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Construction formwork plays an important role in pouring concrete molds for construction works. Depending on purpose, contractors will choose different types of formwork in construction (wood, steel, plastic…). To help you better understand the uses as well as the structure, characteristics of them, Fiber Wood will present more clearly through the article below

Formwork is a material used as molds to create concrete or reinforced concrete structures

construction formwork
Construction formwork

In addition, construction formwork is often produced from materials that are water-resistant, moisture-resistant and heat-resistant in harsh environments. Depending on the purpose of use, formwork panels will have different thicknesses, suitable for the needs of contractors

Structure of construction formwork

In the current market, it is not difficult to find many different types of formwork boards: red formwork boards, black film faced plywood, brown film faced plywood, long formwork boards… and depending on each type, there will be different purposes of use. However, in general, the structure of formwork in construction is similar

General structure

Construction formwork consists of 3 main parts:

  • Surface: this is the part that is in direct contact with the concrete surface, playing a decisive role in the shape and structure of the concrete when it hardens
  • Stiffening ribs: with the role of helping to increase stiffness, this is the main load-bearing part of the mold, they combine with the assembled face board into a shape suitable for each construction layout
  • Connecting accessories: the main materials used are wooden bars, bolts, nails, screws… to help tightly connect and hold the wood formwork panels together
 
formwork in construction
Use formwork panels to connect

Specifications

In the current market, formwork in construction is produced in many different specifications to meet all customer needs. Common specifications include:

  • Board width: 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm, 450mm, 500mm, 550mm, 600mm,… this size is suitable for many types of projects from small to large
  • Board length: formwork is often used in construction works, so the length of the board is quite large, most commonly from 1000mm to 2440mm. In addition, formwork boards also have lengths up to 3000mm (long formwork), used in works with special requirements on length
  • Board thickness: Formwork board thickness is diverse, the most common are 12mm, 15mm, 18mm. Of which, 18mm is the most commonly used
wood formwork
Thickness of formwork in construction

Technical standards of construction formwork

To ensure the safety and quality of the project, formwork in construction need to satisfy a number of technical criteria as follows:

concrete forming plywood
Technical standards of formwork
  • Formwork: must be tight and have no gaps to avoid liquid concrete from flowing out when poured, causing deformation of the concrete structure
  • Form the mold according to the design of the project, ensuring that the concrete is poured in the right position
  • The formwork must be able to withstand the force until the wooden formwork is removed from the concrete structure

Popular types of construction formwork

Nowadays, there are many different types of formwork on the market with many distinct characteristics. Including traditional formwork (natural wood, industrial wood, film-coated plywood) and modern formwork (steel, aluminum, plastic)

Natural wood formwork

Natural wood formwork is assembled from forest wooden bars, cut to suitable sizes for shaping concrete into blocks. Suitable for all types of level 4 and low-rise buildings

wood formwork
Natural wood formwork

Film faced plywood

Film faced plywood is a type of concrete forming plywood made from thin wooden panels pressed together, produced according to a strict process with the heat pressing method and using specialized glue. With the advantages of a surface that is anti-adhesive to concrete, waterproof, moisture-proof and can be reused many times, film coated plywod is known as an optimal formwork plywood in construction projects

concrete forming plywood
Film orming plywood

Steel formwork

Steel formwork is made of steel, the shaped frame is very sturdy and can withstand good force. However, this type of formwork is quite heavy, making it difficult to move and install

construction plywood
Steel formwork

Aluminum formwork

Aluminum formwork is made from aluminum alloy, has relatively high durability and adapts well to harsh climate conditions. Often used in high-rise construction projects

construction formwork
Aluminum formwork

Plastic formwork

Plastic formwork is a new generation of formwork, produced in modern production lines. With good anti-adhesion ability, light weight and high durability, plastic formwork is applied in most construction projects

Construction formwork
Plastic formwork

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of construction formwork on the market

Nowadays, there are many types of construction formwork, so it is difficult to choose the right type for your needs. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of formwork, here is a detailed comparison table

Types

Advantages

Disadvantages

Natural wood formwork

  • Light, easy to transport and install
  • Good bearing capacity
  • Reusable 12-15 times
  • Easy to cut into different sizes
  • Consuming natural resources, polluting the environment
  • Surface quality degrades after repeated reuse

Forming plywood – film faced sheet

  • Flat surface, good non-stick
  • Light weight, easy to move and install
  • Reusable up to 20 times
  • Good moisture resistance, high durability
  • Reduce shrinkage, warping, termites
  • Must have storage
  • Surface deterioration after repeated use

Steel formwork

  • Reusable many times (up to 50 times)
  • Highly regarded for its accuracy
  • Quality construction, good concrete surface
  • Various sizes
  • Heavy, difficult to move and install
  • High cost
  • Easy to warp, sticky
  • It is dangerous if
  • improper use

Aluminum formwork

  • Rust – free
  • Beautiful concrete surface
  • Fast floor upgrade
  • Reusable 
  • Complex installation
  • High cost
  • The weight is also relatively heavy

Plastic formwork

  • Light weight, safe to uú
  • Quick installation and disassembly
  • Highly reusable
  • Easy to clean after construction
  • High initial investment cost

Where to buy quality construction formwork?

Nowadays, construction formwork is gradually becoming popular and trusted by contractors, especially film-coated formwork. With the function of shaping concrete molds for construction works, the birth of formwork has brought many benefits and moreover, it reduces construction time, easy to transport and install

Film faced plywood at Fiber Wood is produced in a Vietnamese factory, with the ability to be reused up to 20 times. Possessing modern machinery, along with a professional production process, we are confident that we will bring top quality construction plywood

 
construction formwork
Fiber Wood - high quality forming plywood supplier

Above is some information about construction formwork, we hope that this content will help customers make the most suitable formwork choice. Contact Fiber Wood for the most detailed advice on construction film faced plywood!