BT5 Formworks and Scaffolding Systems

Formwork

is a temporary or permanent mold into which fresh concrete is poured and shaped until it hardens and gains enough strength to support itself

Formwork

acts as a framework that defines the shape, size, and surface finish of the concrete structure.

Temporary Formwork

After the concrete sets, the formwork is removed

Permanent Formwork

After the concrete sets, the formwork is left in place

support and shape

Formwork provides ….. to freshly placed concrete.

correct dimensions and alignment

Formwork ensures the structure has the …

weight and pressure

Formwork resists the ….. of wet concrete, reinforcement, workers, and equipment during construction.

surface finish of concrete

Formwork helps achieve the desired …

Timber/Plywood

Traditional, widely available, low cost, but limited reuse

Steel

Strong, durable, produces smooth finishes; initial cost is high but reusable many times.

Aluminum

(FORMWORK MATERIAL) Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, good for repetitive work.

Plastic/Fiberglass

(FORMWORK MATERIAL) Modular, lightweight, easy to handle; suitable for small-scale projects.

Hybrid/Engineered Systems

Prefabricated panels combining different materials, used for modern high-rise construction

Traditional Timber Formwork

(FORMWORK) Flexible but labor-intensive

Engineered Modular Formwork

(FORMWORK) Prefabricated panels for speed and accuracy

Slip Form

(TYPES OF FORMWORK) Moves continuously as concrete sets, ideal for tall silos, chimneys, and towers.

Tunnel Form

Casts walls and slabs in one operation; speeds up repetitive housing projects

Climbing Form

(FORMWORK) Designed for high-rise buildings, moves upward with the structure

Permanent Formwork

Precast or insulating panels that remain as part of the structure.

Scaffolding

A temporary structure made of metal tubes, timber, or other materials that provides a working platform and access for workers, materials, and equipment during construction, repair, or maintenance of buildings and structures

Scaffolding

meant for supporting workers and tools

safe access to heights and hard-to-reach areas.

Scaffolding provides…

working platform for laborers, engineers, and supervisors.

Scaffolding offers a

construction materials and tools

Scaffolding supports….. during work

safety and stability

Scaffolding ensures … for people working at elevated levels

Tube & Coupler

Flexible, can adapt to irregular shapes, but labor-intensive

Frame Scaffolding

(TYPE OF SCAFFOLDING) Lightweight and commonly used in building construction

System Scaffolding

(TYPE OF SCAFFOLDING) Modular systems (Cuplock, Ringlock, Kwikstage) for speed and safety

Suspended Scaffolding

Platforms hung by ropes or cables; common in high-rise window cleaning

Cantilever Scaffolding

Supported only at one end, used when ground space is limited.

Trestle Scaffolding

(SCAFFOLDING) Short, portable, used indoors for painting and finishing

Proper guardrails and toe boards

it prevent falls and accidents

ladders, stairs

Gives workers safe access

Load limits

must always be respected

daily inspection

Scaffolds require …. by competent personnel.

helmets, harnesses, and other PPE

workers must wear this

Strong enough to support both workers and materials.
Stable and resistant to swaying or collapse.
Easy to assemble, modify, and dismantle as the work progresses.
Must comply with safety codes and regulations

Requirements of Good Scaffolding

PVC Forms

Lightweight plastic/PVC panels, resistant to water, reusable, and give smooth finishes.

Steel Forms

Durable, reusable hundreds of times, provide accurate shapes and smooth finishes.

Phenolic Forms

Made of plywood laminated with phenolic film; smoother, water-resistant, and more durable than ordinary plywood

Hydraulic & Mechanical Systems

Formwork that can be raised or lowered using mechanical jacks or hydraulic systems, reducing labor

Slipform Method

Continuous casting of vertical structures (e.g., chimneys, silos, towers) where the formwork "slips" upward as concrete sets.

Jumpform Method

Used for high-rise cores and towers; formwork is cast in lifts and then "jumps" upward to the next level

Gridflex

A modular slab formwork system with aluminum beams and panels, fast to assemble.

Climbing Formwork

Moves upward with the building (mechanically or hydraulically), often used in skyscrapers and bridge pylons

Integral Forms

formwork systems that remain in place permanently and also act as part of the structure.

Form Steel Deck

Also called "metal deck formwork."

Form Steel Deck

Steel sheets are laid down and act as both formwork during casting and reinforcement after concrete sets.

Form Steel Deck

Commonly used in slabs and floors of buildings