How to Reduce Cost of Formwork in Construction?

Increasing the complex design of formwork is the reason to increasing the project's total cost and it's accounts for up to 60% of the concrete structure's total cost.

In this letter we will discuss about How to Reduce Cost of Formwork in Construction Project.

How to reduce cost of formwork in construction?

How to Reduce Cost of Formwork in Construction?

Use the whole project's unified framing scheme. This would improve laboratory learning and reduce the cost of materials for mobilization and formwork. Even on large projects, two framing schemes are justifiable.

For all beams and joists, use the same thickness as reduced costs will outweigh the increased cost of steel and concrete. When beams are heavily loaded, their width can be as high as their depth as four or five times.

Hold diagrams of the same beam even if the loads and lengths are not the same, so change the load resistance strengthening ratio.

To reach standard dimensions of columns, joists, and supports, space columns consistently save resources by simplifying construction.

Increase form reuse by using the same size for columns, in one storey horizontally and in one stack vertically. To accommodate loads, change reinforcement and concrete strength.

Constant floor-to-floor height is recommended. If change is required, however, lower the height in the upper stories. Cutting column shape would be cheaper and easier than extending it.

Employ small drop panels instead of tapered column in flat plates to cut forming cost. it recommended to utilize steel shear heads to avoid capitals and drop panels provided that the slab thickness is not less than 200 cm.

Make the height of drop panels fit standard lumber dimensions.

To save time and money, orient all framing in one direction in case of one-way system construction.

Use standard form sizes for one-way joists and two-way domes to avoid special form fabrication charges.

Make full use of capacity of minimum-sized members by arranging forming member sizes and spacing. 

Slabs of minimum thickness controlled by fire ratings should span at least as far as the minimum reinforcement will permit. Walls of minimum thickness and reinforcement may carry column loads, act as grade beams or transfer girders, resist lateral loads, and serve as petitions or exterior walls-all at the same time.

Consider flat plate for spans up to 7.6m since its forming system is comparably cheapest, fastest, and shallowest.

Near tolerances increase capital and labor costs. So, require appropriate tolerances, state strict tolerances only where necessary.

Determine when forms are stripped. Use a time limit for walls and columns and a strength requirement for beams and slabs. Nonetheless, consider requiring reshoring until design strength has been reached to prevent excessive deflection.