Formwork – It’s Origin and Purpose

While most members of the general public will be familiar with scaffolding, and some may even be aware that it is alternatively known as staging, few are likely to be familiar with formwork. Nevertheless, although it may be less visible than the intricate metal platforms used by builders to work at height, the latter is also frequently used as a construction aid. Like scaffolding, it also has an alternative name and is sometimes referred to as shuttering.

Simply put, shuttering is a means to mould pliable, amorphous materials. While, today, it is used mainly to shape concrete structures, the underlying concept derives from a method first used to retain the shape of moist clay while it dried to form bricks. With the invention of concrete came the need to employ formwork on a much grander scale. That said, it also offered a means to shape the arches often seen in brick buildings.

While the architectural differences between Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian columns may not be evident to everyone, each of these required the use of concrete and shuttering to produce their characteristic shape. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all made extensive use of concrete and possessed the skills to construct complex designs from wooden boards to create the necessary moulds.

Because timber and plywood are relatively inexpensive, they are still used to create formwork today. However, these materials are not particularly durable and soon become worn with repeated use. Consequently, those builders who regularly need to use shuttering are more likely to invest in metal moulds. Not only are the metal components more resistant to long-term wear and tear, but their increased longevity also makes them a more economical investment in the long term.

Where once builders had no choice but to create the shuttering for each task, the availability of standard or bespoke metal components has since simplified their task considerably. Modern formwork used to fashion a square or rectangular column requires just four parts and can be assembled in minutes. Likewise, circular column boxes can also be constructed to meet the user’s unique specifications. There are also similar metal moulds for more routine applications, such as shaping slabs and beams. For use at height, some form of scaffolding will invariably be necessary to ensure the required stability and support, so compatibility between the two systems is essential.

Disc-O-Scaff is widely recognised as South Africa’s leading manufacturer of high-quality formwork and compatible scaffolding. Why not join the nation’s top construction companies and enjoy expert support and world-class products?