Concrete formwork is an integral component in any construction project – whether it is made of timber or metal, it acts as a temporary moulded pattern that gives shape to the concrete that is subsequently poured into it.
In most construction projects, the cost of formwork can account for up to 30 percent of the total project budget. Consequently, it is imperative that concrete formwork systems are designed to be as efficient as possible and that waste is reduced to a minimum.
Understanding Concrete Formwork
It is also necessary to set out some relevant background information to pave the way for discussion on potential strategies.
What Exactly is Concrete Formwork?
In reinforced concrete construction, the mould provides the shape for poured concrete and retains the concrete to allow it to solidify and gain sufficient strength to support structural loads. Formwork design and construction are directly related to nearly all attributes of the concrete structure, including quality, health and safety, and cost.
Strategies for Maximising Formwork Efficiency
Optimise Design for Reusability
The cost savings involved in reusable formwork arise from the standardisation of formwork components to ensure concrete pouring near me can take place without causing environmental harm. If the shapes and sizes of formwork components were consistent, formwork elements could be used across different projects as well as reused across repetitions within a project.
Invest in Quality Materials
Using more durable and long-lasting formwork materials is even counterintuitive when the aim is to save money: A greater initial cost is paid for the cheaper finishings later on, so the investment pays off with fewer times of replacement and repair in the long run.
Implement Efficient Assembly and Disassembly
Where time and labour are considered paramount, efficient erection and striking of the formwork itself represent significant efficiency savings. Modular drophead systems and panelised handset systems are good examples of this.
Use Mechanisation Where Possible
Adding mechanised systems like self-climbing wall forms reduces manual labour, saves time, and allows for the more productive use of crews that would be idled while waiting for crane schedules.
Train Your Workforce
Formwork plays a significant role in construction business. Well-trained workers who are aware of the latest formwork systems and best practices can manage with less time and fewer errors, producing more efficient use of resources.
Plan for Concrete Pouring
Besides, efficient formworks strategies should also take into account the real-time concrete pouring process. If a reliable concrete supplier and servicer could be found close by, this would be ideal to ensure timely concrete delivery and reduce possible transportation costs.
The Latest Concrete Formwork Techniques Being Used in Australia
Yes, concrete formwork techniques are evolving in the construction industry in Australia, as the following examples demonstrate:
Techniques
Innovative Formwork
Improve Efficiency
For example, dry-wall formwork can be reused. This is great news for the environment where concrete pouring near me is taking place.
Enhance Safety. For example, formwork with shock absorbers allows workers to stand comfortably while pouring concrete.
Modular Formwork Systems
Modular formwork systems are revolutionising the construction process.
These systems consist of pre-fabricated panels and components that can be assembled and dismantled in a short amount of time, and are adaptable to various shapes and sizes. They are effective for all disciplines, including tall buildings and complex designs.
The modular nature of these systems makes them easier and quicker to construct than traditional building methods, as well as safer on-site.
This is because of their straightforward, lightweight nature and the fact that they have been designed to be portable, which helps to ease the handling required by construction staff.
Self-Climbing Formwork Technology
Jump form is used to build tall structures, such as skyscrapers.
This system allows the formwork to climb autonomously, adjusting to the growth of the concrete structure. The mould is raised by hydraulic jacks and winches, and secondary formwork moves to the next pouring without having to be removed by cranes.
Efficiency is the Key
This leads to less use of hoists and cranes, fewer workers, and vastly reduced labour costs. What’s more, safety improves because less machinery is needed to operate at greater heights.
Design Optimisation for Safety and Efficiency
However, a more sophisticated final concrete design will require more complex concrete formwork. Clearly, simpler, more basic designs are easier and cheaper to build.
Acting with early consultation with experienced formwork designers may help create formworks that could bring awareness of various health and safety hazards during formwork construction and dismantling.
OVERVIEW
These methods symbolise the shift to the newer procedures in Australian formwork that are indeed cost effective, safer and more efficient in construction as compared to the traditional methods. Formwork companies now are able to construct finer quality structures in particular time intervals with a high degree of safety for their labour force.
SUMMARY
When implementing these techniques, the general construction manager of concrete formwork is able to increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of their concrete formwork. This not only saves money, but also contributes to increasing the environmental friendliness and life cycle of the construction project.
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