Formwork materials : Their advantages and disadvantages
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- Groupe GEMCO
- January 30 2023
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How to make formwork for concrete?
The advantages and disadvantages of formwork materials
The metal formwork
Metal formwork is a common type of formwork that uses temporary or permanent molds.
Benefits: strength, durability, ease of installation and removal, as well as improved concrete quality and moisture resistance.
Disadvantages: Expensive, heavy, which can make them more difficult to handle and require more personnel to install and remove.
The wooden formwork
Timber formwork is also commonly used. Different types of wood are used, such as raw wood planks, particleboard and plywood.
Advantages: strength, portability and its ability to protect concrete from the cold as it is poured and set.
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to attack by termites, fungi and other pests which can affect their durability. They can also warp over time and become more difficult to reuse.
The formwork in synthetic materials
Formwork made of synthetic materials is another type of formwork that is mainly used to create the skin of the formwork.
Advantages: synthetic materials such as PVC, polyethylene and expanded polystyrene offer various possibilities for creating reliefs.
Cons: More fragile than wood or metal and may require special care when handling to avoid damage. They can also be more expensive than wood forms and require more precise installation to ensure they are watertight.