Timber formwork is a temporary structure used in building construction to support solidified concrete. Like a mold, it shapes wet concrete until it hardens and reaches sufficient strength to stand independently. Timber is one of the most commonly used materials for formwork due to its flexibility and ease of use. Construction timber formwork provides a flexible solution for shaping walls, slabs, columns, and beams.
Timber formwork is the most common type of formwork applied in both large and small construction projects in Hong Kong, owing to several key advantages compared to metal formwork:
1. Relatively cost-effective in ordinary situations;
2. Light weight, facilitating transportation and can be carried by hand;
3. The ease of erecting into different shapes, as timber panels can be cut quickly with hand-held tools in-situ.