FORM, SCAFFOLDING AND STAGING

FORMS

The structural members of the building are built up into its desired shapes and dimensions through the
use of form. Form is a temporary boarding, sheathing or pan used to produce the desired shape and size of
concrete.

Concrete mixture is generally semi –fluid that reproduces the shape of anything into which it is poured.
Thus, concrete forms shall be water tight, rigid, and strong enough to sustain the weight of fresh concrete.

Forms must be simple and economically designed in such a manner that they are easily removed and
reassembled without damage to themselves or to the concrete.

Selection of Forms are based on:

1. Cost of the materials

2. Construction and assembling cost
3. The number of times it could be used
4. Strength and resistance to pressure and tear and wear

Classification of Forms:

A. As to Materials
1. Wood 3. Plastic
2. Metal 4. Composite

B. As to Shape
1. Straight
2. Circular, etc

C. Solid or Hollow Cast

1. Single
2. Double

D. As to Methods of Construction
1. Ordinary
2. Unit

E. As to Uses
1. Foundation 4. Beams and Girders
2. Wall 5. Slab
3. Steps 6. Sidewalk, etc.

F. Construction of forms consist of:

1. Retaining board 4. Spacer
2. Supporters or studs 5. Tie wire
3. Braces 6. Bolts and nails

G. Types of post and wall form

1. Continuous
2. Full unit
3. Layer unit
a. Continuous
b. Sectional

Greasing of Forms

Forms are consistently greased before its used. The purpose of greasing the form is to make the wood waterproof
preventing the absorption of water in the concrete which causes swelling and warping. Greasing of forms also
prevent the adherence of concrete into the pores of the wood.

Crude oil is the most economical and satisfactory materials for this purpose. The crude oil is mixed with No. 40
motor oil to a proportion of 1:3 mixtures or with varying viscosity depending upon the temperature condition.
A thicker mixture is recommended on warm weather condition. However, greasing of forms should not be
allowed after the steel bars have been set to its position. Metal forms also need oil application to prevent rust
formation.

PLYWOOD AS CONSTRUCTION FORM

Plywood is a versatile construction material used as wall partitions, cabinets, and furniture. Plywood is also
utilized in boat building as well as forms for reinforced concrete constructions.

Plywood as Form has the following advantages

1. It is economical in terms of labor cost.

2. It is lightweight and handy.
3. It has smooth surface which may not require plastering
4. Less consumption of nails
5. Ease of assembling and disassembling
6. Available

Plywood is manufactured in various thickness ranging from 4; 6; 12; 20; and 25 mm with a standard commercial
sizes of 0.90 x 1.80 and 1.20 x 2.40 meters.

FORMS FOR SQUARE AND RECTANGULAR COLUMN

In determining the materials for square and rectangular column forms, one has to consider the following;

1. The thickness of the board to be used

2. The size of the frame
3. Types of framework to be adopted
a. Continuous rib type
b. Stud type

Formula in Finding the Materials for Square and Rectangular Column Forms

1. P = 2 ( a + b ) + 0.20

Where: P – lateral perimeter of the column

a – shorter side of the column

b - the longer side of the column

0.20 – constant value for the lapping of form joints

2. Multiply P by the height of one column times the number of columns to get the total area of forms
3. Divide the total area found by 2.88 to get the number of plywood forms
4. Multiply the number of plywood found by 29.67 to get the board foot of frame required.

Example:

Six concrete posts at 4.00 meters high with a uniform cross sectional dimensions of 0.30 x 030 specify the use
of 6 mm (1/4”) marine plywood on an 2” x 2” wood frame. List down the materials required using a continuous
rib type forms.

TABLE 5.1 BOARD FOOT OF WOOD FRAME FOR COLUMN AND BEAM PER PLYWOOD FORM

THICKNESS OF PLYWOOD FORM

SIZE OF
POST BEAM
WOOD FRAME
6 mm (1/4”) 12 mm (1/2”) 6 mm (1/4”) 12 mm (1/2”)
2” X 2” 29.67 20.33 25.06 18.66
2” X 3” 44.50 30.50 37.60 28.00

Example 2: Ten reinforced concrete column with a general cross sectional dimensions of 0.40 m x 0.40 m by
5.00 m long each requires a plywood form on a 2” x 2” frame. Order the materials required.

FORMS OF CIRCULAR COLUMN

The plain galvanized iron sheet and blank sheets are commonly used as sheeting for circular, oval, elliptical, and
other similar types considering its versatility in forming any shape of geometrical design.
Metal sheet form is supported by metal frame either plain bars, angular, tee or circular in cross section or
whatever specified in the plan.

ESTIMATING PROCEDURES

1. Find the circumferential area of the circular column using the formula:
C = Π x diameter x height x no. of columns
2. Divide the area found by the effective area covering of one metal sheet.
3. Count the number of ribs or support classified as to their kind and length then convert to commercial
size of steel bars.
4. In estimating materials for any particular work, a detailed plan is imperative. Without detailed plan,
expect a half hazard result even from the brightest estimator.

Example:

Determine the required metal black sheet form for a 8 circular columns 4.00 meters high each with a uniform
cross sectional diameter of 60 cm.

TABLE 5-2 QUANTITY OF METAL FORM FOR CIRCULAR COLUMN

Size of metal No. of sheet Length of Vertical Ribs in m Length of

sheet in per square Spacing in cm circumferential
meters meter 15 cm 20 cm ties in meter
0.90 X 2. 40 0.462 25.0 18.0 9.52
1.20 X 2.40 0.347 25.0 18.0 9.52

FORMS FOR BEAMS AND GIRDERS

Forms for beam and girder are made of only three parts; one bottom form and two side forms. They are made
of either metal or plywood materials supported by galvanized pipe staging or wooden lumber of varying sizes
from 2 x 2 ; to 2 x 3 frames. When coconut lumber is used, a bigger size from 2 x 3 to 2 x 4 are used.

Wooden lumber forms are rigidly supported with sufficient vertical and diagonal bracing to carry the heavy load
of concrete weighing approximately 65 kilograms per cubic foot.

The ease of dismantling is the primary consideration in the assembling of forms. The freedom from pain and
difficulty in removing the form depends on how it was fastened.

FORMULA IN FINDING THE MATERIALS FOR BEAM AND GIRDER FORMS

1. P = 2 (d ) + b + 0.10
Where: P - perimeter of two sides form
d – the two sides form
b - the bottom form
0.10 – constant value for the lapping form

2. Multiply P by the length and number of beams to get the total area of the forms.

3. Divide the total area found by 2.88 to get the number of plywood forms.

4. Multiply the number of plywood found by 22 get the board foot of frame required.

Example:

Ten concrete beams with cross sectional dimensions of 0.30 by 0.60 meter has a uniform clear span of 4.50
meters. Using ¼” 4’ x 8’ plywood form on a 2” x 2” lumber frame. List down the materials required.