Formwork Shapes

Most formwork used, whether horizontal or vertical, is designed on the principle of straightened panels which yeild flat surfaces. Research work has been carried out to find ways of getting away from the limitations this imposes.

Plane and perpendicular surfaces

This is the most used set-up, being used as often in traditional rammed earth construction as in modern rammed earth buildings regardless of the type of formwork used. The principle is simple and does not give rise to any complex problems.

Batter

This formwork can be used to produce plane perpendicular or plane inclined surfaces otherwise known as the butter of the wall. The slope is toward the centre of the wall and progresses as the wall rises. Only the outer face or both faces of the wall can be battered, and simple wooden packing pieces or wedges known as 'batter fixes' can be used to effect the design. The batter lightens the mass of the wall in proportion to its rise.

Curved Surfaces

With certain types of formwork it is possible to make curved surfaces. This can be a matter of curving walls at corners or the construction of buildings with curved walls.

Composite face design

A formwork system using modular panels makes it possible to fashion surfaces composed of small vertical faces. The concept is suited to the production of diverse shapes including posts of geometrically variable cross-section.