Conditions and Constraints in the Formwork （条件和约束模板）.pdf

Conditions and Constraints in the Formwork Systems for Complex High-rise Building – with cases from Hong Kong 1. Introduction Formwork systems are among the key factors determining the success of a construction project in terms of speed, quality, cost and safety of works. Nowadays, most projects are required by the client to complete in the shortest time possible as a means to minimise costs. For high-rise buildings, the most effective way to speed up works is to achieve a very short floor cycle — to have the structure of a typical floor completed in the shortest time. This can be done in Hong Kong within three to four days’ time, even for buildings with floor areas up to 2,500 sq m. The key to achieve this, again from the production point of view, is by the use of a system of efficient and appropriately designed formwork. Modern buildings can be very complex, either in terms of scale, architectural or structural design, sophisticated building services or other facilities requirements. The design and use of the right formwork system, as well as stipulation of an effective resource planning strategy to control and maximise the use of the formwork, are crucial to the overall success of a project. Aiming purely at speed often contradicts the achievement of other quality targets. Problems such as misalignment, misplacement, deflective concrete or holding up other works causing serious interruption can result. This paper, supplemented with several recent Hong Kong case studies, highlights conditions and constraints in the application of formwork, and illustrates the practices and methods that the local construction industry uses to construct complex buildings of various kinds. 2. Classification of Formwork Formwork can be classified according to a variety of categories, relating to the differences in sizes, the location of use, construction materials, nature of operation, or simply by the brand name of the product