Slab formwork is required to create a mold for pouring concrete for suspended concrete slabs. It includes panels, joists, and supports made of metal, plywood, or plastic. The formwork supports the weight of the concrete as it hardens and can create various shapes and designs. Materials used vary depending on project size, and forms are reusable and need to be cleaned after use. Plywood forms are the least expensive option.
When constructing a suspended concrete slab that is not directly supported by the ground, slab formwork is required to create the structure. Formwork is a term that refers to the panels and dummy that create a mold into which concrete can be poured for setting. Slab formwork may include formwork panels, joists, stringers, and other supports that allow concrete to be cast and suspended above the ground. Such formwork often combines a variety of materials, including metal, plywood, and in some cases even plastic components used to impart shape and strength to the concrete.
When a slab is suspended, it must be supported as it hardens. This is done by creating slab formwork that will essentially support the weight of the concrete as it sets and is placed on permanent supports. Bases known as windowsills can be made of wood or metal; these sills will support vertical stringers which in turn will support horizontal joists. The joists will create a level surface onto which flat pieces of plywood can be secured. In many cases, slab formwork may use aluminum or steel sheets instead of plywood. A sheath of some sort is usually placed over the plywood, creating the level surface onto which the concrete can be poured.
Even the formwork itself does not necessarily have to create a horizontal surface. It can be positioned in such a way as to create a diagonal, or even vertical concrete structure. The orientation of the slab formwork components will generally determine which types of concrete structures will be built. Since formwork tends to be highly modular and therefore customizable, seemingly endless shapes and designs are possible. The bezels, or components that hold the forms in place, will help add to the modular nature of the formwork.
The materials used to create the slab formwork can vary depending on the size of the project. Steel shapes are commonly used for larger projects, while plywood and aluminum are suitable for smaller projects. In most cases, the forms are reusable, so they need to be cleaned after use to ensure the faces of the panels stay straight and no cement builds up on them. Plywood forms usually feature a laminate that protects the wood from moisture damage, as otherwise the concrete can transfer moisture directly into the wood. Plywood forms tend to be the least expensive option, although aluminum formwork isn’t far behind.
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