Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best formwork accessories

What is Formwork?

In a nutshell, formwork is the mold wherein fresh concrete is poured and formed. The mold, which can be permanent or temporary, holds the poured concrete and shapes it until it solidifies and becomes strong enough to support itself and other loads.

Check now

Formwork is also known as “shuttering.” However, in certain parts of the world, shuttering refers to using plywood or timber to create the mold.

Formwork systems can be classified according to the following parameters:

• Types of material used to create the mold (plastic, steel, timber, aluminum)
• Types of concrete structure it supports (slab, column, wall)

Construction costs usually consist of building materials (ca. 45%), labor (ca. 45%), and operating expenses (ca. 10%). Formwork material comprises 15% of the total building material and contributes roughly 44% of the total labor. Meanwhile, formwork construction accounts for up to 25% of the total cost of building the structure. For this reason, many builders and construction companies prefer reusable forms (panel forms). The process of removing formwork is called “stripping.”

2. Column

As the name suggests, column formwork is used in the construction of circular or rectangular columns. Columns have formwork sections with a “closed load transmission,” which is supported by the formwork’s design and the guaranteed tensile strength rather than by using ties.

Steel formwork is often used to form circular columns as it is economical and available in incremental dimensions. Single-use forms, which are destroyed and disposed of during stripping, can be used as an alternative. However, using single-use formwork is not advisable if you need to construct multiple circular columns.

Meanwhile, rectangular columns are formed using three systems depending on their specifications. For instance, classic timber girders with steel walers and a plywood facing are often used when builders need to construct a significant number of columns with special dimensions. The windmill system, which is composed of columns or multipurpose panels of frame formwork systems, is suitable for building single columns with a standard dimension.

Finally, a foldable column formwork is highly suitable for columns with great heights. Because all the essential components (panels, connecting devices, ladders, and access platforms) are integrated into this type of column formwork, it helps builders reduce their construction time and costs.

3. Wall

Wall formwork comes in different types and classifications, as outlined below.

Conventional
Conventional wall formwork consists of boards or sheets and squared timber. It is flexible, but it can be costly and time-consuming as each component must be assembled on-site. In addition, all of its parts should be made according to the project’s specifications, and they must be nailed together and dismantled again after concreting.

Girder

This is a better version of the conventional formwork. Its components, which usually consist of dimensionally stable girders with two chords and one web, have been standardized to facilitate the assembly of identical and ready-to-use panels. The connection of the panels has also been systematized.

Frame
This type of wall formwork helps reduce labor time since its essential components (forming face, support for forming face, and steel walers) are assembled as one panel. The profile nose of the frames protects the edges of the forming face, thereby extending its lifespan. Connecting devices are used when assembling the frame panels to large-sized units, which are then usually transported by crane.

Crane-independent (hand-set)

This type of formwork can be moved by hand. Because of weight considerations, it is usually made of aluminum or plastic. It can take less concrete pressure than crane-dependent formwork, and is often used in housing and municipal construction projects.

Crane-dependent 

Crane-dependent formwork systems feature a large frame and formwork panels, usually made of steel. As a result, they cannot be moved manually. Since they can resist more fresh concrete pressures than crane-independent forms, they are suitable for the construction of commercial buildings and other extensive infrastructure projects.

Two-sided
As the name implies, two-sided formwork is erected on both sides of the wall. Its formwork ties, which are usually sleeved by spacing plastic tubes so they can be reused, take up the fresh concrete pressure. Push-pull props or large heavy-duty braces are attached to the formwork to align and secure it against wind loads during operation.

Single-sided
Single-sided formwork is used when the concrete has to be poured against existing structures or when builders need to do concreting against a hill or soil. This is why it is most suitable for reconstruction jobs. With this type of formwork system, concrete pressure is transferred from the formwork to the base plates through a support structure. 

Prefabricated
This formwork consists of two prefabricated concrete panels which are assembled in advance, and then transported and filled with concrete on-site. Braces and push-pull props are often used to secure the walls, while working and safety scaffolds are installed with the help of special adapters to make the construction process more cost-effective. Prefabricated formwork helps minimize project duration and labor costs. However, pre-planning is required to ensure that it is transported safely to the site.

Circular
Circular formwork is designed for the construction of curved and polygonal walls. It is also quite useful in the construction of specific concrete structures, such as septic tanks and car park ramps. This formwork system comes in three different types:  

• Round girder – timber spacers are added between the timber girders and steel walers so the formwork can be adjusted to the required radius. 
• Flexible girder – ideal for the construction of curved walls with different radii. It comprises timber/steel girders and a spindle, which allows builders to adjust the formwork to the required radius without having to reassemble the panels.
• Polygonal – existing “flat” frame formwork panels can be refurbished as polygonal formwork by adding supplementary radius panels and rails, allowing builders to minimize their project costs.

Climbing
Climbing formwork is quite useful in the construction of high-rise concrete structures, such as control towers and skyscrapers, because it climbs with the wall. It comprises large wall formwork mounted to a climbing scaffold. There are three different types of climbing formwork:

• Crane-dependent – the climbing unit (scaffold and formwork) requires the use of a crane to reach the next cycle.
• Self-climbing – an automatic climbing system that does not require the use of a crane to reach the next suspension point. Hydraulic rams/pumps lift the scaffold, secondary platform, and formwork to the next pouring cycle. It is ideal for the construction of very tall concrete structures.
• Slipform – a two-sided formwork that slides upwards along the structure being built at a rate of 20–25cm per hour. A system of pipe rods, which is integrated into the already-set concrete, supports the slipform.
   

MEVA is an industry leader offering a wide variety of wall formwork systems that provide highly efficient shuttering, flexibility, and reliability. Our products are lightweight and easy to assemble, and therefore will facilitate the rapid completion of your construction projects. Click here to learn more.

Formwork Accessories – The All-Inclusive FAQ Guide

There are tons of formwork accessories you can choose from that you can make use of to improve, enhance, and develop your experience. While there are various methodologies done, we here at Total Contec are able to produce the best, strongest, and longest-lasting formwork accessories you can use! We’re China’s most trusted formwork accessories manufacturer!

Prior to that, here’s a quick and simple FAQ to guide you in choosing what types of formwork accessories you can take advantage of!

What Are Formwork Accessories?

Figure 1 – An image of the different accessories used in formwork structures

Formwork accessories are the parts and/or components of any formwork structure. In simpler terms, these are the building blocks of a formwork structure, making it a whole one.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Work-sun.

These accessories aren’t only just the ones that make up the entirety of a structure, instead, accessories also include all other components that have supplemental value to the overall formwork structure.

What this mean is, there are formwork accessories that are “optional” or those that are not necessary for the operation of the formwork.

What Materials Are Used to Produce Formwork Accessories?

Figure 2 – Different materials used for the purpose of formwork structuring

In terms of the materials used for these formwork accessories, they will mostly depend on the type of formwork being established and erected. For instance, plastic formwork would usually involve plastic parts and components.

Generally speaking, the common materials that are used for the production of formwork accessories are:

• Timber (Wood)
• Plywood (Wood)
• Aluminum
• Steel
• Fiberglass
• Plastic

There are some parts, however, where they need to be steel or metal in order for them to hold and erect the formwork upright. For instance, in a timber beam formwork, steel and metal nuts and bolts would usually be part of it simply because having a wood fastener would not properly hold and erect the structure upright.

Figure 3 – Steel and timber being used side-by-side for the formwork structuring

It’s difficult and challenging to identify formwork tools and accessories independently. As a matter of fact, there are different ways to determine which is which!

Normally, though, they would be identified by the type of material used like concrete, fiberglass, timber, plywood, plastic, aluminum, and steel. Furthermore, formwork tools and accessories are also identified by the type of use they have, such as ties, hangers, anchors, spacers, props, etc.

Here with us at Total Contec, though, we like to categorize our formwork tools and accessories by the materials that are used for them. Besides the fact that it is easiest this way, they’re also faster to determine and identify:

• Plywood
• Timber Wood
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Plastic
• Fiberglass

What Are the Requirements of a Good Formwork?

Figure 4 – OSHA-passed requirements for a formwork to be approved

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set the standard for a good and usable formwork structure. According to their ruling, a good formwork must be:

1. Adequately strong to be able to withstand dead and live loads.
2. Inflexibly built
3. Efficiently propped
4. Constructed where the joints are tight enough to prevent leakage
5. Open for evacuation of different parts
6. Inexpensive and easily accessible
7. Plain and smooth
8. Sturdy enough to not get bent
9. Lightweight
10. Easy to remove

In order for a formwork to be tagged and labelled as good, these should be seen and met.

Formwork Accessories vs. Formwork Consumables

A lot of times, businesses confuse formwork accessories from formwork consumables. They’re commonly interchanged and thought to be the same, when, in fact, they are a lot different with one another.

Formwork accessories are elements and components that are built within the formwork. They are essential for the assembly and operation of the formwork.

On the other end of the spectrum, formwork consumables are components and parts that are consumed daily and are usually NOT reusable. They are termed as “consumables” because once they’re used and consumed; they can no longer be reused.

To help you with it further, we’ll further demonstrate the differences between formwork consumables and formwork accessories.

Consumables regularly are tie cases, slab and wall separators, steel wools, and demoulding agents. Accessories are often categorized as basic, supplementary, and optional.

Basic are accessories that are NEEDED and NECESSARY for the formwork; supplementary are those that ALLOW OPTIMAL FUNCTIONALITY; they aren’t needed but they will help out a LOT; and lastly, optional are those that ARE NOT NEEDED but can have positive effects on the formwork.

Here at Total Contec, you’ll no longer have to worry about your purchase – whether you’re purchasing formwork consumables and/or accessories, we will let you know from the very beginning! We have engineers and experts who are always ready and open to provide you with the assistance needed for your formwork structure, wherever you are in the world and whatever type of project you may have!

Is China a Good Place to Find High-Quality Formwork Accessories?

Yes, China, out of all the many different countries and regions you can search formwork accessories from, is the best – why? Simply because of how resourceful we are, as well as the fact that we’re able to produce a whole lot of different types of formwork components and accessories you might need for the construction or structural project you have.

You may find it difficult to juggle through all the different formwork accessory suppliers, but we here at Total Contec got you!

Which Chinese Manufacturer Can You Trust to Get Formwork Accessories?

For 12+ years, Total Contec has produced many different types and kinds of formwork accessories to various businesses and organizations worldwide. We’ve worked with several construction businesses, as well as foreign organizations that needed superior quality formwork for extra strength, durability, and overall longevity.

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever type of business you have that needs these types of formwork, Total Contec is here and ready to help you!

We can provide you with sufficient and superior quality of formwork whether you want to use timber beam formwork, aluminum formwork, steel formwork, plastic formwork, or any other formwork! We’re also the best when it comes to modular scaffold, aluminum scaffold, tools and safety tools, as well as construction tools, too!

Reach out to us and we’ll be more than happy to send a free quotation over!