formwork
FORM-werk
/ˈfɔːrm.wɜːrk/
Temporary or permanent molds into which fresh concrete is poured and held until it hardens.
Encompasses timber frames, steel shutters, or synthetic molds that define the shape and dimensions of poured concrete.
The story behind the word. A modern compound of Old English 'form' (shape) and 'work' (construction structure). It emerged in trade vocabulary to describe temporary wooden frames built to shape poured slurry into solid structures.
Word relationships
- shuttering: A common British construction term specifically referring to timber formwork panels.
- mold: A broad term for any shaping container, whereas formwork applies strictly to concrete structures.
- cured concrete: The self-supporting hardened material remaining after formwork removal.
Commonly confused with
- scaffolding: Scaffolding supports human construction workers; formwork contains wet liquid concrete.
Collocations
- timber formwork
- strip formwork
- formwork release agent
- erect formwork
Example sentences
- "Carpenters erected heavy plywood formwork to contain the wet concrete for the foundation walls." Concrete Construction
- "The supervisor inspected the formwork braces to verify they could withstand fluid concrete pressure." Site Safety
Memory hook
FORMWORK creates the FORM that wet concrete WORKS in. Formwork = mold for poured concrete.
When not to use
Do not use to describe permanent stone or brick walls, or temporary worker access scaffolding.
Fun facts
- Slip-formwork moves continuously upward, allowing tall skyscraper cores to be poured without stopping.
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