Formwork for vertical elements

Tool formwork is prefabricated formwork, generally of large dimensions, capable of many re-uses, transportable to other sites, and adaptable to the work to be carried out in terms of shape and size.

This family of formworks includes traditional wooden formworks, portable formworks that can be assembled in small panels, in wood or metal, storey-high formworks, generally in metal, high-rise formworks, always in metal, and climbing and sliding formworks.

In addition to the functional characteristics and requirements common to all formwork, particularly those relating to safety, tool formwork has special features for the assembly and adjustment of the formwork panels known as "banches", which have a major influence on the final quality of the structure, requiring precision, speed, checks and levelling. The use of these formworks is therefore delicate. The same applies to stabilizing them in the wind during work phases; this stability can be achieved by anchoring, hanging or handling them opposite each other. Depending on the type of project (staircases, angles, projections, curved walls), the requirements and controls are different. These formworks, which must always give a good finish, require a great deal of time to set up.

The choice of formwork equipment depends of course on the plans drawn up by the design office, based on the project manager's plans, but also on the lifting equipment and access conditions on site, so as to be able to comply with handling instructions: positioning, shimming, stripping (not always easy) of these formwork tools.

Knowing the characteristics of civil engineering formwork is a prerequisite for the safe and efficient use of this equipment on construction sites. A review of the products available on the market, the main associated risks and the preventive measures provided by manufacturers are all necessary steps.