What is the Difference between Scaffolding and Formwork?
When first invented, formwork and scaffolding were rudimentary yet their popularity in construction grew in leaps and bounds, affording architects and builders alike the opportunity to construct the mammoth structures that have become part of our urban landscape. As different as scaffolding and formwork are, these two components will always remain viable and vital parts of the construction industry. Our team at Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork provides access solutions and various sized moulds to builders and renovators alike.
Making a Difference in Construction
Where formwork is used to shape and support wet concrete in moulds until it is stable, scaffolding provides a means for workers to work safely from heights. Both are temporary structures and both can be used at the same time, as scaffolding is often adapted to aid formwork construction. Scaffolding formwork, referred to as falsework, is when scaffolding is temporarily created to support the type of formwork required to construct elevated buildings and bridges.
Providing Structural Support
Formwork has a fundamental role in construction, providing both shape and structural support. Where timber used to be the mainstay for formwork, steel slowly began to replace it as builders found that it could be used for wider-scale projects and it cut down considerably on the time taken to complete projects. With the added advantage of durability and the fact that steel can be reused multiple times, it is widely used in construction today.
Knowing that the formwork needed in construction has to be of the highest quality and reduce floor-to-floor construction time, we have compiled this useful list of the requirements of good formwork:
- Formwork needs to have the strength to handle the varying loads during casting operations
- The joints of the formwork must be completely leak-proof
- Temporary formwork must not damage the concrete during the removal process
- The material should be easily portable, reusable, and not prone to warping or distorting
Using the correct formwork will produce a concrete surface finish that is uniform and smooth.
Working from Heights Safely
Gaining access to heights to complete construction projects was often met with safety issues, which is not surprising considering that one of the first types of scaffolding comprised of bamboo and hemp. The introduction of steel brought about sturdier structures that could be erected at considerable heights, and provided those that used them a degree of safety.
Used together with formwork, scaffolding needs to have ample structural integrity to provide a safe and stable working platform, which we at Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork can provide with our Kwikstage and Selflock access solutions. As much as durable and tensile strength materials are needed in formwork, the same materials are crucial components of scaffolding.
Why Falsework in Necessary
The symbiotic relationship between scaffolding and formwork affords builders the means with which to stabilise and support fresh concrete forms. Used as a temporary structure, falsework needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the forms, the poured concrete, and any construction equipment and workers. Scaffolding also needs to be able to remain stable at elevated levels which are done with jacks, wedges, and diagonal support beams to name a few.
Once the formwork has been cast in place, the falsework must be able to be removed and lowered gradually. A perfect example of falsework is bridge construction where elevated scaffolding is placed underneath a steel girder, providing the framework for the bridge, enabling the workers to gain access above the girders to construct the formwork whilst the girders rest on the steel platforms.
The Importance of Scaffolding and Formwork
At Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork, our scaffolding solutions and formwork installations have resulted in the successful completion of numerous projects. We have supplied scaffolding and erected various types of formwork for over 15 luxury homes at Waterfall Country Estate and for the rebuild of the Soshanguve Magisterial Court, which required 8000 square metres of formwork. Our projects are a reflection of how crucial falsework is to complete a successful build.
Leaders in Scaffolding and Formwork
For over seven years, we at Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork have been supplying superior-quality scaffolding and formwork solutions to the construction industry. We specialise in the erection, dismantling, and modification of access systems for various market sectors such as mining, electrical, and general maintenance. Our end-to-end project management has afforded us the opportunity of offering tailor-made scaffold hire packages to suit our customers’ specific requirements and has made us a preferred formwork contractor. Contact one of dedicated team members and we will find the ideal falsework needed for your project.
Contact Us Today for Quality Formwork