Formwork is a temporary mold to provide support to fresh concrete places in structural member until the concrete has set. This helps the structural member to gain sufficient strength to carry its self-load and load from other members.

Concrete formworks are for fresh concrete constructions such as walls, slabs, beams, columns, footings etc. Formworks requirements for different structural members are different and they are named based on the type of structural member.

There are many types base on its material, their use and the type of structural members. The core functioning of the formwork remains the same.

Types of Formwork Based on Structural Member:

Formwork uses in the construction of reinforced concrete foundations, columns, slabs, walls etc., and these are as follows:

• Footing Forms – for the foundation
• Column Forms – for RCC Column construction
• Wall Forms –  for RCC wall construction
• Floor Forms –  for construction of RCC Slabs

1. Footing Forms –  for Foundation

The first step in any concrete construction starts with the construction of the foundation. Foundation can be for columns or walls. Basing the type of structural member, the shape, and size of footing designs. The size and shape depending on the type and dimension of the footing.

2. Column Forms –  for Concrete Column Construction

Column forms subjects to lateral pressure because of their small cross-section, large heights and high rates of concrete placement. It is necessary to provide tight joints and strong tie support to the formwork.

As the sizes of concrete column increases, the stiffness of the formwork increases by increasing thickness of sheathing. Then vertical stiffeners add to prevent sheathing deflection.

3. Wall Forms – for RCC Wall Construction

Formwork for wall construction is subjecting to relatively lower lateral pressure than column forms due to their large cross-sectional area.

4. Floor Forms –  for construction of RCC Slabs

Formwork for reinforcing concrete slabs depends on the type of slab construct. The floor slabs are structural slabs supports on a steel or concrete structural frame, or slab-on-grade.