Formwork installation procedure involves the following operations:
- Propping and centring – Propping is a system of structural members used temporarily to support loads during construction. The forces arising from these loads must be fully resolved, using props or columns to provide all the support needed for the work under construction, such as beams, formwork but are not limited to only the above mentioned.
- Shuttering – Formwork (Shuttering) acts as moulds for pouring concrete.
- Provision of chamber – The formation of a sharp nice corner is practically difficult and the concrete at corners is easily chipped and broken into pieces during the removal of concrete formwork. Hence, the provision of chamber could protect the corner from chipping when striking formwork.
- Cleaning and surface treatment – Cleaning and surface treatment.
Formwork stripping procedure
When is it safe to start the formwork stripping procedure?
The forms or moulds that holds the concrete in place until it dries should be left alone for at least two days to ensure that the concrete has cured. If the forms are removed too soon, the concrete can begin to sag, crack and collapse.
To start the formwork stripping procedure, you need a qualified contractor to follow the following steps:
- Allow the concrete to dry before removing the forms. You’ll want the concrete to be hard and strong so that removing the forms does not result in a sagging surface. Allow the concrete to cure overnight.
- Remove forms starting at the top of sloping slabs. Use a hammer to remove nails from the stakes holding the forms in place.
- Remove the stakes from the ground that support the forms with a stake puller to avoid damaging the stakes or the forms.
- Pull the forms away from the sides of the concrete slab using as little force as possible. If a form sticks to the slab or is difficult to remove, use the pry bar to pry the form upward from the ground, loosening the form from the concrete in the process. Pull the loosened form from the concrete. Be careful not to gouge the slab with the pry bar in the process.
- Remove forms on alternating sides of the slab to maintain the structural balance. For example, with a square slab start at the upper left corner, then remove the form from the lower right corner, then the upper right followed by the lower left. Remove all forms in this manner. If the forms are reusable, clean them and store them in a dry place. Otherwise, dispose of the forms.
For all your formwork needs, contact Formacon. We are specialists in concrete formwork construction.
