Construction projects require specialized equipment and solutions for temporary support and molding of structures during the building process. Two key categories of products used are formwork and shoring solutions like Cassaform. But what exactly are these items and what industries utilize them in their projects?

Overview of Formwork and Shoring in Construction

Let’s start by clearly defining both formwork and shoring to understand their unique purposes on job sites:

What is Formwork?

Formwork refers to the temporary or permanent molds and frames used to hold poured concrete in place until it hardens sufficiently. It determines the final shape and structure of concrete elements like walls, columns, beams, slabs, and stairs. Formwork can be made using materials like wood, steel, aluminum, or fiberglass.

What is Shoring?

Shoring provides temporary support and bracing to vertical structural elements like concrete walls, columns, excavation sides, basement walls, and foundations. Shores transfer loads to the ground or to complete work until the structure can support itself. Common shoring materials include steel, wood, aluminum, and screw jacks.

Key Differences Between Formwork and Shoring

While both support and stabilize buildings under construction, formwork shapes the concrete while shoring holds up surrounding structural components. Formwork contains the liquid concrete as it cures while shoring supports existing structures from outside. Simply put, formwork molds – shoring holds.

Now that we’ve clarified the unique purposes of formwork and shoring, what industries utilize these solutions in their construction and infrastructure projects?

Major Industries Using Formwork and Shoring Solutions

There are five major sectors that rely extensively on formwork and shoring systems:

Commercial Building Construction

The commercial building sector encompasses structures like offices, hotels, retail stores, warehouses, and institutional buildings like schools, hospitals, and churches. Projects require formwork for concrete elements and shoring to stabilize buildings as they rise upward.

Infrastructure and Transportation Projects

Major infrastructure and transportation works such as highways, railways, airports, seaports, bridges, dams, tunnels and public transit systems need sturdy, safe formwork and shoring during construction. These heavy-duty structures depend extensively on concrete strength and stability.

Residential Construction

Homes and apartments are mainly built from materials like wood frames and light-gauge steel today. But many multi-family projects still use concrete for foundations, garages, amenities, and high-rises, requiring formwork and shoring solutions.

Power Plants and Energy Facilities

The power and energy industry builds extensive concrete structures to house facilities like nuclear and coal power stations, hydroelectric dams, liquefied gas terminals, renewable energy farms and refineries. All benefit greatly from formwork and shoring systems during assembly.

Mining Sites and Tunnels

Mines and tunnels handle heavy loads and high pressure, requiring reinforced concrete linings for safety and stability. Formwork and shoring provide support during this underground building process in rough conditions.

Now that we’ve covered the major sectors utilizing these construction solutions let’s examine some specific project types and their formwork/shoring needs.

Conclusion 

There is no ceiling to innovations on the horizon for these essential construction solutions as global infrastructure evolves in the 21st century. With human ingenuity, the sky’s the limit – in some cases literally.