In formwork concrete construction, there are different types of materials that are used based on the design of the structure. These materials have numerous advantages and disadvantages which are discussed as follows.
Timber Formwork
Timber is generally one of the most used materials in formwork concrete construction.
Pros of Timber Formwork in Concrete Construction
- They are light in weight
- They are easy to handle
- They are easy to dismantle
Cons of Timber Formwork in Concrete Construction
- The moulds made from timber are not durable
- Dry timber weakens the structure this is because it absorbs water from the concrete
Pros and Cons of Plywood Formwork in Concrete Construction
Plywood being a byproduct of timber is used in formwork to give a smooth finish which reduces the finishing cost. Some of the pros and cons of plywood are as follows
- They provide a smooth finish
- They are light in weight
- They are easy to install
- They are also used in making curved moulds
Below are the cons in plywood formwork in concrete construction.
- They are known to be expensive as compared to timber
- When the thickness is compromised they can hardly handle the concrete weight.
Pros and Cons of Aluminium Formwork in Concrete Construction
Aluminium in formwork concrete is used for both high and low-rise concrete construction. This type of construction is gaining popularity each day as the demand for structure increases. Some of the aluminium pros are as follows
- They are long-lasting
- They are reusable
- They require less support
- They are easy to install and flexible when dismantling
- They provide high-quality finish to the structure
Aluminium formwork in concrete construction has the following cons,
- They are expensive whether it’s buying or renting
- In the case of deformation, it’s difficult to repair
- The aluminium surface is prone to oxidation which affects the moulding concrete.
- The experienced labour force is required
Pros and Cons of Plastic Formwork in Concreting Services
Plastic is one of the materials used in formwork and concerning services. Plastic moulds are used in complex design structures.
Below are the cons and pros when using plastic formwork in concrete construction says : www.concreteformworkmelbourne.com
- They are light in weight
- They are durable and said to be long-lasting
- They can easily be moulded into complex design
- Old plastic can be recycled into new moulds
Plastic formwork has the following disadvantages
- They are costly as compared to timber
- Plastic is known to be weak on heat
- Plastic does not take too much load
Pros of Steel in Formwork and Concrete Structures
Steel exists as the most expensive type of material to be used in formwork concrete construction as compared to other materials. It’s mainly used in the construction of big projects like dams and bridges.
The following are some of the pros of using steel in formwork concrete construction.
- They can hold heavy loads
- They can be reused several times as compared to other materials
- They offer easy installation and removal instructions
Conclusion
Different materials are used in formwork concrete construction depending on the nature of the structure. The materials have different effects on the structure which include cost implications. Always have detailed research before choosing the materials to use in formwork concrete construction.