Understanding Shuttering in Construction: Types, Importance & Benefits

In construction, creating the right structure and finding the right shuttering is very important. Without shuttering, concrete structures often end up falling apart or have weaker foundations, which are ineffective in lasting a long time. The right formwork is essential to avoid this, using the right shuttering for some. There are various types of shuttering that are used to shape and hold wet concrete in one place. This temporary mold of various types helps handle fresh concrete; it ensures the thick concrete mixture stands in place until it hardens and becomes strong enough to support itself before removing the temporary formwork. 

As mentioned earlier, concrete structures often spread out or lose their intended shape without using the right formwork type and material. In some cases, there are visible cracks on concrete structures. Formworks are used to make walls, beams, columns, different levels, and other parts of the structure. Shuttering is the backbone of the construction world. Each shuttering has different advantages that are leveraged fully depending on the type of structure you are working on. For instance, to create walls, wall formworks are used, and similarly, to build different levels of floors, climbing formworks are used. Each structure component of a building requires a specific type of shuttering; if improper or wrong shuttering is selected, it could compromise the structure.  

This guide will help you better understand each type of shuttering and the correct method to choose the right shuttering. So, stay tuned to understand the importance of using the correct formwork for each part.

Importance of Shuttering in Construction 

Shuttering or formwork is nothing but a temporary mold that is often used in shaping wet concrete. This mold is generally used to shape wet concrete when poured during the curing process. It also ensures that wet concrete has stable support during the curing process and that it is not spread out. This temporary mold is used only until wet concrete becomes solid and gains enough strength to stand independently. This framework is used to shape concrete in various shapes and sizes. Formworks often shape concrete into walls, slabs, columns, or beams as per designs and requirements. 

Without shuttering during the curing process, this wet concrete would start spreading in all directions and eventually begin to leak. Hence, it is vital to have a solid base and support to provide a smooth surface finish and give stronger structure integrity. 

Formworks are often made using timber, steel, and plastic. Each formwork is used according to project requirements and specifications. Among them, plastic shuttering panels have gained popularity due to their durability, lightweight nature, and reusability.

Why is shuttering/formwork important? 

There are multiple reasons that back this belief. For example, firstly, formwork is essential for shaping and molding wet concrete; it helps shape concrete into the exact shape and dimensions specified in the construction plan. Secondly, it ensures the final structure is sound and stable and builds safely. Any mistake can cause concrete to fall apart and can result in casualties. 

Thirdly, formwork ensures the final concrete structure has smooth and flawless finishes, reducing unnecessary time taken to work on additional finishes that help achieve a smooth and flat surface.

Fourthly, modular formworks like plastic, steel, or aluminum are prefabricated and lessen the time to assemble and disassemble.

The next point is that formworks are meant to simplify complex designs. Many formworks make it easier for you to form intricate designs. 

Shuttering systems like steel and aluminum are designed to bear heavy loads and would not bend or collapse if additional pressure is put on. This makes them ideal for construction projects like bridges or high-rise buildings where formwork must be strong enough to hold heavy weight without collapsing. Shuttering also saves time and cost as they are reusable and can be reused multiple times without degrading its performance. 

Types of Shuttering Based on Structural Components

Specific shuttering is required in particular components of construction. Here are some of the formworks that are used according to project specifications. 

Type 1: Slab shuttering:  This type of shuttering is often used in making floors, ceilings, roofs, or other horizontal parts of the structure. Slab formworks are either made up of durable materials like steel and aluminum that are commonly used in large-scale projects or standard materials like plywood for small-scale projects. Slab formworks are easily adjustable as they can be fixed at any height with props. In addition, they provide smooth finishes and are often reusable. However, certain slab formworks like steel or aluminum have higher initial costs, which makes them less suitable for projects with limited budgets. Also, slab formwork like steel is heavy in weight and may require cranes or additional labor for installation. 

Type 2: Beam shuttering: It is used in shaping horizontal beams, which help support slabs and distribute the weight of the structure equally. Beam shuttering is often made with durable materials that should be strong enough to hold the wet concrete in one place while at the same time maintaining the exact shape of the beam. For small projects, wood shuttering is used, and for larger projects, steel is used. Beam formworks help in precise shaping and provide stable support. Apart from being expensive, another drawback of using beam formwork is it is labor-intensive and requires quite a number of workers to set it up. 

Type 3: Column shuttering: This type of shuttering is designed to build vertical structures. For instance, columns and pillars. They also come in different shapes, like rectangles, circles, or squares. Just like beam shuttering, column shuttering is made up of steel and timber. Some of the advantages of using column shuttering are flexibility and versatility. Column shuttering comes in different shapes and sizes, which makes it suitable to use in different architectural designs. In addition, column shuttering like steel is reusable and can be reused multiple times which lessens long-term cost. And if we talk about negative points of column shuttering then the first is the higher initial cost and the second is alignment issues. If column shuttering is not installed properly it could lead to structure issues. 

Type 4: Wall shuttering: This type of shuttering is commonly used in building straight vertical walls. To prevent concrete from bulging outward due to pressure, wall formworks are fixed in one position using clamps. For low-rise buildings, timber or wood forms are used, and for high-rise or commercial buildings, steel or aluminum is used. Advantages of Wall formwork include that they are quick to assemble and set up, and this reduces the time taken for assembling and disassembling formwork; in addition, wall formwork provides strong support that helps in preventing the concrete from deforming under pressure. It's just that, though wall formwork is quick to set up, they are also heavy and difficult to move around manually. 

Type 5: Foundation shuttering: It is used in building the base or foundation of a whole structure on which the entire load depends. Some also call it footing shuttering. Foundation shuttering ensures the base has stable support and can effectively bear the load of the entire structure. This type of shuttering is typically used during the initial period of construction. They use multiple materials like timber, wood, steel, aluminum, and plastic. Foundation shuttering also helps in the proper alignment and size of the base. However, foundation shuttering has a higher upfront cost, and setting up foundation shuttering is very time-consuming. 

Type 6: Dome shuttering: When building curved or spherical shape structures dome shuttering is used. Dome shuttering is generally used when building temples, auditoriums, arenas, or other similar dome-shaped structures. Materials like timber and steel are often used to make dome shuttering. In some scenarios, fiberglass is also used to make dome forms. For those who do not know, dome formworks can be used multiple times; however, skilled workers are required to set them up as they are not so easy to assemble. In addition, dome formworks also require a higher initial cost as they are made using higher-grade materials that are suitable for high durability and longevity. 

Type 7: Tunnel shuttering: It is used when constructing tunnels or underground structures. They are designed to form continuous curved structures without stopping in between. Tunnel formworks are only made using robust materials like steel and aluminum. Both materials help in increasing durability and provide stable support. This makes them suitable for large-scale projects. However, there are certain drawbacks to tunnel formworks, such as that they require a high initial investment and have complex setups. 

Type 8: Climbing shuttering: Another modular shuttering example is modular formwork. This formwork comes in various types, and it is often used in making high-rise buildings. Climbing formwork can be used continuously and does not require much labor to handle as it comes with an automatic system that can move to the next level easily without manual removal of formwork. It either uses hydraulic systems or cranes. They help speed up the construction process and are effective for fast construction. However, prior knowledge and experience are needed to handle climbing formwork effectively and safely. 

Type 9: Box Culvert shuttering: Lastly, box culverts are used when building underground passages or other underground structures that allow water to pass under roadways or railways.  This type of shuttering allows water to flow effectively without washing out roads or damaging other structures during heavy rain. Apart from having a high initial cost, box culverts have complex setup processes and require space to install them. 

Conclusion 

Overall, in short, for the success of construction projects, choosing the correct shuttering is vital. This ensures proper alignment and shape, which are essential for forming a stable and durable structure. Various formworks, such as beams, columns, slabs, tunnels, climbing, and box culverts, are used based on project requirements. Each type of shuttering has its own advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different construction needs.

For the best shuttering panels, NovaFormworks stands out as a reliable and high-quality choice, ensuring efficiency and durability in every project.