How to make formwork for the foundation

Formwork for the foundation is quite simple. Although there are some subtleties that must be taken into account. Before starting work, you must read the instructions for its installation. The instruction will allow you to work much faster and avoid common mistakes.

Device

Formwork is a special set of parts that is designed to produce monolithic blocks. With regard to the foundation, we can say that in this case it makes it possible to create that part of it that will be located above the ground.

Formwork is of two types:

• removable;
• fixed.

The first variety is usually made of boards or metal. The second type is made of polystyrene foam.

The formwork is a standard construction. In other words, all types of formwork are similar in general terms. The simplest construction of this type is created using boards, beams and nails.

Simple formwork

Formwork for the foundation is usually made of boards. This is an economical option that suits many builders.

1. In order to make such a design, only boards, planks and nails are needed. You can also think about props.
2. Planks (pegs) must be driven in along the perimeter of the foundation. From the inside, a board or plywood is stuffed onto the planks.
3. The formwork must be installed in such a way that the future outer walls of the foundation are not curved or sloping. Otherwise, the walls will then turn out to be wrong. It's better to work with the level.

Additional installed supports will make the structure evener.

The mixture is poured between the walls of the formwork. Boards should not be removed until the mixture is dry.

Ready solutions

Today, there are already ready-made solutions in stores. This formwork has a number of advantages:

• the master does not have to spend time on the manufacture of the structure;
• formwork made under production conditions has no errors;
• this design is much stronger;
• finished formwork can be wooden or metal;
• the master can order the design according to his own calculations.

Ready-made formwork, of course, will cost a lot. But at the same time, the master does not have to work and measure out all the components. Correcting defects caused by the use of low-quality trims can be more expensive.

Fixed

Where there is a very high load on the foundation, permanent formwork is required.

This type of formwork is beneficial for a number of reasons. Removable design reduces heat loss. It also saves on materials. Using formwork of a fixed type, you don’t have to worry about basement floors.

Expanded polystyrene, laid next to the formwork, protects the walls. It does not allow the soil to freeze, and this creates safe conditions for the walls.

For strip foundation

Usually in this case boards and props are used. Boards should be about 50 mm thick. The height of the formwork can reach 2 meters.

The installation of formwork for strip foundations begins with guide boards.

If the structure is very high (more than 2 meters), then it is better to use panel materials instead of boards. To ensure proper strength, the width of the shield must be equal to the height.

There should be no gaps in the formwork. Of course, they inevitably arise, but the master must repair them. Before pouring the mixture, small gaps are clogged with tow, and large ones are masked with special rails.

The complexity of the work

Formwork installation is a labor-intensive task. The master must be sure to understand all the subtleties of such a process. Many beginners only after pouring the structure become interested in when to remove the formwork from the foundation. If the builder does not have time for such subtleties, then it is better to immediately turn to specialists.

What specific details you need to know before starting work:

1. It is imperative to choose which type of formwork will be used in a particular case. For example, removable formwork is most often installed when there is no need to insulate the basement walls. In regions where severe frosts prevail, this type of formwork is not a good choice.
2. The design of the formwork depends on the foundation under it. Depending on the type of foundation, materials for construction are selected.

The subtleties of filling are not so bad. The master must clarify the composition of the mixture being poured. To do this, you need to find out what brand of concrete is used to make the structure, and whether other materials should be added there.

Someone thinks that building formwork is just nails and a couple of boards of the right size. This is partly true, because formwork is only one of the transitional stages from arranging the foundation to the walls of the building.

However, today there are quite complex systems where a couple of boards are indispensable. We are talking about the formwork of the walls. Thanks to this system, modern architects manage to create truly grandiose structures.

Recently, film formwork has become popular. This type involves wrapping the structure with film material. Thus, it is possible to achieve the necessary savings during construction.

Formwork is done within a couple of days. This is how long it takes for the concrete to dry. During this period, you should not disturb the structure so as not to break its symmetry. Boards from the formwork must be removed carefully, after checking the condition of the walls. In some cases, it takes three days for the concrete to dry.

Video

We offer for viewing video materials about the construction of formwork.