What is the objective of system formwork?

Formwork refers to the overall system, including the moulds and supports, used to contain and shape wet concrete until it hardens. It encompasses a wide range of materials and configurations, designed to meet various structural and architectural requirements.

• Components: Formwork includes the panels that come into direct contact with the concrete (often referred to as the shuttering), as well as the supporting framework, braces, and hardware.
• Materials: It can be constructed from timber, steel, aluminium, plastic, or composite materials, each offering different benefits in terms of strength, durability, and reusability.
• Applications: Formwork is used for casting different elements of a structure, including slabs, beams, columns, and walls. It is designed to withstand the pressures of wet concrete and external forces, ensuring the concrete achieves the desired shape and structural integrity.

Shuttering specifically refers to the panels or surfaces that come into direct contact with the wet concrete, shaping its visible aspects. It is essentially a subset of formwork, focusing on the moulding aspect.

• Function: Shuttering provides the temporary moulds for concrete, determining its shape, texture, and finish. It must be watertight to prevent concrete leakage and designed to be easily removed once the concrete has set.
• Materials: While shuttering can be made from the same materials as formwork, plywood and timber are commonly used for their ease of cutting and shaping. Metal shuttering is also prevalent for its durability and smooth finish.
• Considerations: The design and installation of shuttering require careful attention to detail to ensure that the concrete elements are cast accurately according to the architectural plans.

• Scope: Formwork represents the complete system used for casting concrete, including the moulds and the supporting structure. Shuttering, on the other hand, specifically refers to the moulds themselves.
• Function: While both formwork and shuttering serve to shape wet concrete, formwork also includes the structural aspect, supporting the weight of the concrete and external loads. Shuttering is primarily concerned with the moulding and surface texture of the concrete.
• Components: Shuttering is a component of formwork, highlighting the interdependent relationship between the two. Effective formwork relies on well-designed shuttering to achieve the desired concrete structures.

In conclusion, while formwork and shuttering are closely related, understanding their differences enhances clarity in communication and precision in construction practices. Formwork encompasses the entire system used to cast concrete structures, including shuttering as its critical component for moulding. Recognising this distinction allows construction professionals to better plan, execute, and discuss the processes involved in creating concrete elements, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.