Climbing Formwork: A Modern Invention For the Ease of Construction

Climbing formwork is a complex and costly system used to construct vertical walls and structures. It is also known as jump form. The modern invention of such a complex yet helpful system has made constructing high-rise buildings easier. Want to know more about the climbing formwork system? Read on to learn about it and its effectiveness in the construction industry. In this article, we shall discuss different climbing formwork systems and their benefits in construction.

How does climbing formwork work?

Climbing formwork, or jump form, is a special formwork system that helps build vertical structures. The formwork system is costly but efficient for building tall, high-rising vertical buildings or towers. Climbing formwork is reusable and helps construct a large section of concrete structure in one go, improving the concrete's structural ability and enhancing its appearance. Climbing formwork is popular in construction as it helps construct the structure and provides space for construction crews.

What are the different types of climbing formwork?

The variety of climbing formwork is evolving depending on its usage. There are different types of climbing formwork used in the construction industry. Some of the major types are:

Crane-assisted climbing formwork 

As the name suggests, this type of formwork uses one or more cranes for displacement. After the concrete structure dries off and solidifies, formwork elements are removed using cranes. Crane-assisted climbing formwork is usually used in non-slab structures.

Self-climbing formwork

This type of formwork does not use cranes but hydraulics to lift it from its previous location. Hydraulic rams help lift the scaffold and formwork to the next level of construction. This type of formwork is very low-cost as it does not require extensive equipment like cranes.

Gliding formwork

Gliding formwork works similarly to self-climbing formwork. The only difference is that the displacement process of the formwork is continuous. It helps build a stronger concrete structure with fewer construction interruptions.

What are the essential components of a climbing formwork?

The main components of a climbing formwork system are the following:

Suspended platform

Climbing bracket

Pull-push props

Anchor system

Suspended platforms support workers when they set up the climbing formwork system. It also helps to distribute the load while supporting the weight of formwork.

Climbing brackets are used in climbing formwork to create a platform and support the formwork panels. Formwork contractors use pull-push props to align and stabilize the formwork panels during construction. Finally, the anchor system helps position the formwork panels precisely and transfer their load to the structure.

What are the benefits of a climbing formwork system?

The efficiency of the construction process improves using the climbing formwork system. The crane-dependent climbing formwork and self-climbing formwork systems reduce labour costs and improve productivity. The climbing formwork system helps workers continue working regardless of the weather conditions. Concrete contractors can use the climbing formwork system to achieve simultaneous construction. It also helps smooth the construction process of large, complete structures.

What is the difference between climbing formwork and jump formwork?

The terms climbing formwork and jump formwork are often used interchangeably. However, there are some characteristic differences between the two types of formwork. A jump formwork system uses cranes to move to the next level of construction. On the other hand, a climbing formwork system uses hydraulics to move to the next level. The crane-dependent jump formwork system can be costly and may not operate under high wind. However, the self-climbing formwork system can be economical and fast-paced in terms of displacement. No matter how different the two types of formwork systems are, both help construct high-rise concrete structures.

Concluding

The modern invention of climbing formwork has made the construction process more manageable for concrete contractors. Concrete structures that require seamless construction use climbing formwork systems. If you have the budget, you can utilise self-climbing formwork systems. This will improve the crews' productivity and allow them to work in different weather conditions. However, large cranes can build a sustaining formwork system for constructing high-rise buildings, towers, and cooling towers. You should ask your contractors to use the best quality formwork system to construct buildings. Needless to say, such formwork systems have made the construction process more productive. If you need formwork-related services, contact Formwork Contractors today! We provide customised formwork solutions for your construction works.