Concrete elements : timber faced formwork systems versus steel faced formwork systems and which is truly better for the contractor?

Abstract

Concrete construction today remains largely unchanged in basic principle. The largest labour and cost components have long been the formwork used to confine and shape the concrete in its plastic state. The objective of this treatise is to identify, in theory, whether the modular timber formwork systems being designed and manufactured today, offer realistic and realisable benefits over the modular steel formwork systems that have been used for many decades in the South African construction industry. Research focuses on three examples of each system and is restricted to vertical forms, i.e. those used for columns, walls, beam sides and etc. It looks at the physical ergonomics, the quality of the concrete finish produced, the durability of the formwork and the associated components and lastly compares the value in terms of rental and purchase prices per square meter.