What are the different types of plastic formwork?

BOFU plastic formwork system

There are a wide range of formwork utilized as a part of development, Different type of formwork is used according to the building requirements and challenges comes during construction. Talking about the creation of formwork, there are different techniques also varying with use and condition. Formwork is used by making molds out of wood, steel, aluminum or pre-assembled frames into which the concrete is poured. This is then permitted to solidify and set after which it is stripped, or in state of stay-in-place formwork, it is left as a component of the structure.
Concrete formwork is the utilization of bolster structures and shape to make structures out of solid which is filled the molds.

Formwork permits contractual workers to cast and develop the main parts of a building which are required to be very strong and help and support the structure, for example, floors and supporting walls, and also littler parts of a building such as stairs generally quickly.

Main Types of Formwork

There are many and different parts of concrete and plastic formwork which are used and utilized as a part during construction of any building. Conventional timber formwork utilizes timber and plywood to shape the molds for pouring. This technique is less expensive than different strategies, yet not as viable in light of the fact that wood is not as solid as compare to using metal or steel in it. In some cases, on muddled segments of building structures which require extraordinary attentions, timber formwork is still very efficient and widely used.

Designed formwork frameworks use pre-assembled molds produced using a steel frame, for the most part either steel or aluminum. Engineered formwork is much less expensive and speedier to use than traditional formwork. The frames are to a great degree solid and once in a while need supplanting, diminishing costs and expenses. Because of the formwork frameworks being designed, their development is speedier and requires less labor, again sparing cash. Simple structures can be used with re-usable plastic formwork frameworks, which compose of strong, lightweight, interlocking frameworks.

BOFU plastic formwork system

BOFU plastic formwork system

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Use of plastic

Use of plastic formworks for concrete construction has many advantages such as durability, cost and flexibility compared to other materials for concrete formworks. Formworks are used to hold freshly placed concrete at its position until it attains enough strength and with the help of formworks concrete can be easily manipulated and various shapes and forms can be constructed. There are different materials which may be used to manufacture formworks for example timber, steel, and aluminum in addition to plastic that offer number of advantages compared to other materials for example durability, cost effectiveness, and flexibility. It is reported that, not only does the construction of formworks takes time but also spent about 20 to 25% of the total cost of the structure. It is one of the major factors that influence the success of construction of any structure in terms of safety, cost, quality and speed. It is for these advantages and benefits of plastic forms that will be discussed in the following sections.

Fig.1: Plastic Formwork for Concrete Construction

Objectives of Plastic Formworks in Concrete Construction

Form work is not a permanent construction but it requires careful attention to avoid damages of permanent construction. The

• Safety: It depends on the formwork strength substantially. Life of labors and public might be in danger if the formwork does not possess adequate strength.
• Quality: Concrete shape accuracy and the quality of final finished surface of concrete element.
• Economy: The structural frame, which is the most critical factor during construction, is most crucial cost component.

Advantages of Plastic Formworks in Concrete Construction

Formworks expend large labor force and total cost of the project that is why efforts have made to introducing a formwork system that is cost effective and can be assembled, dismantled and handled easily by labor. There are several advantages provided by plastic formworks in concrete construction:

• Cost effective
• Labor friendly
• Eco friendly
• Low maintenance
• Versatile

Plastic Formwork System

It is manufactured from specific grade plastic that neither placed materials adhered to it nor chemical reactions occur between poured materials and the plastic form and consequently there will be no any patch on the surface of reinforced concrete element. Water or freshly placed concrete leakages from different parts of the form is avoided because of the perfect fitness of various parts of the system. Added to that, it is most labor friendly system because not only does it fit and plugged easily but also it is considerably light weight compare with other types of formwork systems. Nailing and oiling plates are not required prior to concreting because of auto leveling of plugging system that make plates level automatically and consequently it takes about 30% lesser time during installing and dismantling compare with conventional form systems. Additionally, after its utilization, the plastic forms can be cleaned with water easily and if it breaks due to bad handling, low voltage hot air gun is used to seal it. Other formwork materials such as wood, steel, aluminum produce various disadvantages which might outweigh their benefits. For example, the application of wood is considerably costly and create substantial environmental impacts due to deforestation. With regard to aluminum formworks, it can be employed many times but its high cost makes it as not very suitable option to use. In contrary, plastic forms can be recycled and it is environmentally friendly in addition to reduce handling time and great reusability index. Table-1 provides a comparison between plastic forms and other form types. Table-1: Comparison Between Plastic, Traditional, And Steel Formworks Items Plastic formwork Traditional formwork Steel formwork Recycled 40% No 10% Water resistant Yes No No Deformation condition No Yes Yes Stripping process Easy Moderate Difficult Size Any size can supply Restricted Restricted Corrosion resistant Excellent Bad Bad Availability time More than 100 times 8 times 100 times

Different Types of Commercially Available Plastic Formworks

Siscon Plastic Formwork System

It is one type of commercially available plastic form which can be used to construction various structural elements such as walls, columns, and slabs. It provides substantial precision.

Plastic Formworks for Walls

It is used for the construction of boundary walls,

Form work is not a permanent construction but it requires careful attention to avoid damages of permanent construction. The formwork design and construction are controlled by three principles:Formworks expend large labor force and total cost of the project that is why efforts have made to introducing a formwork system that is cost effective and can be assembled, dismantled and handled easily by labor. There are several advantages provided by plastic formworks in concrete construction:It is manufactured from specific grade plastic that neither placed materials adhered to it nor chemical reactions occur between poured materials and the plastic form and consequently there will be no any patch on the surface of reinforced concrete element. Water or freshly placed concrete leakages from different parts of the form is avoided because of the perfect fitness of various parts of the system. Added to that, it is most labor friendly system because not only does it fit and plugged easily but also it is considerably light weight compare with other types of formwork systems. Nailing and oiling plates are not required prior to concreting because of auto leveling of plugging system that make plates level automatically and consequently it takes about 30% lesser time during installing and dismantling compare with conventional form systems. Additionally, after its utilization, the plastic forms can be cleaned with water easily and if it breaks due to bad handling, low voltage hot air gun is used to seal it. Other formwork materials such as wood, steel, aluminum produce various disadvantages which might outweigh their benefits. For example, the application of wood is considerably costly and create substantial environmental impacts due to deforestation. With regard to aluminum formworks, it can be employed many times but its high cost makes it as not very suitable option to use. In contrary, plastic forms can be recycled and it is environmentally friendly in addition to reduce handling time and great reusability index. Table-1 provides a comparison between plastic forms and other form types. Table-1: Comparison Between Plastic, Traditional, And Steel FormworksIt is one type of commercially available plastic form which can be used to construction various structural elements such as walls, columns, and slabs. It provides substantial precision.It is used for the construction of boundary walls, retaining walls , shear walls, rainwater drains, flood or storm drain walls, irrigation canals, and in concrete banking.

Fig.2: Wall Plastic Formwork Applications at Different Location of the Structure

Fig.3: Plastic Formworks used for Wall Construction

Plastic Formworks for Floors

Fig.4: Plastic Formwork for Concrete Floor Concrete

Fig.5: Plastic Formwork for Slab Construction

Plastic Formworks for Column

Fig.6: Installation of Plastic Formwork for Column

Nova Plastic Formwork System

It is produced from composite plastic material and it is the only plastic form that can be employed in both salt and fresh water without damage. Various applications of NOVA plastic forms are shown in Figure-7, Figure-8, and Figure-9.

It is produced from composite plastic material and it is the only plastic form that can be employed in both salt and fresh water without damage. Various applications of NOVA plastic forms are shown in Figure-7, Figure-8, and Figure-9.

Fig.7: Application of Nova Plastic Forms

Fig.8: Application of Nova Plastic Form in the Construction of Column

Fig.9: Use of Nova Plastic Form in Construction of Concrete Walls

  Read More: Concrete Formwork Design Considerations – Basis for Concrete Formwork Design