly as well. If you are looking to save money
without sacrificing quality, the best thing that you can do would be to invest in this particular type of
concrete formwork design. Why is that the case? Any type of forming that is more complex in nature
would be more costly when commercial form systems are being used, so the best investment that can
be made in these instances would be to go with a job-built form.
The Advantages of a Prefabricated Form
On the other hand, if you are searching for a form that can be designed and developed with materials
that can be used repeatedly over and over again, a job-built form may not be the best route to take in
your case. Instead, you should seriously consider investing in a prefabricated form. While it is true that
they are the most costly option of the two available form choices, you are provided with an increased
number of reuse cycles that you will not receive by going with a job-built form. This will also allow you
to benefit from not having to spend time erecting and stripping forms continuously, which will save you
money in the long run by reducing the amount of productivity that you would have had to allocate in
order to fulfill those needs.
7. Examining Your Preference and Specific Needs
When it comes to deciding whether or not you want to invest in the job-built form or prefabricated form
for your concrete formwork and concrete detailing needs, the most important point that you need to
keep in mind is that your choice must be able to fulfill your specific needs. Even though you may
personally prefer one particular form over the other does not mean that it is going to be the best option
to meet your specific requirements and needs. Focus on your needs first instead of your personal
preferences when it comes to concrete formwork design and it will pay off for you in the end.
Getting A Great Patio Starts With Concrete Formwork
As you stand at the fence admiring your neighbor’s patio or driveway with its’ clean edges, a tinge of
envy reaches for you. Maybe it is time to get off your “you know what”, and build that concrete patio
you have talking about. Concrete is really amazing. Remember as a kid how you fell on it and scraped a
knee? It was so hard, yet it comes out the mixer as heavy slurry which you can shovel. It flows and
adopts the shape desired by the contractor. Hence, your finished concrete work is only as good as the
concrete formwork.
Concrete formwork is the system of boards and supports that support the concrete until it cures
because concrete is aggregate, e.g. a coarse gravel and sand, cement which serves as the binder, and
finally water. As such, concrete is a heavy material with the aggregate and water mass. The forms need
to be a material that can withstand the pressure. Usually a contractor will use at least one inch thick
plywood. But even then, the forms still have to be reinforced every 16 inches or 2 feet with a brace
anchored into the ground. The mass of the concrete is pushing out and wants to flow everywhere, yet in
order to have that clean edge, the formwork walls have to be extremely sturdy to withstand the
pressure. Therefore the vertical bracing has to be driven deep into the ground. Any softness in the earth
will translate into sagging stakes. Once the stake sags, the form will bulge. The result will be concrete
that cures crooked. A badly staked form is very difficult to correct with wet concrete. The mass of the
concrete is heavy, and you are also fighting concrete hardening. Concrete will cure within minutes, and
forget about adjusting the formwork for deviations. If your form does bulge, and your concrete cures, it
is possible to use a diamond blade concrete chop saw to trim the concrete, but this is a time consuming
and dirty process.
Also remember that since the curing of concrete is a chemical process, the concrete can bind to your
forms. Therefore, use “formoil” on form surfaces. This oil will stop concrete from binding to the form.
Also concrete expands after it dries; you will need expansion joints between your patio and the house.
An expansion joint has to be inserted which absorbs the slab’s movement. Finally for concrete detailing,
you will need concrete float finishing and scoring tools. In order to get that smooth surface, the finishing
tool is drawn across the top surface to smooth out the finish, and the expansion joint scoring tool
creates the cracks needed.
With a little preparation, you will have that beautiful patio which you will enjoy, and it will be due to
your good solid concrete formwork. In the event you still feel intimidated, there are experts in concrete
consulting who can assist you with your project.
8. Concrete Formwork, From The Crude Forms Of Yesteryear To The Massive Structures Of Today
holding up a new sky scraper.
The history of concrete dates back to the Romans and Egyptians. The Romans and Egyptians used
concrete in various forms for their infrastructure and buildings. The concept has been around since
about 125 A.D. The Roman Pantheon an iconic structure of history was one of the earliest structures to
use concrete formwork in its construction. The world of concrete has made numerous advances over
the years, however concrete is still roughly just cement, aggregate and sand. Certain projects require
the use of what is referred to as reinforced concrete. This is typically a steal framework like rebar which
adds a tremendous amount of strength to the concrete.
There are many different types of concrete formwork systems. Concrete formwork systems can be
temporary structures such as a patio, sidewalk or concrete steps; up to a complex building made of
concrete reinforced with a steel structure. The formwork supports the weight of the concrete until it
has had adequate time to dry into a specific shape and has enough strength to support itself. There are
several types of formwork for concrete.
Timber formwork, moisture resistant and used for traditional types of structures, very simple and
reusable.
Engineered or prefab formwork molds typically built with metals allowing them to be re used over
and over.
Plastic formwork molds, used b y the mass housing developers, cheap to produce, easy to assemble
and very re usable.
Concrete can also be used toward making a structure much more energy efficient. ICF or Insulating
formwork is a permanent structure put together somewhat like Lego blocks that are interlocked
together. Once the pieces are interlocked together the structure is then filled with wet concrete. This
produces a very strong and energy efficient structure. Although a little more costly, a concrete home
not only would be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter but take less energy to heat and cool
the home, thus saving more money in the long run.
ICF formworks produce minimal air leaks which improve comfort and reduce heat loss.
Has a high thermal resistance
9. Up to 10 times stronger than traditional wood frameworks
The world of concrete formwork has made leaps and bounds of positive improvements over the last
1000 years. All the way from the ancient Egyptians to the awesome sky scrapers of today and
tomorrow. I believe the question is concrete formwork necessary for your construction project has
been simply answered. Absolutely necessary, from simple sidewalk forms to complicated steel
buildings, the formwork is what holds it all together.
WOW Look At That Designer Concrete Work!
Gone are the old days of just plain old concrete patios and drives. The old days were marked with flat
surfaces and straight expansion joints every so often to keep the slab from cracking.
Today you can have a driveway that looks like stone, or bricks, and it all comes in the form of concrete
detailing that is now available. In the case of patios, there are stamping designs. All kinds of new
innovations can be learned from your local expert in concrete consulting. In other cases, you can have
concrete walls and columns also poured appearing as tile, stone, or brick, and this is all due to the type
of concrete formwork.
Concrete formwork is the system of boards and supports that support the concrete until it cures
because concrete is aggregate, e.g. a coarse gravel and sand, cement which serves as the binder, and
finally water. As such, concrete is initially a heavy slurry material from the aggregate and water mass.
The forms need to be a material that can withstand this pressure and weight. Usually a contractor needs
sturdy form boards which have to be reinforced with braces so that the forms don’t bulge. The concrete
flows and adapts to the shape of the formwork desired by the contractor. Depending on the design, the
formwork must perform its’ job both to hold the concrete’s shape and then to impart the concrete
detailing desired. Hence, your finished concrete work is only as good as the concrete formwork. Also
since concrete curing is a chemical process, if you don’t treat your forms with “formoil”, then you won’t
be able to remove your designer form easily which will cause damage to the intended design work.
Since concrete needs to flow into nooks and crevices for the design work, you have to have the correct
slump. This is the percentage breakdown of components for the concrete to flow correctly. Your expert
in concrete consulting will also be able to tell you the needed mix. If the proper recipe is not followed
the concrete can fail structurally and/or decoratively.
Even with a designer driveway, you have to have good formwork. Usually a contractor will use at
least one inch thick plywood for a form board. Yet even then, the forms still have to be reinforced every
16 inches or 2 feet with a brace anchored into the ground. The mass of the concrete is pushing out and
wants to flow everywhere, so to have that clean driveway edge, the formwork walls have to be
extremely sturdy to withstand the pressure. This is very important when you start to stamp the surface
of your patio for concrete detailing. As the concrete cures, but is not totally dry that is the time to start
stamping and as you are pressing the pattern into the concrete your formwork has to hold. The saying
so goes that “your concrete project is only as good as your formwork.”
10. Call Harry Stamaty for your next concrete formwork design project at 614-870-5144 or visit our website
at www.concreteformworkdesigns.com
