What is the difference between Formwork and Shuttering?

Introduction

Both formwork and shuttering are used to describe the procedure of making moulds in construction projects. In this process, the concrete gets poured & contained until it gets hardened. To simply put, shuttering formwork is used in concrete construction. While shuttering is a method of foaming moulds using the plywood, formwork creates moulds using a range of materials. Both shuttering and formwork accomplish more or less a similar task.

The primary difference between the two processes is the use of materials to accomplish this constructional job. In many cases, shuttering formwork is described as one form of formwork.

Let’s explore how different these processes are from one another.

Times When Shattering is More Significant than Formwork

Projects ranging in different sizes might require employing both the methods of formwork as well as shattering. The large-scale projects use a range of formwork types. But in almost all cases, shuttering is a popular option, given that the process is more straightforward and allows significant concrete amounts to be used at a single go.

Wall Form Shuttering

Making the right use of plywood to make shuttering becomes more inexpensive, especially when plywood is a recycling medium. Nonetheless, when it is about shuttering & formwork, not all plywood can serve the purpose. A special water-resistant plywood type is used for outdoors.

Wall Formwork

Falsework Support

Both shuttering and formwork will need the falsework support, that too in their various forms. Falsework, as a matter of fact, denotes stabilizers and poles, besides other units used to keep theme in place as the concrete dries.

Not all of these elements are permanent; some come as temporary ones too. So, this means that it can also be taken down right after the concrete sets. For permanent ones, the falsework gets removed as soon as the concrete sets in. This makes shuttering and formwork to remain in place permanently.

Basically, the difference between them is very little. But a definite example of formwork that does not use shuttering is in constructing concrete sidewalk. Rather than using timber for creating the mould, roadform (metal beams) can get used. It features a flat face right against which the concrete setting gets poured to create a clean edge. Connecting grooves and tongues are featured at either end of roadforms.

Different Types of Formwork Used in Concrete Construction

Formworks can be crafted from plywood, timber, steel, fabric and plastic as well. The formwork chosen for a particular construction process should be able to withstand the weight of the concrete. Therefore choosing the right type of formwork construction is essential to choose. Many types of the frame are available, which is mentioned below:

Timber Formwork

Timber formwork is the most widely used formwork. It has been commonly used in construction from the ancient period. It is quite economical and easy to access. Timber shuttering has the following advantages:

● It is lightweight
● Well composed
● It is easily accessible

Timber formwork is mainly used for small projects, and you can do the formwork construction with locally available timber. When compared with steel, it is quite lightweight.

Timber Formwork

Steel Formwork

Steel formwork is quite famous due to its durability, strength and capability of being used multiple times. It is advantageous for small projects, but they are also used for managing big projects. It provides a smooth texture when compared with the timber framework. It can be used in tanks, tunnels, columns and chimneys. Some of the advantages of steel formwork are as follows:

● It is durable and rigid
● Provides smooth finish
● It does not allow moisture to enter
● It can be used for multiple times

Steel Formwork

Aluminium Formwork

It is a fact that the density of aluminium is less when compared with the material steel, but it is lightweight. This formwork shares the same benefits as steel formwork. Working with aluminium formwork is indeed economical. It is used in completing big projects.

Aluminium Formwork

Plywood Formwork

Plywood formwork is a version of re-moulded timber. These are fixed with timber frames for manufacturing the panels of the desired size. Plywood timberwork is quite easy to manage, and it is flexible also. However, the life of plywood formwork is comparatively lower than other types of formwork.

Plywood Formwork

Fabric Formwork

With the development in the construction field, new technology is being used for planning and designing. The construction of complex-shaped fabric formwork has increased over the past few years. The main advantage of using fabric formwork is that it promotes flexibility and makes it possible for generating formwork of the required shape and size.

Fabric Formwork

Plastic Formwork

The best part of using plastic formworks is lightweight and can be used several times as well. It is best suited for concrete construction. This kind of formwork is widely becoming popular due to the multiple benefits that it provides. Some of the advantages of working with plastic formwork are given below.

● These material are lightweight, and therefore it needs less managing cost
● It is quite economical for big construction
● If it is being installed in the right way, no doubt it can be used multiple times.

Plastic Formwork