Best Formwork Practices & How Future Form Stands Out

Formwork plays an essential role in construction, providing vital support to concrete structures as they set and harden. It’s an integral part of the building process. However, poor formwork practices can lead to serious safety hazards, delays, and cost overruns. That’s why it’s important to follow the best practices regarding formwork. Our blog post is here to help you! We have valuable insights to share with you on how to ensure that your formwork practices are efficient, safe, and cost-effective. And with Future Form, you can expect exceptional results and a stand-out performance that will exceed your expectations. So, let’s dive in and discover the best formwork practices together!

Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Construction Formwork Systems

To choose the right formwork system for a concrete construction project, you first need to understand the main qualities that define a good formwork system for concrete construction. The following factors play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of a construction project:

• Load-bearing Capacity: Formwork materials must support the weight of both wet and dry concrete without deformation or failure.
• Structural Integrity: Proper bracing and support are necessary to guarantee the formwork retains shape during concrete pouring.
• Leak-proof Joints: Formwork systems should have tight and secure joints to prevent any leakage of concrete.
• Dimensional Stability: Selected materials should resist warping or distortion under concrete pressure.
• Lightweight: Opting for lightweight formwork materials facilitates easy handling and installation.

Best Formwork Practices

To guarantee the safety and quality of formwork construction, it is necessary to follow some unique practices. By implementing the best formwork practices, you can ensure that your formwork is built to the highest standards and is safe to use. Let’s explore some of the best practices for formwork construction.

Designing Formwork Systems

The design of formwork systems plays a pivotal role in construction safety, ease of assembly, and dismantling. You should consider the following factors in designing formwork systems:

• Rigidity and Watertightness: Formwork should be rigid, watertight, braced, and tied together to maintain position and shape during construction.
• Removability: Formwork must be easily and safely removable without damaging the formed concrete or having components that remain part of the finished structure.
• Certification: All formwork drawings should be certified as complying with applicable laws.
• Component Mixing: Components from different formwork systems should not be mixed unless authorised by a competent person, such as an engineer.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for High-Risk Activities

For high-risk construction work involving activities like operating a powered mobile plant and working at height, an SWMS must be developed in consultation with workers. This document outlines the steps in performing a task and the associated hazards and controls to ensure work safety.

Slips, Trips, and Falls in Formwork Construction

The design of formwork structures significantly influences the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Measures to reduce these risks include:

• Minimising variations in floor depth makes formwork decks easier to erect and reduces the risk of injury.
• Beams should provide suitable access across the beam recess to prevent worker injuries during construction.
• Reducing the number of columns and eliminating capitals and dropdowns reduces fall hazards.

Manual Tasks and Formwork Systems

When designing formwork systems, reducing manual handling to minimise associated risks is important. One way to achieve this is by using precast columns and beams, table or flying forms, and modular formwork systems. These alternatives can decrease the need for tasks like repetitive hammering, which in turn lowers the risk of manual handling injuries.

Wall and Column Forms

It is imperative to consider wind loading while designing wall and column forms to make sure they can withstand any weather conditions. Lateral support can be easily provided through horizontal and angled braces anchored using cast-in anchors or through bolts.

In order to prioritise the safety of workers, it is recommended to install access platforms with edge protection, as well as stair access systems. For secure lifting, positive lifting systems such as lifting lugs should be used, as they can save time and eliminate the need to cut holes on-site.

Erecting Formwork Frames

When building formwork frames, it is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of the workers installing them and the overall stability of the structure. This can be achieved by gradually setting up the frames and bracing them promptly.

It is necessary to clearly mark designated access ways and use fully decked platforms for each lift to prevent internal falls during frame erection.

Cantilevers in Formwork Systems

If bearers, joists, and ply sheets are left unsecured, they can be dangerous. When designing formwork systems, it’s mandatory to minimise the use of cantilevers.

However, if cantilevers must be used, measures should be taken to secure them and prevent unintentional movement. This can be done by using temporary propping, nailing, bolting, or other effective methods to prevent cantilevers from pivoting.

How Future Form Stands Out in the Formwork Industry

Future Form is a leading company in the formwork industry known for its exceptional performance, innovative solutions, and focus on safety. Its commitment to excellence has made it a leader in transforming Australia’s infrastructure. Future Form sets industry standards with:

Extensive Industry ExperienceFuture Form has been a reliable player in the formwork industry for over 20 years, with a remarkable track record. The wealth of experience gained during this period is a testament to the company’s ability to handle complexities and consistently deliver exceptional results.

Innovative Formwork Solutions

Future Form embraces innovation and employs cutting-edge formwork solutions to meet the evolving needs of construction projects. The company stays ahead of the curve by incorporating the latest technologies and materials into its formwork systems.

Safety at the Forefront

Safety is a top priority for Future Form. The company adheres to the highest safety standards, ensuring that its formwork systems are designed and implemented with the well-being of workers in mind. Future Form invests in training programs to equip workers with the skills needed for safe formwork construction.

Efficiency and Precision

Future Form is dedicated to delivering efficient and precise formwork solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies and streamlined processes, the company enhances the overall efficiency of construction projects. Future Form’s commitment to precision contributes to successfully completing projects within specified timelines.

In-House Manufacturing Excellence

Future Form’s in-house manufacturing facility is a testament to its commitment to precision and quality. Specialising in Jumpform components, metal set downs, edgeboards, curved shutters, wall shutters, and project-specific components, the facility ensures that every product meets the highest standards.

Sustainability Initiatives

Future Form prioritises sustainability in construction by exploring eco-friendly materials and practices that minimise environmental impact. The company is committed to sustainable formwork design, material selection, and waste reduction strategies.

In line with this commitment, Future Form aims to become a timber-free company by 2026. This showcases Future Form’s dedication to sustainable practices.

Final Thoughts

Attention to optimal formwork practices is a non-negotiable requirement for the achievement of successful construction ventures. The slightest neglect of detail and safety standards may lead to undesirable outcomes.

Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise meticulousness when implementing formwork practices to ensure the highest level of success in construction projects.

Future Form, a leading industry player, exemplifies this commitment. With over two decades of experience, they deliver reliable and cutting-edge formwork solutions. Future Form stays ahead of challenges by offering safety, efficiency, and sustainability-focused choices.

So, partner with Future Form to shape a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future in construction.