Formwork is a temporary structure used in construction to support and mold concrete until it hardens and gains sufficient strength to hold its own weight. It is an essential component in the creation of various concrete structures, including foundations, walls, columns, beams, slabs, and complex architectural features. Formwork is typically made from materials such as wood, plywood, steel, aluminum, or prefabricated panels, depending on the specific requirements of the project, such as the desired shape, size, and surface finish of the concrete element. The design and construction of formwork require careful consideration of factors such as the concrete mix, pouring rate, temperature, and environmental conditions to ensure the safety, stability, and accuracy of the final structure. Formwork also plays a crucial role in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of construction projects, as it can be reused multiple times if properly maintained and stored. Advances in formwork technology, such as modular systems and self-climbing forms, have significantly improved the speed and safety of construction processes, particularly in high-rise buildings and complex structures. The use of formwork has revolutionized the construction industry, enabling the creation of iconic architectural marvels and essential infrastructure worldwide
construction, concrete, scaffolding, shuttering, falsework, molding, temporary structure
The process of constructing formwork is an essential part of the construction of a masonry structure. Formwork is the term used to describe the temporary structure used to contain, direct and reinforce the concrete, or other material, used to construct a structure. Formwork can be made from a variety of materials such as timber, steel, plastic, or aluminum, and is used in the form of panels, or as a combination of panels and frames. The formwork is then filled with concrete, and left to dry, allowing the structure to take shape. In addition to providing a form for the concrete, formwork also provides support and stability during the construction process. It also serves to protect the concrete from external elements such as wind and rain, while providing a safe working environment for the personnel involved in the construction.
Forming, Shaping, Casting, Bracing, Supporting.
Formwork is an essential element of architecture, specifically the construction of buildings. It is an organized temporary structure that supports the form and shape of the structure before the permanent concrete construction is complete, and is used to provide temporary support and containment of wet concrete while it is setting and hardening. Formwork is designed to provide strength and stability to the poured concrete and the surrounding structure, and must be strong enough to resist the pressure and weight of the wet concrete. This temporary structure can be made of wood, metal, plastic or other materials and can be custom-designed for each project, depending on the shape, size, and other requirements of the building.
Reinforcement, Shoring, Strength, Support, Containment.
Formwork is a noun that refers to a structure made from materials, such as wood or metal, used to give a particular shape to concrete and other substances while they are in their fluid state. Synonyms of formwork are framework, structure, skeleton, scaffolding, and mold. Antonyms are disarray, mess, and disorder. Cognates of formwork include formular, formalize, and formal. Variants of the word formwork include form, works, working, and formswork.
Morphology, lexicon, lexicology, lexemes, etymologies.
The word formwork is a compound term, formed from two elements, form and work. Morphologically, these two elements were derived from two Latin roots — forma which means shape, or outline, and opera which means work or performance. Historically the term formwork has evolved from these two elements to describe the custom built moulds with which concrete structures are poured and shaped, often in support of other building structures. Morphologically, formwork refers to the mould or frame with which concrete structures are poured, as well as the manner of doing the work of pouring and shaping these structures. Pragmatically, the term formwork is used to describe the physical and mechanical processes involved in pouring and shaping concrete structures. As a result, formwork is used to refer to the specialised components, materials and techniques that are used in the manufacture of concrete structures.
Morphology, Etymology, Linguistics, Pragmatics, Construction.
Formwork is a temporary structure used as a support for concrete during the early stages of its solidification. It is typically made of wood, plywood, steel, or aluminum, and is supported by either wooden posts, steel frames, or more recently hydraulically operated frames. A wide variety of equivalent words may be used to describe formwork in other languages. In German, it is known as Schalungsformen or Schalhölzer, or in Polish as szalunk, in French as coffrage, in Spanish as encofrado, in Portuguese as formas, in Italian as armatura, in Dutch as betonvormen, and in Japanese as hōmu. Similarly, in Swedish, it is known as formverk, in Danish as bygningsform, in Hungarian as betonformázás, in Czech as betonovací formy, and in Romanian as forma sau armatura.
In other languages, formwork is described as Schalungsformen, szalunk, coffrage, encofrado, formas, armatura, betonvormen, hōmu, formverk, bygningsform, betonformázás, betonovací formy, forma sau armatura
Formwork is an essential component in the construction and design of a building. It is a temporary structure that is used to hold concrete in place during the process of pouring and curing. The formwork can be made from concrete, wood, metal, or other materials. It needs to be strong and durable enough to support the weight of the concrete, as well as to provide the appropriate shape for the finished structure. Formwork helps to ensure that the building is of the desired shape and size, and that the concrete is properly placed and cured. In addition, it allows the concrete to be easily removed and reused in future projects. Formwork also helps to protect the structure from water damage or other elements that can cause damage to the concrete. Designers must take into consideration the size and shape of the formwork, as well as the type of material used, in order to ensure that the formwork will provide the desired results.
Concrete, Structure, Shaping, Formwork, Curing.
CITATION : "Ji-Soo Park. 'Formwork.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=193158 (Accessed on June 07, 2025)"
Formwork is a temporary structure used to hold and support concrete, or other construction materials, in place until it has hardened and can support its own weight. It serves as an efficient reusable mold for pouring concrete and other construction materials, and it is typically made out of steel, polymer, wood, or a combination of these materials. Formwork is a critical component of any construction project, as it is used to shape, cast, and strengthen a structure before it is filled with concrete or other materials. Formwork is essential in the construction of buildings, bridges, foundations, walls, and many other structures.
Formwork, concrete, mold, masonry, construction.
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