Formworks & Scaffolding Systems

Formwork

— in construction 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

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

After the concrete sets, the formwork is either removed (in the case of temporary formwork) or left in place (in the case of permanent formwork).

• Provides support and shape to freshly placed concrete.

• Ensures the structure has the correct dimensions and alignment.

• Resists the weight and pressure of wet concrete, reinforcement, workers, and equipment during construction.

• Helps achieve the desired surface finish of the concrete.

Key Functions of Formwork:

Timber/Plywood

Steel

Aluminum

Plastic/Fiberglass

Hybrid/Engineered Systems

Formwork Materials

Timber/Plywood

Formwork Materials

Traditional, widely available, low cost, but limited reuse.

Steel

Formwork Materials

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

Aluminum

Formwork Materials

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, good for repetitive work.

Plastic/Fiberglass

Formwork Materials

Modular, lightweight, easy to handle; suitable for small-scale projects.

Hybrid/Engineered Systems

Formwork Materials

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

Traditional Timber Formwork

Engineered Modular Formwork

Slip Form

Tunnel Form

Climbing Form

Permanent Formwork

Types of Formwork Systems

Traditional Timber Formwork

Types of Formwork Systems

Flexible but labor-intensive

Engineered Modular Formwork

Types of Formwork Systems

Prefabricated panels for speed and accuracy.

Slip Form

Types of Formwork Systems

Moves continuously as concrete sets, ideal for tall silos, chimneys, and towers.

Tunnel Form

Types of Formwork Systems

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

Climbing Form

Types of Formwork Systems

Designed for high-rise buildings, moves upward with the structure.

Permanent Formwork

Types of Formwork Systems

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.

formwork

holds fresh concrete

scaffolding

meant for supporting workers and tools.

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

• Offers a working platform for laborers, engineers, and supervisors.

• Supports construction materials and tools during work.

• Ensures safety and stability for people working at elevated levels.

Functions of Scaffolding

(A) SCAFFOLD PLANKS (BOARDS)

(B) BEARER (TRANSOM)

(C) LONGITUDINAL (FACADE) BRACING

(D) TRANSVERSE (SECTIONAL) BRANCING

(E) TOP RAIL

(F) (MID) RAIL

(G) TOE BOARD

(H) POST (STANDARD)

(I) RUNNER (LEDGER)

(J) BASE PLATE (150mm X 150mm X 6m thick)

(K) SILL (SOLE BOARD)

(L) SELE CLOSING DROP BAR (INSIDE POSTS)

(M) BASE LIFT (KICKER LIFT)

(N) FALSE UPRIGHT (PUNCHEON)

(O) COUPLER

PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING

Tube & Coupler

Frame Scaffolding

System Scaffolding

Suspended Scaffolding

Cantilever Scaffolding

Trestle Scaffolding

Types of Scaffolding Systems

Tube & Coupler

Types of Scaffolding Systems

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

Frame Scaffolding

Types of Scaffolding Systems

Lightweight and commonly used in building construction.

System Scaffolding

Types of Scaffolding Systems

Modular systems (Cuplock, Ringlock, Kwikstage) for speed and safety.

Suspended Scaffolding

Types of Scaffolding Systems

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

Cantilever Scaffolding

Types of Scaffolding Systems

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

Trestle Scaffolding

Types of Scaffolding Systems

Short, portable, used indoors for painting and finishing.

• Proper guardrails and toe boards prevent falls and accidents.

• Workers must have safe access (ladders, stairs).

• Load limits must always be respected.

• Scaffolds require daily inspection by competent personnel.

• Workers must wear helmets, harnesses, and other PPE.

Safety in Scaffolding

• 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

Steel Forms

Phenolic Forms

Hydraulic & Mechanical Systems

Slipform Method

Jumpform Method

Gridflex

Climbing Formwork

Reusable Systems

PVC Forms

Reusable Systems

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

Steel Forms

Reusable Systems

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

Phenolic Forms

Reusable Systems

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

Hydraulic & Mechanical Systems

Reusable Systems

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

Slipform Method

Reusable Systems

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

Jumpform Method

Reusable Systems

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

Gridflex

Reusable Systems

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

Climbing Formwork

Reusable Systems

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

Integral Forms

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

Form Steel Deck

Also called " metal deck formwork." Steel sheets are laid down and act as both formwork during casting and reinforcement after concrete sets.

Commonly used in slabs and floors of buildings.

metal deck formwork

Form Steel Deck is also called…