Types of Formwork Used in Construction

Formwork is the mould into which fresh concrete is placed. It must hold the concrete until it has cured sufficiently to be self-supporting.

Timber Formwork — Traditional. Cut on site, flexible for complex shapes, labour-intensive. Common on smaller Indian sites. Low reuse count.

Plywood (Ply + Frame) — Most common in India. 12–18 mm BWR or marine ply on a timber or steel frame. Typically 10–20 reuses before replacement.

Steel Formwork (Modular) — Factory-made steel panels that bolt together. High reuse (50–100+ cycles). Heavier to handle but economical for repetitive elements.

Aluminium Formwork (MIVAN) — Lightweight, high reuse (200+ cycles), excellent surface finish. Used extensively in mass housing. High initial cost; economical only at scale.

Slip Form / Jump Form — For tall vertical elements such as cores and pylons. Moves continuously (slip) or incrementally (jump) as concrete is cast.

Table Form / Flying Form — For large flat slabs. The form is craned as one unit from floor to floor — fast, minimal labour.