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Concrete & Masonryaka: falseworkaka: shoringaka: centering

Formwork

In Plain English

The entire temporary support system — forms, shores, and bracing — that holds concrete in place while it hardens.

Definition

The complete system of temporary molds, supports, shoring, and bracing used to contain and shape concrete until it develops sufficient strength to be self-supporting. Formwork design is an engineering discipline requiring analysis of concrete pressure, construction loads, and safety factors. Premature form removal (stripping) before concrete reaches adequate strength can cause collapse.

Example

The engineer specified that formwork for the elevated slab could not be stripped until concrete reached 75% of design strength.

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