Formwork

There are numerous factors to be considered when dealing with formwork; the construction site, amount of labour available, excecution times, the desired result, architectural plans and the type of finish desired.

Formwork made up of small parts

Horizontally sliding formwork - This type of formwork system was developed by craftsmen and has a wide range of variations. It essentially utilises typical fastening systems such as clamps. Its advantages are; its lightness, manoeuvrability of the equipment and its adaptability.

Vertical sliding formwork - This system is perfectly suited for constructing rammed earth walls in piers. It allows for greatly accelerated erection of a structure if the formwork is carefully designed.

Integral formwork

Previous attempts at using concrete formwork technology have not been very successful. This method is graetly dependant on the architectural design, essentially on whether it features modular dimensions, full walls with independant bays and very simplistic drawings.

Integral horizontal formwork - This is in a case where a ring of formwork is moved vertically. For this system to be successful, the elements must be light and should be assembled and disassembled easily and quickly. Difficulties rise from the joints between the boards and horizontal alignment.

Integral vertical formwork - This type of formwork is mainly used in the construction of large piers, contained in formwork for their entire height. In order to facilitate ramming, only one side of the formwork is completely erected. The second is erected as the wall is constructed.

Integral - integral formwork - This is a case where the formwork for the building is set up at a single go. Projects using this type of formwork should be small and offer easy access inside the formwork.