For someone new to the field of construction, shuttering may be a term they are not aware about. Frankly, it is one of the most useful tools used in the construction industry. This article will talk about what its role is in the world of construction and the many types it is available.

Construction shuttering, also known as formwork, is a temporary support that is used in moulding the concrete into a specific shape, after which concrete gains strength, hardens, and afterward matures. It is used to hold the concrete together and give it the shape needed according to the work being done.

Types of Shuttering Materials Used

Concrete shuttering can be broadly divided into two categories:

• Conventional
• Modern

Let’s look at the types of materials used under each of these categories.

Conventional Shuttering 

This includes shuttering that has been traditionally used for decades. As construction industry advances towards technical upgradation, the conventional formwork  have continually decreased in use. The finish and quality of construction depends on the shuttering material used for laying the concrete.

#1: Timber Shuttering

One of the first formworks to ever have been used for shuttering purposes,  is still used in many construction projectseven today. Before using this material, it is advisable to check it to ensure it is free from termites and other pests, that would also prove it’s strength and the load that it would be able to take.  Storing it is an issue because a dry and clean space has to be maintained to store them correctly keep them away from moisture, breakage and dismantling, in order to be used again.

Pros:

• Economical prices suited for smaller projects
• Can be manufactured easily and in small batches

Cons

• Termite infestation with timber formwork is a problem faced frequently.
• It has a short lifespan making it non-durable.
• It can be time-consuming to use in bigger projects.

#2: Plywood

This is a manufactured wooden formwork that is used to shape concrete appropriately. Plywood construction shuttering is available in various thicknesses and sizes to suit the needs of a particular building project. Plywood is still used in many projects and it is a material that has been used for many years. Many construction builders find using it as formwork effective and hence continue with it.

Pros

• It is lightweight which means carrying and installing it is not a problem.
• It can be reused at least 20 to 25 times.

Cons

• Plywood can be susceptible to pest infestation, with termites posing a serious challenge.
• It may not be strong enough to withstand the pressure of concrete and the load of construction often.

Modern Shuttering

Now that the traditional construction shuttering work materials have been discussed, we can understand the more modern materials. Construction builders prefer these modern materials a lot more because they are more feasible and offer easy maintenance.

#1: Plastic Shuttering

This constitutes one of the most popular shuttering materials used in modern construction projects today. The offering is an advanced plastic formwork that is useful for all sorts of horizontal and vertical applications. The GI-supported stiffener used at the back of the panels makes the whole formwork robust.

Plastic shuttering is used in wall shuttering as well as stairs and other areas of the building construction project. It is a favourite with builders who are looking for an easy and lightweight material to work with and its cost-effectiveness is also responsible for the popularity

Pros

• Plastic shuttering is quite lightweight. So carrying it to and fro from construction projects is not going to be difficult at all.
• It is unbreakable. It is almost impossible to break it or wear it out.
• It is a highly durable material and can be reused at least 100 times.
• It is stackable meaning that the storage space gets saved. Many can be stacked on top of each other with ease. Since plastic is not affected at all, it can be kept outdoors and indoors, including in water-logged areas without worrying about it being ruined.
• Concrete does not stick to plastic and hence it can be washed very easily after every use. This highly reduces the expenses of shuttering oil which is used in other shuttering materials.
• Low surface tension makes plastic formwork easy to remove and reuse thereby saving a lot of time and labour.
• Highly cost-effective because plastering is not required. Construction builders can apply putty and paint directly which saves plastering costs.
• After multiple usages, plastic formwork can be sold as scrap fetching a good amount of money in the scrap market.

Cons

• Plastic is not considered eco-friendly by many environmentalists.

#2: Aluminium Shuttering

Aluminium shuttering is another great choice for modern construction projects. It is lightweight and provides all the advantages of metal. It is a lot more eco-friendly than plastic. Aluminium as a metal is one of the most abundant metals found on earth and hence the cost factor is also a positive thing.

Pros

• Lightweight formwork has many advantages, the most important being that workers on construction sites will have an easier time managing it. Carrying them to and fro will be easy and effective.
• The strength and endurance of aluminium are undeniable which adds to the structure. It also brings a form of structure that also ensures that the application of internal and external plasters is not usually needed.
• Accuracy is the key to the construction and that is another pro that builders love about aluminium shuttering.
• It is also a highly durable material and you will have no trouble reusing it multiple times.
• Repetition of building construction work is easy with aluminium formwork and it has been practised in many First World countries of the world.
• Repeated usage is possible because of the material.

Cons

• It comes at a lower strength than steel.
• Once the shuttering has been done, there is no way for any alterations to be made.

Steel Shuttering

Shuttering works done using steel formwork is a good choice for construction builders looking for a strong material to use. Steel does not warp or bend, which ensures that it will result in clean lines during construction. Steel formwork consists of using large steel plates which are secured together with couples and bars.

Pros

• Environmentally-conscious building projects can earn brownie points by using steel shuttering.
• Steel shuttering can be highly cost-effective because it can be used and re-used hundreds of times.
• The process of creating steel shuttering involves minimal production. With computer modelling available, the process has become even simpler. When the process of producing formwork is fast, the construction site fieldwork is also done quickly. This ultimately helps construction projects get done on time.
• Steel shuttering is extremely strong. This means that it can be used in extreme temperature environments and severe climatic No matter the weather outside, using this material can be helpful.
• It does not corrode. This is useful in the prevention of accidents in construction sites, which is highly preferable in the industry.

Cons

• The heavy weight of steel may be considered a con by some construction builders.
• It can be difficult to move it from one place to another because of its weight.

After this discussion which explains the pros and cons of each type of shuttering works materials, it is easily explained that plastic formwork is the most feasible shuttering to be used. The choice of shuttering material is crucial to construction. Nova Formworks offers expertise and a high level of precision. They are known for their huge reputation in the  plastic formwork manufacturing and supply to construction companies worldwide.