Formwork systems are used extensively in the construction industry. Forming and Scaffolding is used for specific functions such as when a construction team need to mould wet concrete or hold it in place until it hardens to the desired shape. Formwork needs to have the necessary strength to withstand the weight of the concrete it holds as the material sets. Wet concrete will apply a lot of weight to the formwork. The concrete also needs to dry thoroughly before the formwork is removed. Formwork is also referred to as shuttering or forms.
Concrete formwork may consist of wood or metal panels that are held in place with rods, connecting pins, and other hardware known as falsework. The different types of formwork consists of mainly of either plywood or metal forms but several different types of materials can be used to create formwork depending on the construction project it will be used for.
Scaffolding on the other hand is a modular system consisting of boards, couplers and tubes made from strong materials, with either complex or simple design. The construction of scaffolding systems is done with great care taking into account the safety of the people who will be moving about these systems. It is imperative that Scaffolding is easy to construct, simple to dismantle and convenient to transport. For safety measures Scaffolding is constructed to have big enough areas to move around on and handle materials easily. It is also very important that the structure of the Scaffolding is strong, won’t be affected by climate conditions, and doesn’t wobble, deform or tip.
Scaffolding is generally a dependant structure, connected to a building or steelwork. The different types of Scaffolding sometimes used include:
- Birdcage
- Independent Tied
- Roof Saddle
- Stack
- Scaffold Towers
- Hanging Bracket
- Putlog
Shoring is a construction practice where structures are braced with wood or metal to keep from collapsing. The purpose of shoring is to provide support to projects that are still under construction and can be removed section by section as the project is being completed.
Shoring is crucial in excavations as the supports hold the walls of trenches, digs and mines open until workers are able to put in permanent walls and prevent cave-ins. Materials used to create shoring are generally metal rods, plates and wood as these materials are sturdy, reliable and affordable. |
