Formwork Installation
At 0:27 in
mas concrete work
What happens here
After the sub-base is properly prepared and compacted, the next crucial step is to install the formwork. This involves setting up sturdy wooden boards (such as 2x4s or 2x6s) or specialized metal forms along the entire perimeter where the concrete apron will be poured. These forms define the exact shape, height, and boundaries of the concrete slab. They are securely held in place using stakes (wood or steel) driven into the ground, and often reinforced with braces or kickers to prevent any movement or bowing under the significant pressure of the wet concrete. Before the pour, any necessary expansion joints (to allow for thermal expansion) or control joints (to encourage controlled cracking) should be carefully placed within the forms.
Goal: Create a stable and accurately sized perimeter for pouring the concrete.
Tools and materials
- Drill/Driver — Fastening formwork components, braces, and potential rebar ties
- Hammer — Driving stakes into the ground and for general assembly of formwork components
- Level — Checking that forms are horizontal or at the correct slope
- Measuring Tape — Ensuring accurate placement and dimensions of the formwork
- Screws/Nails — Assembling forms and attaching braces to maintain rigidity
- Wood Stakes — Securing the wooden forms by driving them into the ground
- Wooden Boards — Creating the perimeter of the formwork to define the concrete slab's shape and height
- Expansion Joint Material — Providing a compressible material between concrete sections to allow for expansion and contraction
- Rebar or Wire Mesh — Reinforcing the concrete slab to increase its tensile strength and help prevent cracking