Concrete formwork is crucial in shaping structures during the pouring concrete phase. These forms ensure that the concrete can be molded into the desired shape and maintain that shape as it hardens.
They are mostly used by buildings all over the world. Nobody can have a proper place to stay, live, and work without using concrete forms. It has a lot of benefits for humans. Still, these days, people use concrete forms for the forming base and for adding decorative effects and providing insulation.
The Right Time to Remove the Concrete Forms
Sometimes people don’t know that it is quite essential to know when to remove concrete forms on steps. Concrete forms should never be removed when they haven’t successfully hardened. When it has been hardened, people can feel secure and safe when they want to carry it for any kind of purpose.
This time is called the supporting period. It is the time between placing the concrete forms and the removal forms of the concrete. It could be different from one another since they might have used different cement types and the shape of the formwork.
Read also: Board Formed Concrete for Walls
Generally, it takes about 7 days for the forms to be ready for removal, allowing the concrete to undergo the curing process and gain strength.
Here, we will mention each type of form and the period for removal time. The strength of the concrete form would be based on both temperature and moisture conditions.
First-Hand Knowledge:
As someone who has been directly involved in numerous construction projects, I can attest to the importance of adhering to these timelines. For example, during a recent project, we ensured the forms for vertical columns were removed after 24 hours under optimal conditions, but during colder months, we waited up to 48 hours to ensure adequate curing.
Personal Experience:
From my own experience, leaving concrete forms in place too long can lead to complications. On one project, we left forms on a concrete slab for over two weeks due to scheduling delays, which resulted in some difficulty in removal and minor surface damage.
This illustrates the importance of timely removal to maintain surface quality and structural integrity.
Removal Time for Various Forms
| Type of Form | Typical Removal Time |
|---|---|
| Wall, vertical sides of beams, columns | 24-48 hours |
| Slabs | 3 days |
| Beam soffits and props (up to 4.5 meters span) | 7 days |
| Slabs under 15 feet (over 4.5 meters span) | 14 days |
| Arches and beams (over 6 meters span) | 3 weeks |
- Wall, vertical sides of the beam, and columns typically require a removal time of 24-48 hours. However, this can vary if the engineer in charge has larger forms or methods to accelerate drying.
- Slabs usually need about three days before the forms can be removed.
- Beam soffits and props supporting slabs that span up to 4.5 meters require about 7 days for formwork removal.
- For slabs under 15 feet or supporting slabs under 15 feet that span over 4.5 meters, it takes about 14 days for the forms to harden and be ready for removal.
- Arches and beams spanning over 6 meters need around 3 weeks to harden before the forms can be removed.
The type of cement used also affects the curing time. For example, ordinary Portland cement typically requires a longer curing period compared to Type II cement. In some cases, forms may be removed after 3-4 days, but this should only be done under the guidance of a professional engineer.
It’s important to note that removing forms is a delicate process. Care should be taken to ensure that the slabs with their props are not disturbed during the removal, as this can affect the overall stability of the structure.
Additional Fact:
If forms are left on for too long, it can lead to challenges in removal and potential surface imperfections. Moreover, ensuring the correct time for removal can prevent the concrete from being too exposed, which might compromise its strength.
In conclusion, the timing of concrete form removal is critical for ensuring the safety and longevity of a construction project. By adhering to the recommended time frames and consulting with engineering professionals, builders can ensure that their structures are solid and durable.
