8 Types of Shuttering | Uses, Pros and Cons

Formwork sometimes referred to as shuttering, is a temporary framework or mold used in construction to hold and shape building materials like concrete or other building materials until they harden or become self-supporting. It acts as a template for the concrete, which is poured into it and then allowed to set and acquire an adequate form and structure.

Shuttering is essential in construction because it guarantees that concrete or other materials are poured and cured in the right shape, size, and alignment. It promotes stability during construction and aids in obtaining accurate and reliable outcomes. The choice of material for shuttering is based on the project's scope, budget, and unique building needs. Materials that can be used include plywood, steel, plastic, and wood. The shuttering is removed when the concrete has dried and the finished structure is left in its place.

8 Types of Shuttering

1. Plywood Shuttering.
2. Steel Shuttering.
3. Plastic Shuttering.
4. Timber Shuttering.
5. Tunnel Formwork.
6. Aluminium Shuttering.
7. Fabric Shuttering.
8. Permanent Insulated Shuttering.

1. Plywood Shuttering

Plywood is frequently used for formwork because of its adaptability, availability, and affordability. Moulds for different concrete structures, including slabs, columns, and beams, are made easily from plywood panels. It is particularly well suited for flat surfaces and is simple to cut and assemble properly.

Pros

1. Versatile and widely available.
2. Smooth surface finish for concrete.
3. Reusable if maintained properly.

Cons

1. Susceptible to moisture damage.
2. May require more frequent maintenance.

Criteria for Use

1. Budget: Plywood formwork is cost-effective, making it suitable for projects with tight budgets.
2. Project Size: Ideal for small to medium sized projects where a smooth concrete finish is required.
3. Reusability: Depending on maintenance, plywood can be reused multiple times.

2. Steel Shuttering 

Steel formwork has a reputation for being dependable and strong enough to support large concrete loads. It is frequently used in large-scale construction projects when repetitive use is necessary. Steel shuttering may be fabricated into complex forms and designs and is very customizable. 

Pros

1. Highly durable and can withstand heavy loads.
2. Reusable for many construction cycles.
3. Provides excellent concrete finish.

Cons

1. Expensive upfront cost.
2. Heavy and requires machinery for handling.

Criteria for Use

1. Load-Bearing Capacity: Suitable for projects requiring heavy loads and high structural stability.
2. Durability: Ideal for long-term or repetitive use.
3. Concrete Finish: Provides an excellent concrete finish, important for architectural projects.

3. Timber Shuttering: 

Traditional timber formwork involves fabricating moulds for concrete with wooden planks and boards. Although it is affordable and adaptable, it requires skilled workers and is frequently used for smaller projects or in circumstances where cost is a major consideration.

Pros

1. Versatile and widely available.
2. Good insulation properties.
3. Cost-effective for smaller projects.

Cons

1. Requires skilled carpenters for assembly.
2. Susceptible to decay if not maintained.

Criteria For use

1. Budget: Cost-effective for smaller projects with budget constraints.
2. Skilled Labor: Requires skilled carpenters for proper assembly and maintenance.
3. Insulation Needs: Good for projects where thermal insulation is desired.

4. Plastic Shuttering: 

Compared to timber, plastic formwork is lighter, easier to handle, and has a longer lifespan. For making curved or unique-shaped concrete components, it is extremely helpful. Additionally resistant to corrosion, plastic formwork is reusable and clean.

Pros

1. Lightweight and easy to handle.
2. Resistant to moisture and chemicals.
3. Quick assembly and disassembly.

Cons

1. Not as durable as steel or aluminum.
2. Limited to smaller to medium-sized projects.

Criteria for use

1. Project Schedule: Best for projects with tight schedules due to quick assembly and disassembly.
2. Moisture Resistance: Resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it suitable for wet environments.
3. Size and Complexity: Suitable for smaller to medium-sized projects with less complex shapes.

5. Tunnel Formwork: 

Tunnel formwork is used for recurrent constructions, such as apartment complexes. It is made up of a number of linked shapes that combine to make slabs and walls at the same time. Because the formwork is reused for each part, this approach is effective and speeds up construction.

Pros

1. Efficient for repetitive structures.
2. Reduces the need for manual formwork assembly.

Cons

1. Limited to structures with a similar layout on each floor.
2. Not suitable for complex or irregular shapes.

Criteria for use

1. Repetitive Layout: Efficient for projects with a repetitive structural layout on each floor.
2. Time Efficiency: Reduces construction time by eliminating the need for manual formwork assembly.
3. Structural Uniformity: Suitable for structures with consistent design elements.

6. Aluminium Shuttering: 

Aluminium formwork is lightweight and simple to use. It is frequently used to develop repetitively laid out commercial and residential constructions. Aluminium formwork has become recognised for its accuracy and efficiency, and it is relatively easy to alter for different dimensions.

Pros

1. Lightweight and easy to handle.
2. Precise and consistent results.
3. Reusable for multiple projects.

Cons

1. Initial cost is higher compared to some alternatives.

Criteria for use

1. Speed and Precision: Ideal for projects where speed and precise construction are priorities.
2. Reuse: Can be reused for multiple projects, making it cost-effective over time.
3. Complexity: Suitable for a wide range of project complexities. 

7. Fabric Shuttering: 

Fabric formwork involves using flexible and tension-resistant fabric materials to shape concrete, which often gets supported by a frame or other structural components. It is used in concrete constructions that create unique and distinctive forms. The fabric shutterring allows unusual, free-form patterns.

Pros

1. Flexibility in design and shape.
2. Suitable for artistic and architectural applications.

Cons

1. Limited to specific decorative or artistic projects.
2. May not provide the same structural strength as traditional formwork.

Criteria for use:

1. Architectural Aesthetics: Suitable for projects where unique shapes and aesthetics are crucial.
2. Artistic Freedom: Provides flexibility for creative and artistic designs.
3. Non-structural: Typically used for decorative or non-structural elements.

8. Permanent Insulated Shuttering: 

Permanent insulated formwork combines the advantages of formwork with the advantages of insulation. It is frequently used in situations that need for both structural support and insulation, such as constructing insulated concrete walls or building envelopes. It serves as a permanent component of the building's structure after it has been placed.

Pros

1. Combines formwork and insulation in one.
2. Ideal for energy-efficient buildings.

Cons

1. May have higher upfront costs.
2. Limited to projects where energy efficiency is a priority.

Criteria for use

1. Energy Efficiency: Suitable for projects where energy efficiency and insulation are priorities.
2. Long-term Cost Savings: Although it may have higher upfront costs, it can lead to energy savings over time.
3. Construction Goals: Appropriate for sustainable and green building projects.