Formwork and shuttering are methods of creating a mold for pouring and containing concrete as it hardens. Shuttering uses plywood, while formwork refers to a broader range of materials. Both require support from stakes or stabilizers. Metal beams can also be used for formwork, but plywood is often preferred.
Formwork and shuttering are both terms used to describe the process of creating a mold into which concrete can be poured and contained as it hardens. Shuttering usually refers to the process of using plywood to form the mold, while formwork is a broader term that is used to refer to the forming process using a wide variety of materials. Formwork and shuttering both perform the same essential job, but the materials used to accomplish this task can vary. Sometimes no distinction is made between the two terms, and in some cases formwork can be considered a specific type of formwork.
Projects of all different sizes will need to employ formwork and shuttering techniques. Large-scale construction projects are likely to use a variety of different formwork types, although formwork forms are perhaps the most popular because they are easy to use and can be constructed in such a way that a significant amount of concrete can be poured at once. Using plywood for formwork is also relatively inexpensive, especially when the plywood can be reused. A special grade of plywood is required for formwork and formwork; plywood must be water resistant, as many concrete projects are done outdoors.
Both formwork and formwork in its various forms will be supported by fakes. This term refers to posts, stabilizers, or other units that hold formwork or shuttering in place while the concrete dries. Some shuttering and shuttering is temporary and can be taken apart once the concrete has hardened, but some are permanent, in which case the fakes will be removed once the concrete has set and the shuttering or shuttering will remain in place permanently.
An example of formwork that doesn’t necessarily use formwork is making a concrete sidewalk. Instead of using wood to create the mold, metal beams known as a road shape can be used. This heavy metal beam will feature a flat face against which setting cement can be poured to create a clean edge. Connecting tongues and grooves will be present at either end of the road shapes so that more than one metal shape can be attached together. This creates a longer shape for larger projects. The roadform sections can also be stacked and bolted together to create taller structures, although the process can become difficult with larger projects because the roadform pieces can be quite heavy; some builders prefer to use plywood formwork instead.
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