Preparation and Treatment of Formwork

A good concrete surface is something construction workers. A good concrete surface is influenced by the
casting process and the use of formwork. Formwork has an important role in obtaining a good quality
concrete surface. The things that must be considered in the formwork to get a good quality concrete
surface are as follows:

A. Before installing the formwork

1. The formwork must be cleaned of dirt such as dust, rust if using steel plate formwork
2. Ensure that the formwork surface is even and smooth

3. Apply a release agent to the surface of the formwork so that when the concrete dries, the
formwork can be removed easily. Release agent is useful so that the concrete does not stick to
the formwork, so that the concrete surface is not damaged

B. Formwork installation

1. Installation of the formwork must be in accordance with the formwork layout / in accordance
with the formwork design drawing to get a good final visual appearance
2. Check the verticality of the formwork
3. If there are multiple formwork joints, make sure there are no gaps in the formwork to prevent
leakage during casting
4. In formwork joints, it is usually given a seal. This serves to disguise the joints between the
formwork panels and prevent leaks in the formwork joints. Make sure that the seal used is in
good condition and is installed flat against the inner surface of the formwork
5. The joints on the panels must be adjusted so that the concrete surface is even
6. For large elements such as walls, the formwork is usually tied using tie rods and the designer
should indicate the preferred location of the ties and, the preferred method of filling the holes
after casting. This will require coordination with the formwork designer/supplier to establish
the number required and available positions once the actual formwork design takes place
7. Ensure that the formwork ties, bolts, formwork locks and other supports for the formwork are
firmly installed

8. Recheck the formwork before casting. Ensure that the reinforcement does not come into
contact with the formwork and do not use support tools that have the potential to break or
show signs of damage

C. During concrete casting

1. For vertical elements the concrete should be placed into position in layers not more than 50-
60cm. For horizontal elements the concrete should be placed in a systematic way. A continuous
and uninterrupted supply of concrete will ensure that cold joints do not occur
2. The poured concrete must be leveled and compacted using a vibrator. The vibrator should be
immersed in the concrete sufficiently long to ensure full compaction and withdrawn slowly to
avoid trapping air against the formwork
3. External vibrators are also used for compaction from outside the formwork
 4. The concrete should be placed at the rate of 2-3m/hour to avoid cold joints, pour planes and
concrete splashes hardening on the upper form face. The concrete should be re-vibrated at the
top of the pour after 1 to 2 hours to eliminate colour banding.

D. Formwork removal

1. The formwork must not be dismantled before the specified time

2. Too early removal of the formwork parts may cause heavy damage to the structure and/or
injury of persons
3. Dismantling of the formwork must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the concrete
surface