1.1 Introduction
Concrete or other similar materials are poured into temporary or permanent molds, which are referred to as form work. Regarding concrete construction, the shuttering molds are supported by the false work.
Formwork is made up of hollow molds that are used to form concrete. This allows for the construction of reinforced concrete and concrete components on the construction site. Formwork components are mostly used in the precast plant. The use of form work complies with the strictest regulations and permits precise, effective, and consequently cost-effective construction of pre-cast concrete components.
Due to the fact that concrete has a relatively low tensile or torsional strength, Roman engineers built some of the earliest examples of concrete slabs, which included arches, vaults, and domes. The Panther in Rome is the most famous example of a concrete construction from this era.
Temporary scaffolding, formwork, or false work was constructed in the future shape of the structure to mold it. Due to the complexity and limited production capacity of concrete, these building techniques were not limited to pouring concrete; rather, they were and are widely used in masonry. Concrete did not become a popular building material until the Portland Cement Company and its innovations led to the invention of reinforced concrete and Portland cement.
1.2 Background of Study
The evolution of construction technologies has been pivotal in meeting the growing demand for high-rise buildings, driven by urbanization and the need for optimized land use. Central to the construction of these towering structures is the design and implementation of formwork systems, which provide temporary support to concrete during its setting phase. The effective use of formwork has a profound impact on the structural integrity, construction speed, and cost-efficiency of high-rise buildings (Kumar et al., 2021). Historically, traditional formwork systems were primarily made from timber and were labor-intensive, resulting in extended construction timelines and higher costs (Taylor, 2019). However, the advent of engineered formwork systems, such as aluminum and steel modular systems, has revolutionized the industry by providing greater durability, precision, and reusability (Singh & Bansal, 2020).
The design of formwork is an integral part of construction planning, as it directly affects the quality of the finished structure. Innovations such as prefabricated and modular formwork systems have enhanced construction accuracy and reduced the need for on-site adjustments (Reddy et al., 2018). Additionally, the adoption of digital technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automated design tools has enabled engineers to create optimized formwork designs that ensure safety and cost-efficiency (Smith et al., 2022). Despite these advancements, the construction industry continues to face challenges in formwork design and application, including the high initial costs of advanced systems, labor skill gaps, and environmental concerns related to material waste. Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach involving innovative engineering solutions, sustainable practices, and continuous workforce training (Johnson & Wang, 2020).
The construction of high-rise buildings demands precision, efficiency, and safety, particularly in the application of formwork systems. Formwork, a temporary or permanent structure used to mold concrete into desired shapes, plays a critical role in ensuring the stability and integrity of a building during the construction process. The importance of formwork extends beyond mere support; it significantly influences the quality of concrete surfaces, construction speed, and overall project costs. According to Kumar et al. (2021), the adoption of advanced formwork technologies has revolutionized the construction industry, enabling the realization of complex architectural designs and reducing project timelines.
In high-rise construction, formwork systems must be robust enough to withstand high loads and adaptable to varying structural requirements. The choice of formwork be it traditional timber, engineered metal, or reusable plastic depends on factors such as project scale, budget, and environmental considerations (Taylor, 2019). For example, modular formwork systems have been increasingly adopted for their reusability and ability to maintain uniformity across multiple projects (Singh & Bansal, 2020). Furthermore, the efficiency of formwork design directly impacts labor productivity and safety standards on-site. Improperly designed formwork systems can lead to structural failures, delays, and increased costs (Smith et al., 2022). As a result, the integration of modern design tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become indispensable in optimizing formwork layouts and ensuring seamless construction workflows (Reddy et al., 2018). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to explore the role of formwork design in the successful construction of high-rise buildings.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many issues still arise in the design and construction of formwork for building production, even with all of the improvements formwork has made in the construction of high-rise structures. These issues are among the others that are:
- In most cases, formwork is thrown away after use because most construction companies do not see the need for high-quality materials. Formwork design and construction have encountered numerous challenges as a result.
- Effective design and construction of various forms of formwork for high-rise buildings is further complicated by the use of inexperienced contractors.
- There is evidence that most construction companies do not require contractors to follow all the procedures involved in formwork construction for concrete components, and this frequently results in formwork failure.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the design and construction of various types of formwork for construction of high rise building. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the effectiveness of quality materials in the design and construction of quality formwork for high rise building.
- To evaluate the experience of indigenous contractors in formwork design and construction
- To determine the various processes involved in formwork design and construction.
- To determine the problems associated with effective design and construction of formwork for high rise buildings.
- To suggest solution on how to remedy the problems associated with effective design and construction of formwork for high rise buildings.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the effective of quality materials in the design and construction of quality formwork for high rise buildings?
- What are the level of experience of the indigenous contractors in formwork design and construction?
- What are the various processing involved in formwork design and construction of formwork for high rise buildings?
- What are the problems associated with the effective design and construction of formwork for high rise buildings?
- What could you suggest as the means of minimizing the problems associated with effective design and construction of formwork for high rise buildings?
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will be beneficial to numerous people, including:
The Worker (Contractor):
The contractor will gain a great deal of knowledge from this work, including exposure to different forms of formwork and the procedures involved in constructing formwork, among many other experiences.
The Students:
The study will be important to students because it will act as a foundation for future research and perhaps even as a source of inspiration for it. Students will be able to obtain information from the data already collected and documented for this project and use it as a resource when working in the classroom.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Use of Form Work Design and Construction of High Building.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Formwork:
Formwork is an ancillary construction, used as a mould for a structure into this mould, fresh concrete is placed only to harden subsequently.
Construction:
It is the process of preparing for and forming buildings and building systems or it is simply an act of making something especially building bridges etc.
Assessment:
It is the process of documenting knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs.
Concrete:
It is a composite material composed mainly of water, Aggregate and cement.
Contractor:
This is an organization or individual that contracts with another organization or individual (the owner) for the construction of a building, road or other facility.
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