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Plywood Formwork: Enhancing the Benefits of Concrete

People on the outside don’t fully realize just how much engineering, planning, and work go into the construction process. Professionals from a variety of fields are involved, and they all work together to create structures with strength, longevity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. At the same time, numerous materials are used in construction, each with its own distinct purpose. All those materials work in tandem to foster the features people expect from the structures they work and live in. Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in construction, and the materials used to create concrete structural components are as important as the concrete itself.

Understanding Concrete Formwork

Concrete starts out as a liquid mixture of ingredients. Then, it’s poured into place to create the desired shapes and structures. From there, it hardens into a useful state. In its liquid form, it won’t stay in place and hold its shape. As such, it requires molds, known as formwork, to ensure it retains its intended shape and thickness until it becomes solid. Several types of formworks are available, including metal and wood. Plywood Formwork is a popular choice for concrete structures. Take a look at some of the reasons construction crews choose plywood over other materials.

Extra Strength

Plywood is inarguably a strong material. When coupled with its relative lightness in comparison to other options, it’s particularly beneficial. Those aspects make it much simpler to work with than some other materials. They also ensure plywood forms last for a long time and can be reused from one project to the next. Its strength and lightness come from its composition. Plywood is made by gluing together numerous layers of wood veneer. Those layers are pressed together using heat and pressure to enhance their structural integrity.

Impressive Resistance

In addition to its strength, plywood offers a great deal of resistance to chemicals and the elements. It doesn’t corrode in the way metal might after prolonged exposure. It’s also highly resistant to moisture. That makes it perfect for use in rain and humidity as well as an optimal material to use with concrete. After all, concrete in its initial form contains high levels of moisture, and its formwork is directly exposed to the excess. Though plywood will absorb moisture, it doesn’t warp and crack after the fact in the same way standard timber does. 

Customizability

Different types of plywood are on the market, each of which is useful for various construction needs. That means construction crews can easily find a type that suits their needs for specific projects. This material is also easily customizable. It can be manufactured and cut in different sizes to meet the specifications of a project. Simple customization is certainly an appealing trait for a construction material to offer. 

Emphasizing the Benefits of Concrete

Concrete is a popular construction material because of its strength, longevity, versatility, and other advantages. Having the right formwork on hand can help construction crews make the most of those benefits. While several options are available, plywood is one of the most common choices for concrete formwork. When used together, these materials can help foster the overall construction process. 

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He has extensive experience covering Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commissions. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Email:[email protected]

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