DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

Course: BSc(Surv)
Subject: Construction IV (RECO2006)
Year/Semester: Year 2/Semester 2
Topic: Coursework
Name: Lai Cheuk Hang
UID: 2008263610
Date of Submission: 09th April, 2010
Submitted to: Dr. S.W. Poon

Investigate and appreciate the construction technology

currently used in Hong Kong. You are required to select a topic
for investigation.

Topic: Formwork

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Content

Introduction.……………………..……………………..……………………..……………..3

Construction method……………………..……………………..…………..……………4

Formwork materials.……………………..……………………..………………………..5

Formwork systems……………………..…………………………..……………………..8

Factors of choosing a formwork system……………………..…………………11

Case study: The Belcher’s…..……………………..……………………..…………...12

Conclusion……………………..…………………….……………………………………...13

Reference……………………..……………………..……………………..………………..13

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Introduction
Formwork is defined as a temporary structure whose purpose is to provide
support and containment fro fresh concrete until it can support itself. 1 Concrete
is molded into different size and shape according to the instructions.

The success of a construction project mainly depends on quality of formwork.

The quality of concrete is determined by the quality of formwork materials and
system employed. In this report, construction methods and comparisons will be
examined in details. Case study of Hong Kong will also be investigated as an
example of formwork construction.

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Awad S. Hanna, Concrete Formwork Systems

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Construction method
The detailed sequence of erecting a formwork varies with situations, depending
on the resources available for construction activities. Formworks can be erected
manually or by equipment. The general sequence of erection is 2:
1. Set a template in place on floor slab to locate the column floor
2. Erect scaffolding
3. Install reinforcement
4. Provide forms
5. Repeat procedure 2,3,4 for walls, beams and slabs
6. Place main reinforcement

Stripping
When concrete is placed and enough time is given, it will be strong enough to
avoid deflection by loads. The formwork has to be struck to continue
construction activities. This process is known as stripping forms.

A form release agent should be applied so as to prevent concrete from bonding

with the formwork. This is important because the formwork has to be removed
after concrete strength is developed. The agent can serve as a sealer to prevent
moisture being absorbed by wood. Oil layer should also be added to steel forms
to prevent rusting.

Forms can be reused if they are handled in proper ways. After stripping a
formwork, it should be cleaned and checked carefully.

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Logical sequencing of erecting formwork by Awad S. Hanna, Concrete
Formwork Systems

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Formwork materials
In this section, materials are evaluated and their strengths and weaknesses are
examined.
1. Wood
Wood or lumber is the most common material for construction in Hong
Kong. They come from trees such as pines and firs, and classified into
three categories: Boards, dimension lumber and timber. Figure 1 shows a
timber formwork.

Figure 1 Timber formwork (Retrieved from

http://www.cityu.edu.hk/CIVCAL/photos/AEB/small/p076.jpg)

Wood formworks are cheap and reusable. However, it requires labours to

cut trees and supply woods. There is an increasing trend to use
alternatives because of environmental concerns.

2. Plywood
Plywood is made by combining thin layers of wood. The concrete
formwork made from plywood is called plyform. The strength of forms
depends on orientations of plywood. As shown in Figure 2 and 3 below, it
is weak when grain is parallel to the support, while it is strong when grain
is perpendicular to the support.

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 Figure 2 Weak orientation

Figure 3 Strong orientation

3. Steel
Steel is another common material used for formwork construction. The
advantage of using steel forms is that concrete placed on steel forms has a
smooth surface. Figure 4 shows a steel formwork.

Figure 4 Steel formwork (Retrieved from

http://www.cityu.edu.hk/CIVCAL/photos/harmony/small/hb031.jpg)

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4. Aluminium
The use of aluminium is becoming more popular to construct lightweight
formworks. Aluminium forms are approximately 50 percent lighter than
steel forms. However, the major concern for using aluminium is corrosion.

5. Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP)

The use of GRP has been increasing rapidly as it is light, highly reusable
and rigid. It can form flexible and complex shapes. But the cost of GRP is
relatively higher than other materials.

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Formwork systems
Formwork systems can be categorized into horizontal and vertical formwork
systems.

Horizontal formwork systems are used to support horizontal concrete work such
as slabs.
1. Conventional wood system
This system is mainly used for formworks of slabs, beams and
foundations. Forms consist of wood materials such as plywood and
timber and set up piece-by-piece in-situ. Wood system should be cleaned
when it is stripped after concrete is placed.

The system is not economical as it is very labour intensive. It is not

durable as wood tends to have lower strength than metal.

2. Conventional metal system

Aluminium and steel are used for metal systems. Joists and stringers are
made of metals and supported y scaffold-type shoring. Its operation is
similar to conventional wood system.

3. Flying formwork system

Flying forms are erected and moved without stripping. They are
commonly used for multi-storey buildings with repetitive structures. The
advantages of flying forms of are time-saving and not labour-intensive.
Figure 5 shows a flying formwork in a multi-storey building construction.

Figure 5 Flying formwork (Retrieved from

http://www.efcoforms.com/pages_products/products_images/adjust_truss2.jpg)

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 4. Tunnel forming system
Tunnel forming system is a modular formwork that consists of walls,
ceilings and floors. It is suitable for repetitive projects such as hotels. The
formwork is stripped once the concrete strength is developed. It is one of
the most popular formwork systems because it is cost-effective and
productive. Figure 6 shows a tunnel form construction.

Figure 6 Tunnel forming (Retrieved from

http://www.sustainableconcrete.org.uk/images/Abito-TForm-2006.jpg)

Vertical formwork systems are used to support vertical structures such as

columns and walls.

1. Conventional wall formwork system

The system is made of plywood to retain concrete until it develops
enough strength to support itself. Figure 7 shows a wood formwork
system sketch.

Figure 7 Conventional wall formwork systems

2. Jump forms

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Where no floor is available to support wall formwork, jump form system
is employed. It is commonly used in Hong Kong for constructing public
housing estates as it is cost-effective. Figure 8 shows a jump form system.

Figure 8 Jump form system (Retrieved from

http://www.cityu.edu.hk/CIVCAL/photos/concord/photo_2.jpg)

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Factors of choosing a formwork system
There are myriads of factors for consideration before choosing a formwork
system. They include:
- Architectural and structural designs
- Interior layout
- Headroom
- Speed of construction
- Accessibility to the site
- Number of reuse
- Capital
- Equipment availability
- Safety
- Experience

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Case study: The Belcher's
The development situates on a sloped site in Pokfulam. Owing to the irregularity
in the layout as well as the use of large amount of short-span slabs and shear
walls, manual timber formwork system was adopted. Figure 9 and 10 show the
conventional wood formwork system employed.

Figure 9 Irregular shapes of designs

Figure 10 Conventional wood formworks in The Belcher’s

From my observation and knowledge, wood formwork system is the most

suitable system in this case. The architectural designs are quite complicated. In
order to gain the benefit of flexibility, timber formwork should be chosen since it
is operated manually. The use of lifting equipment can also be minimized, which
is very important because the site is located in Pokfulam, where slopes can be
found easily.

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Conclusion
There are many formwork systems in construction industry. Correct selection of
method lies on the unique nature of each project. A right formwork system can
lead to success of a construction project. Thus, it should be chosen carefully.
(1024 words)

Reference
1. Awad S. Hanna (1998), Concrete Formwork Systems, New York: Marcel
Dekker, Inc.
2. Michael P. Hurst (1983), Formwork, New York: Longman Inc.
3. P.S. McAdam and G.W. Lee (1997), Formwork – A Practical Guide, London:
E & FN Spon

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