Eco-Friendly

Shuttering
Materials By: Srivatsav
Niranjan
Suryajith
Siva Suriya
Table of contents
TRADITIONA
L
01 SHUTTERIN 02ENVIROINMEN
G AL IMPACTS
Srivatsav V H Niranjan S

03 ECOFRIENDLY 04 CHALLENGES
SHUTTERING
MATERIALS
Suryajith Siva Suriya
01
Traditional
Shuttering
 TYPES OF SHUTTERING
Plywood shuttering
Timber Shuttering Steel Shuttering
- Materials: Constructed using
- Made from wooden - Materials: Made from thin
plywood sheets attached to
planks, beams, and props. steel plates supported by
timber frames.
- Timber is cut and steel frames.
- Construction: Plywood
assembled on-site to form - Construction:
provides a smooth finish to
the mould for concrete. Prefabricated steel
concrete surfaces and is
- Advantages: Easy to panels are assembled
supported by timber or
construct and modify, on-site to create the
steel props.
lightweight, and available shuttering mould.
- Advantages: Provides a
locally. - Advantages: Durable,
smooth finish, reusable for
-Disadvantage: Prone provides a uniform finish,
several cycles, and is
to warping and highly reusable, and
relatively lightweight.
swelling when suitable for large-scale
- Disadvantages: Can
exposed to moisture, projects.
delaminate if not properly
not reusable for - Disadvantages: Heavy,
waterproofed, requires
many cycles, higher expensive initial
careful handling to avoid
labour costs investment, requires
damage.
lifting equipment for
handling.
ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA. ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA.
 COMPONENTS
• Panels: The flat surfaces that come into direct contact with the
concrete, shaping its form.

• Bearers: Horizontal supports that hold the panels in place.

• Props: Vertical supports that hold up the bearers and panels, ensuring
they stay in position.

• Ties and Struts: Used to keep the shuttering elements together and
maintain the correct spacing.

• Clamps and Brackets: Secure the shuttering components,

preventing movement during concrete pouring.
CONSTRUCTION
OF
SHUTTERING
• 1. Design & Planning: Develop formwork based on required structure shape, size, and dimensions. Choose
appropriate materials and support systems.

• 2. Site Preparation: Mark the layout, ensure alignment and levelling, and clear debris for stability.
•

3. Panel Assembly: Construct and position panels (timber, plywood, or steel) per design, assembling on-
site or using prefabricated elements.

4. Support Installation: Place and align vertical and horizontal supports to hold the formwork securely.
•

5. Ties & Struts: Install ties, struts, and clamps to prevent bulging and maintain spacing.
•

6. Release Agent Application: Apply agents to prevent concrete from sticking to formwork.
•

7. Final Inspection: Check for security, levelness, and defects before pouring
• .

8. Concrete Pouring: Evenly distribute and vibrate concrete to remove air pockets.
•

9. Curing & Removal: Once set, carefully remove shuttering, starting with supports.
 ADVANTAGES
• Proven Reliability: Traditional shuttering methods have a long track record
of successful use, making them a dependable choice for construction
projects.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional shuttering can be more economical,

particularly for smaller projects or where formwork can be reused, as it
often requires a lower initial investment.

• Flexibility: It can be easily adapted to various shapes and sizes,

accommodating complex and custom designs effectively.

• Material Availability: Common materials like timber and plywood are readily
available and locally sourced, simplifying procurement.

• Simplicity: The construction and assembly of traditional shuttering are

straightforward, which can reduce the likelihood of errors and streamline the
building process.
 DISADVANTAGES
1. Labor-Intensive: Setting up and dismantling traditional shuttering can be labor-intensive and time-
consuming, which can increase overall construction time and labor costs.

2. Limited Reusability: While some traditional shuttering materials can be reused, they often have a
shorter lifespan compared to modern systems, leading to higher long-term costs if frequent formwork is
needed.

3. Quality Control: Achieving high precision and consistency can be challenging with traditional
methods. Variations in material quality and workmanship can affect the final concrete finish.

4. Material Wastage: Traditional shuttering can result in higher material wastage, particularly if the
formwork is not carefully managed or if adjustments are frequently needed.

5. Maintenance and Repair: Traditional shuttering systems, especially those made of wood, may
require ongoing maintenance and repair to keep them in good condition, which can add to project costs
and complexity.
OVERVIEW OF TRADITIONAL
SHUTTERING
Traditional shuttering methods have been the backbone of
concrete construction for decades, providing reliable and
effective solutions for shaping and supporting concrete
structures. However, as construction needs evolve, so too do the
methods and materials we use. This brings us to the next
important topic: environmental shuttering. By exploring modern
alternatives, we can see how innovation is driving more
sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the industry.
 02
Environmental
impacts of shuttering
materials
Niranjan S
Deforestation Pollution from Steel Plastic Pollution
Industries
Life Cycle Assessment
 Comprehensive tool to analyze environmental impact of any
material throughout its lifecycle
 Includes extraction of raw materials, manufacturing,
transportation, use, and disposal
 LCA methodologies
>Cradle to Gate
>Cradle to Grave
>Cradle to Cradle
LCA Flow chart
Impact Indicators
 Global Warming Potential
 Ozone Depletion
 Ocean Acidification
 Eutrophication
 Water use
 Land Use
 Depletion of abiotic resources
 Carcinogenic effects
 Particulate matter pollution

Do you know? The building sector consumes 40 % of global resources,

generates 33% of all emissions and 40 % of waste globally
LCA for 50 times
use
 FW1-Plastic
 FW2-Steel
 FW3-Timber
 FW4-Plywood

Source:
Life Cycle Assessment and
economic analysis of reusable
formwork materials considering the
circular economy
Ali Tighnavard Balasbaneh,
Willy Sher,
Mohd Haziman Wan Ibrahim
Importance of sustainable shuttering
materials
 They constitute around 25 percent to
40 percent of the entire cost of the
structure
 Sustainable shuttering materials can
improve the ratings in Green Building
Rating systems such as LEED,
BREEAMS and GRIHA.
 Helps in establishing a circular
economy
 Promotes efficient usage of resources
03
Eco-Friendly
Shuttering Materials
Purpose:-

1. Reduced Environmental Impact

-Sustainable Source
-Lower carbon emission

2. Waste Reduction
-Reusable
-Biodegradable
Purpose:-

3. Energy Efficiency
-Improved insulation

4. Health Benefits
-Non-toxic

5. Cost-Effectiveness
-Long term savings
-Incentives and certifications
 TYPES

Recycled Bamboo Plywood

Plastic Strong, flexible, Reusable,
Lightweight, lightweight, and customizable,
durable, reusable biodegradable strong
 TYPES

Aluminiu Hempcret
Recycled m e
Steel Lightweight, Biodegradable, has
Extremely durable, corrosion-resistant, good insulation
reusable durable properties
 TYPES

Composite Recycled
Resistant to Paperboard
environmental
Easy to handle, and
factors such as
can be cut to any
water and UV rays
size
 TYPES

Geopolyme Natural
r Concrete Fibre
Has lower CO2 emissions Composed of
compared to conventional natural fibers like
concrete. jute, sisal, or
coconut fibers
 CHALLENGES AND
SOLUTIONS IN
04
SELECTING
SHUTTERING
MATERIALS
DURABILITY OF MATERIALS
USED
1.STRENGTH AFTER REUSE:
Shuttering materials should bear shard and pressures
of wet concrete at any time without deformation after
multiple use.
2.WATERTIGHTNESS:
Water tightness is a crucial factor in shuttering. This
avoids the leakage of concrete mix, which leads to weak
spots and defects in the final structure.
3.SIMPLE REMOVAL:
Shuttering should be designed for quick and easy
assembly and disassembly. Modular systems that fit
together with minimal effort are ideal which does not
consume much time
 COST AND
QUALITY
As we weigh our options, we must
remember that the true cost of a
material extends far beyond the initial
investment. Cheap alternatives may
seem attractive upfront, but they often
come with hidden costs – like increased
labor hours for maintenance and
repairs. On the other hand, investing in
high-quality materials can lead to long-
term savings and, more importantly, a
clear conscience.
SUITABILITY FOR PROJECT
CONDITIONS
1.WEATHER RESISTANCE:
Can our materials withstand blistering sun and
freezing cold nights?
2.CHEMICAL RESISTANCE:
Can they resist corrosion and damage from
exposure to harsh chemicals and substances?.
3.IMPACT RESISTANCE:
Will they bounce back from bumps, scratches, and
other impact-related incidents?
CONSTRUCTABILITY AND
LOGISTICS
1.MATERIAL HANDLING:
How will we lift, move, and place our shuttering
materials without damaging them or injuring our workers?
2.TRANSPORTATION:
Can our chosen materials be easily transported to
the site, and are there any special requirements for doing
so?
3.STORAGE AND SITE ACCESS:
Where will we store our shuttering materials on site,
and how will we protect them from the elements and are
there any restrictions on site access that might impact our
ability to get our materials to where they need to be?
ADAPTING TO SITE
CONSTRAINTS AND
SOLUTIONS
THANK YOU !