Formwork is a necessary element of any large-scale project involving concrete. Without the correct forms, concrete will not hold its shape while drying, making most larger projects impossible. Although forms are hardly a new concept, it's an industry that continues to see rapid innovation with new technologies such as insulated concrete forms (ICF).
While these newer technologies offer many advantages, there are still reasons to consider tried-and-true forming methods. Two of the most common types of concrete forms are build-in-place lumber formwork and custom metal formwork. If you're deciding between these options for your commercial project, here are three reasons that metal formwork may be worth considering.
1. Higher Strength
Steel and aluminum formwork can both offer higher strengths than traditional timber forms. While many large projects still use lumber, this process is often slower since the individual forms must be smaller. Steel is particularly well-suited for applications involving very large and heavy forms due to its high strength and rigidity.
This higher strength also reduces the likelihood that the form structure will fail or warp, reducing project risks and preventing potentially costly setbacks. While aluminum forms aren't quite as strong, they can still provide better strength characteristics than timber while weighing significantly less than steel.
2. Better Overall Quality
Metallic formwork offers numerous advantages that can improve the quality of your final concrete design. Surface finish and moisture retention are the factors that most substantially impact quality, and aluminum and steel offer numerous advantages on these fronts. For example, the relatively smooth finish of metallic forms will generally produce a more even and smooth concrete surface.
More importantly, aluminum and steel are non-porous materials. As a result, they will not absorb moisture from the concrete as it dries and won't warp when exposed to high humidity. These characteristics ensure that the form will remain in its intended shape without negatively affecting the concrete inside.
3. More Customization
Creating complex timber forms is time-consuming and requires considerable worker skills. Building forms can occupy a large portion of the initial construction time for complicated projects. On the other hand, highly skilled forming companies can produce metallic forms in nearly any shape or size. These forms arrive on-site ready for use, drastically reducing your crew's time working with the formwork.
An additional advantage is that you can reuse your custom forms multiple times, reducing costs and producing more consistent results. Any forms with wider or more general applications can also be resold, offering an opportunity to cut costs on large projects even further.
For more information, contact a commercial forming service near you.
Share14 June 2022
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