Checklist “Assembly and Installation of Formwork Along the Perimeter of the Foundation”
Welcome! This checklist will help you correctly assemble and install formwork for the foundation, ensuring accuracy and quality of the work performed.
Preparation of Materials
Selection of materials for formwork. For assembling formwork, you can use both wooden and metal panels. Wooden panels are generally used for small and medium-sized construction projects, since they are cheaper and more readily available. They can be made of boards or plywood. Metal panels are used on larger projects, as they are stronger and more durable, but they are also more expensive.
It is important to remember that wooden panels must be treated with special compounds so that they do not rot when in contact with concrete. In some cases, lightweight plastic panels can be used to reduce the weight of the structure.
Calculation of the required amount of materials. To correctly calculate the amount of materials, start from the perimeter (total length of the foundation) and the height of the foundation. To calculate the perimeter, measure each side of the foundation and add these values together. The height of the foundation is determined by the project and also influences the amount of materials, since it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the formwork walls.
It is important to take into account Italian construction standards (Norme Tecniche delle Costruzioni, NTC). These standards regulate the rules and requirements that construction works in Italy must comply with. For example, for formwork it is important to meet strength requirements, structural stability, and protection against external factors such as moisture. According to these standards, formwork must withstand concrete pressure and temperature changes during pouring.
Terms
Perimeter of the foundation — the total length of all sides of the foundation, which determines the size of the area where the formwork will be installed.
Height of the foundation — the distance from the lowest point of the excavation to the top line of the foundation.
Formwork — a temporary or permanent mold for pouring concrete that gives the desired shape to the future structure.
Metal panels — construction panels made of metal (most often steel) used to create formwork. They provide greater strength and durability compared to wooden ones.
Assembly and Installation of Formwork
Assembly of formwork panels. Assemble the formwork panels by connecting them to each other using metal clips or bolts, depending on the type of materials used. Make sure that the panels are positioned vertically and securely fixed to avoid their displacement or deformation during concrete pouring. The panels must be installed with intervals corresponding to the project in order to prevent deflection and preserve the geometric dimensions of the foundation.
To increase the strength of the formwork structure and prevent its destruction during pouring, use reinforcing elements — metal ties or braces. In the case of wooden panels, their edges can also be reinforced with additional strips to increase stability.
Installation of formwork. Install the assembled panels along the perimeter of the foundation, strictly following the design marks and layout. Control the vertical and horizontal positioning of each panel using a level to guarantee installation accuracy. Use braces and fasteners to hold the formwork in the required position until concrete pouring begins.
After installing the formwork, check that all corners and joints are straight and correspond to the project. Pay attention to the gaps between panels — they must be minimal to avoid leakage of concrete through the joints. If necessary, reinforce corners and joints with additional braces.
Terms
Braces — elements used to hold formwork panels in the required position. They can be wooden or metal and are placed between panels to prevent their displacement.
Ties — elements used to strengthen and secure the formwork structure, preventing it from shifting under the pressure of concrete.
Design marks — predetermined levels or heights indicated in the project documentation that serve as reference points for the correct installation of formwork.
Checking Horizontal and Vertical Alignment
Checking with a level. Use a construction level to check the horizontal and vertical alignment of the installed formwork. Make sure that each formwork panel exactly matches the design marks both horizontally and vertically. For this, you can use a standard level as well as a laser level, which allows for precise establishment of horizontal and vertical planes.
Horizontal alignment is checked along the top edge of the formwork panel, and vertical alignment — along the side surfaces. It is especially important to ensure the accuracy of the angles between the panels to prevent any deviations from the project that could affect correct concrete pouring.
Adjustment of position. If deviations are detected during level checking, adjust the position of the formwork. This can be done using adjustment screws or additional braces. If a panel is installed incorrectly, it is better to fully correct its position rather than try to compensate for the error when pouring concrete.
Position adjustment must be performed carefully to avoid damaging the formwork structure. It is also important to take into account the project documentation so that adjustments do not exceed the specified dimensions or heights.
Terms
Construction level — a tool used to determine the horizontal and vertical alignment of a surface. It can be a standard bubble level or a more precise laser level.
Laser level — a modern tool for precise measurement of horizontal and vertical planes using laser lines.
Adjustment screws — elements that allow you to precisely adjust the position of the formwork, correcting its vertical or horizontal alignment if necessary.
Conclusion
Proper installation and checking of formwork is a key stage in the foundation construction process, on which the strength and durability of the entire building depend. Adhering to all stages, from preparation of materials and calculations to precise checking of horizontal and vertical alignment, guarantees that concrete pouring will proceed without errors and that the foundation will meet the project requirements.
Instructions for Using the Checklist “Assembly and Installation of Formwork for the Foundation”
Read the checklist — carefully review each step to ensure correct execution of all stages.
Prepare the materials — choose high-quality panels for formwork and calculate the required quantity.
Assemble the formwork — connect the panels and install them along the perimeter of the foundation, strictly following the layout.
Check with a level — use a construction level to control the horizontal and vertical alignment of the formwork.
Adjustment of position — if necessary, adjust the formwork to ensure installation accuracy.
By following these steps, you will ensure reliable and even formwork for pouring the foundation.
