formwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'formwork' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to temporary or permanent molds or structures used to support and shape concrete or other building materials during construction. Examples: - The construction crew carefully removed the formwork once the concrete had dried. - The architect designed the formwork to create intricate shapes and angles for the building's façade. - In order to pour the foundation, the contractors first needed to construct the formwork according to the engineer's specifications. - The use of steel formwork has become increasingly popular due to its durability and reusability. - The contractor estimated that it would take two days to properly set up the formwork for the new retaining wall.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

On the other hand, in the construction of temporary formwork and shuttering for concrete building, the carpenter's work has greatly increased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The entire structure was built without formwork, the circular profiles of the ribs and rings being maintained by a system of measuring wires fixed at the centres of curvature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The curved surfaces of stones between the ribs were probably laid with little formwork, using only mortar; brick vaults are still built this way in the Middle East.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This system needs much handmade timber formwork, and in economies where labour is expensive other systems are employed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ribs were built with supporting formwork or centring made of timber; close cooperation was needed between the carpenters and the masons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The trend is to reduce the area of costly formwork necessary and to avoid use of steel reinforcement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Used for very tall multistory buildings, this method offers substantial savings in formwork.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In about 1415 he prepared a design for the dome that he daringly proposed to build without the aid of formwork, which had been absolutely necessary in all previous Roman and Gothic construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this process, a continuous vertical element of planar or tubular form is continuously cast using a short section of formwork that is moved upward with the pouring process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"To build a complex concave-convex surface, for example, would require the prefabrication of expensive formworks and cages, the mounting of complicated scaffolding and then the manual casting," says Dini.

The Guardian - Arts

His plan was to combine the parlor and garden floors into a duplex where he could live and run FormWorks, his architectural consulting business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formwork", specify the material (e.g., timber formwork, steel formwork) if it's relevant to the context, enhancing clarity.

Common error

Don't use "formwork" interchangeably with scaffolding. "Formwork" is specifically for molding concrete, while scaffolding provides access for workers.

Linguistic Context

The noun "formwork" functions as a technical term within the field of construction. It identifies a specific type of temporary structure used in concrete construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

42%

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Formwork" is a common and grammatically correct term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to the temporary molds used in concrete construction. Predominantly found in encyclopedias and news media, its usage spans formal and neutral registers. When using the term, consider specifying the material for clarity. Avoid confusing it with scaffolding, which serves a different purpose. Related terms include "shuttering" and "falsework". By understanding its function and context, you can effectively communicate about this essential construction element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shuttering

Refers to the temporary structure used to contain concrete during pouring and setting; often interchangeable with formwork.

falsework

Describes the temporary support structure, focusing on its role in supporting the permanent structure during construction.

molding

Emphasizes the shaping aspect of the process, highlighting the creation of a specific form.

concrete mold

Focuses on the mold itself, specifically for shaping concrete.

centering

Specifically used for arches and vaults, indicating a temporary support.

temporary support

Highlights the temporary nature of the structure used to hold concrete in place.

casting support

Describes the structure that supports the casting process, ensuring proper shape and alignment.

framework

A more general term for a supporting structure, but applicable in some formwork contexts.

construction mold

A broad term indicating a mold used in construction to shape materials.

structural support

Emphasizes the support provided to the structure during construction.

FAQs

What is "formwork" used for in construction?

"Formwork" is a temporary or permanent mold used to support and shape concrete or other materials during construction until they are hardened.

What are some common materials used for "formwork"?

Common materials include wood, steel, aluminum, and engineered composites. The choice depends on factors such as cost, durability, and the complexity of the design.

Is "shuttering" the same as "formwork"?

The terms are often used interchangeably, with "shuttering" being a common synonym for "formwork", especially in British English.

How does the design of "formwork" impact the final concrete structure?

The design of the "formwork" is crucial for achieving the desired shape, dimensions, and surface finish of the concrete structure. It also affects the structural integrity and stability during the construction process.