Types of Concrete Forms (And How to Select Them)
Concrete forms are among the most crucial aspects of any construction project. These forms are responsible for keeping the fluid cement in place by acting as a solid mold.
Until the concrete hardens and takes the desired shape, these structures will help the concrete stay compact. Concrete forms also make it easier for construction workers to deal with building walls and roofs.
There are different types of concrete wall forms available in the market today. Each has its distinct characteristics that make them ideal for specific use cases. In addition, each concrete form has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is critical to understand each one before selecting one for your project.
This article will show you the different types of concrete forms, how they work, and help you what type of concrete form you need for your construction project.
Wooden Forms
Perhaps the most basic and traditional concrete form, wooden forms are made of wooden boards bound together by screws or nails. They’re attached to ensure that they support each other within the entire structured wooden model. Depending on the requirement, contractors will typically use leveling devices to build the form within the desired level or slope.
Before pouring the fluid concrete into a wooden form, the builders will first apply special oil or release lubricant to the walls. This lubrication process will ensure that the concrete won’t stick to the walls and surfaces.
One of the best benefits of wooden forms is their wide variety of applications. The only downside is that you have to maintain them.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are relatively new concrete forms. They are made of hollow blocks composed of insulation materials.
The blocks fit together to form a structure for the desired building. Builders typically use them to build foundations, but they’re also ideal for constructing interior and exterior walls and even flooring.
To properly understand how ICFs work, think of them as a sandwich, with the insulating forms enclosing the concrete. Whenever builders use IFCs, they will place the reinforcements and pour the concrete afterward.
The best benefits of using insulated concrete forms include impressive thermal performance, energy efficiency, and durability. The only downside is that they’re not reusable. Nevertheless, they’re the most innovative concrete forming option right now, and it’s no surprise why many homeowners and contractors prefer them.
Concrete Wall Forms
Concrete wall forms are precast systems used to hold concrete. Once the poured concrete hardens, it will create sturdy and stable forms.
Although they’re different from steel framing, they share some similarities because concrete wall forms are made with steel framing responsible for holding the engineered wood. You will typically see concrete wall forms used on areas such as piers, large walls, and foundations.
They’re a much better alternative to wooden forms, which can only support a limited amount of weight.
The individual blocks are bound together using latches or pins. Builders will tie them up to avoid disruption once the concrete pouring starts.
Different factors such as shapes and sizes also play a role when using concrete wall forms. Some manufacturers and suppliers even offer custom-sized concrete wall forms, which are acquired by concrete forming contractors depending on the requirements for the project.
Foam Concrete Forms
Also known as formwork, foam concrete forms are one of the most non-traditional types of concrete forms. You will rarely see them on construction sites, but they’re used in cases where the benefits they provide are optimum for the project. The methods these forms follow are rather unconventional too.
Unlike most concrete forms, fluid concrete is poured upside down into the concrete foam formwork. Since the concrete is fluid, it adapts to the temporary mold of the formwork, allowing for the desired finish once the concrete hardens. Formworks are usually made from unconventional materials such as acrylic glass or laminated boards.
As mentioned earlier, it’s pretty rare to see formworks into action. So instead, builders will typically use these forms whenever they need the concrete to mold into a particular shape or design. The temporary mold will hold the concrete as it hardens, resulting in a structure with a distinctive and artistic look.
Steel Concrete Forms
Steel concrete forms are made out of steel. While people may argue that these concrete forms are not durable and can’t handle enough work without developing rust, they can’t deny the usefulness of steel concrete forms in the construction industry. Contrary to popular belief, these forms can last more than 2000 work cycles — it only needs to be appropriately maintained.
It’s one of the most effective replacements for traditional wooden concrete forms. Compared to wooden boards, steel can’t absorb the moisture produced by the concrete poured inside the frame.
This property opens up fewer chances for errors or mishaps once the builders remove the steel-concrete. Steel concrete forms also offer many benefits, such as flexibility, adjustability, and durability. These reasons are why steel concrete forms are ideal options for large construction projects.
Manufactured Forms
Manufactured or precast concrete forms are made of engineered wood or metal sheets placed between metal framing. The metal framing encloses the wood or metal sheets using pins and latches, and ties are used to keep the sheets uniformly distanced from each other. These concrete forms are reusable and ideal for creating projects that need custom sizes.
Manufactured concrete forms are known for their quality and durability. Precast forms are made from controlled environments, top-tier for quality and withstanding natural elements.
The accelerated curing process precast forms are solid and durable. What’s more, they’re ideal for soundproofing and have impressive fireproof attributes.
Gang Form Systems
If you prefer heavy-duty forms, your best bet is gang form systems. These are manufactured forms made with either steel or aluminum frames that match plywood faces. They can function when attached or as a single large firm.
One of the benefits of gang forms is how fast forming placements can be done daily. Not only that, but routinely positioning them in strategic positions can increase safety and accuracy. These forms are typically used for retaining walls, bridge abutments, and water treatment facilities.
Their highly accurate dimension control and simple design make gang form systems ideal for large-scale projects requiring exterior construction.
Adjustable Column Forms
Commonly known as column formworks, adjustable column forms are molds made from materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastic, by which the wet concrete is poured to achieve the builder’s desired shape and size for the project. Once the concrete hardens, the formwork will be removed, but permanent column formworks typically remain as a part of the construction.
The size and shape of the column formwork will depend on the construction project’s needs. To make control easier during the pouring stage, horizontal clamps made from either steel or timber are used with column molds.
The head of the column formwork supports the beam formwork. However, there are also times when the column formwork is cast to the side of the beams.
Paperboard Column Forms
Perhaps the most common and easily accessible concrete forms for building columns, buildings, piers, and outdoor signages are paperboard column forms. These forms are made from cardboard, making them easy to transport either manually or by crane. They come in various diameters and are cut to size on the site.
Even if they’re made from cardboard, these column forms have rain-resistant technology that helps them avoid getting wet due to weather and sudden downpour. Not only that, they’re arguably the most eco-friendly concrete form option available in the market today.
Plastic Column Forms
Aside from column forms made from cardboard, some are made from plastic. Plastic column forms are cost-effective and reusable, and they are easily stackable, making them easy to set up and remove whenever necessary. They are also waterproof, UV resistant, and will never rust, unlike the concrete forms made from metals.
Plastic column forms are ideal for designs that incorporate curves and tight radii. Since other concrete forms can’t be bent, these column forms are becoming the perfect option for concrete forming contractors who not only want to use versatile materials but also materials that are reusable and lightweight.
Handset Forms
Finally, we have handset forms, one of the most practical concrete forms accessible today. They are straightforward to assemble and use. They’re easy to make with a hammer, and their lightweight boosts productivity. As a result, they’re ideal for use cases like walls, columns, and foundations.
Conclusion
There are different types of concrete forms suited for various applications. Some of them are lightweight and can be easily transported from one place to another, while others are heavy-duty and will require the help of heavy machinery to move them. Knowing the type of concrete forms will help you choose the suitable construction material you’d need for your project.
