Beam Formwork Procedures

The basic framework for many modern buildings consists of a base supporting several pairs of columns, which, in turn, provide the necessary support for a series of interconnecting high beams. Today, the material of choice for each component is invariably concrete. The raw material’s fluid consistency enables a builder to create elaborate shapes that would be difficult if not impossible with bricks while also being far more robust. However, to shape a concrete beam, formwork and a suitable quantity of scaffolding will be necessary. 

The Romans were the first to exploit the full potential of concrete. They employed timber shuttering to create the ornate columns, arches, and domes for which they became renowned. Now, more than two millennia later, this technique remains one of the mainstays of modern construction. The early builders created the necessary moulds from wooden slats. However, today, plywood offers a cheaper alternative. Despite being more expensive, steel provides the modern builder with many advantages over timber or plywood when used to create column and beam formwork. 

Firstly, because the metal is far stronger than wood, it should have an almost indefinite lifespan if cared for correctly. Secondly, the steel product is made up of standard components that fit together tightly with the aid of clips and wedges to provide a strong seal that will not leak under pressure. Each steel panel is offered in several standard sizes to ensure a perfect fit for any structure, regardless of its size and shape. Compare this with the need to saw timber to size and nail the appropriate sections together each time one might require beam formwork for a new project.

When creating a concrete beam, a head tree must be attached to the top of each column. These will provide the necessary support for the side and bottom sheathing that must be assembled next and positioned between them. Unlike timber, which tends to bow under the weight of the liquid concrete, the metal sections are far more rigid. Although these components will need to be held in place with joists and scaffolding, metal parts will require less support than the wooden alternatives. The resulting savings of time and expense are further reasons why steel beam formwork is now attracting so much interest from South Africa’s busy construction companies.

Disc-O-Scaff products are widely known and respected for their ease of use, safety, and reliable performance. Our company employs only SABS-approved materials to manufacture products, and each product conforms to the highest international standards of safety and quality. Disc-O-Scaff supplies world-class column, slab, and beam formwork and the Kwikstage scaffolding to support the elevated components where appropriate.