Concrete Formwork Plywood, a specialized material engineered for concrete construction, is essential for achieving the desired shape and finish of concrete structures. Its durability, strength, and resistance to water and weather make it a reliable choice for various construction projects. This comprehensive guide explores the different types of concrete forming plywood, their applications, and factors to consider when selecting the right material for your project.
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What is Concrete Formwork Plywood?
Concrete Formwork Plywood is specially engineered plywood designed for use in concrete construction as a mold to shape and support freshly poured concrete until it hardens. It’s built to withstand high moisture, pressure, and repeated use, providing a smooth surface that improves the finish of concrete elements.
Plywood formwork is a lightweight, durable and eco-friendly system that provides high quality concrete cast surface. It is prepared by combining the specially prepared three layers on top of each other. Plywood formwork is applicable wherein a large surface needs be coated with a light and durable material. It is especially preferred in molds prepared for pouring concrete in constructions.
Usually, plywood boards are made of birch, poplar, spruce, or pine but there are many types of materials used by plywood manufacturers in different parts of the world. While the type of plywood used is important, the real opportunity for making a difference for the final concrete result is the type of coating: the film that is applied on the plywood surface.
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Advantages of concrete forming plywood
Due to the properties of plywood, it is weather resistant and does not stick to concrete. Constructed with thin layers of wood glued together it can be very strong and therefore unlikely to split. Ideal for external applications it offers strong resistance to moisture, warping, rotting and splitting. Plywood forms’s advantages includes:
- Provides high-quality concrete cast surface
- Favorable for weight to strength ratio
- Minimal deflection due to inherent stiffness
- High durability
- Can be reused
- The panel shear of plywood is nearly double that of solid timber due to its cross laminated structure.
- Easy to machine and fix using standard machining and fastening methods
- Easy to handle on-site
- Good chemical resistance
- A wide range of plywood formwork sizes is available
- Cost-effectiveness (cheap plywood forms price)
- Plywood has ecological importance
Durability and strength
Concrete forming plywood is designed to be exceptionally durable and strong. It can withstand the immense pressure exerted by wet concrete without warping or bending. This strength is crucial for ensuring that the concrete structure retains its desired shape and dimensions.
High-quality surface finish
One of the key characteristics of concrete forming plywood is its smooth and high-quality surface finish. This smooth surface is important because it directly affects the finish of the concrete once it sets. A smooth formwork surface results in a smooth concrete surface, which is often essential for both aesthetic and structural reasons.
Water and weather resistance
Concrete forming plywood is treated to be water and weather-resistant. Given that it is often exposed to moisture from wet concrete and outdoor conditions, this resistance ensures the plywood doesn’t degrade or delaminate over time.
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What plywood is used for forming?
The type of plywood used for concrete forming, commonly referred to as formwork plywood, is specially designed to withstand the pressures and conditions associated with concrete pouring and setting. Here are the main types of plywood used for forming:
1. HDO (High-Density Overlay)
HDO is a type of plywood forms, standing for high density overlay that has a greater amount of resin in the overlay; their surfaces are harder and more impervious to water and impacts than MDO forming panels. A greater number of uses and smoother finish on the surface of the concrete can be expected when using HDO Plyform.
- Description: HDO plywood has a resin-impregnated surface that provides superior durability and a smooth finish. It is highly resistant to water and wear.
- Usage: It is used in applications where the concrete surface finish is crucial, such as in architectural concrete and exposed surfaces.
2. MDO (Medium-Density Overlay)
MDO stands for medium density overlay, which is much better/expensive than the surface film for ordinary film faced plywood. The quality surface of concrete comes from MDO’s ability to mask imperfections and reduce the transfer of the wood grain onto the concrete surface. The result of using a medium density overlay is a consistent color and a smooth finish that is ideal for painting or coating.
- Description: MDO plywood is similar to HDO but has a medium-density overlay. It is also durable and provides a good surface finish but is generally more cost-effective.
- Usage: Suitable for a wide range of construction projects, offering a balance between quality and cost.
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3. Film-Faced Plywood
Film faced plywood is the best plywood formwork. Surface film is paper impregnated with a glue/resin. Film faced Formwork plywood have improved resistance to abrasion, moisture penetration, chemicals, insects and fungi. They have a smooth hygienic, easy to clean surface
- Description: Film-faced plywood is coated with a waterproof film on both sides, enhancing its durability and making it suitable for repeated use.
- Usage: Commonly used in large-scale construction projects due to its reusability and excellent surface finish.
4. BBOES (B-grade, B-grade, Overlay, Exposure 1, Struct 1)
- Description: BBOES plywood features a high-quality finish with a smooth overlay, making it suitable for producing a good surface finish on concrete.
- Usage: This type is ideal for projects where a fine concrete surface is required.
5. BB Plyform
- Description: BB Plyform is a type of plywood specifically manufactured for concrete formwork. It is made with high-quality veneers and a durable resin-impregnated surface.
- Usage: It provides a smooth finish and is used in applications where the appearance of the concrete surface is important.
6. Marine Plywood
- Description: While not specifically designed for concrete forming, marine plywood is sometimes used due to its high resistance to moisture and strong structural properties.
- Usage: Suitable for formwork in environments where high moisture levels are expected.
What are the sizes of form ply?
Sheet dimensions
4 feet x 8 feet (1.22 meters x 2.44 meters) is the most common size and is widely used in the construction industry for a variety of applications. Besides, other sizes such as 4×10 feet (1.22 meters x 3.05 meters) and 4×12 feet (1.22 meters x 3.66 meters) are also available for specific needs.
Thickness
Here are plywood thickness for concrete forms:
- 1/2 inch (12 mm)
- 5/8 inch (15 mm)
- 3/4 inch (18 mm)
- 1 inch (25 mm)
The thickness of the plywood selected often depends on the specific requirements of the project, including the pressure of the concrete and the size of the forms being created. The thicker the plywood, the greater its load-bearing capacity. Thicker sheets are generally used for larger structures or when higher strength is required to support the weight and pressure of the concrete. Thicker plywood also tends to provide a smoother finish for the concrete surface, which can be critical for architectural projects where aesthetics are important.
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Custom sizes
For specialized projects, custom sizes can be manufactured. These custom dimensions can better suit unique structural requirements or design specifications.
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Applications of plywood formwork
Plywood forms are a wide range of construction formwork systems that are economical and manufactured easily. Its areas of application areas are discussed below.
Wall and column
Plywood formwork for concrete is adaptable to various shapes required for walls and columns. It can be configured into diverse systems such as framed, area, side support, weight-framed, circular, and columnar systems to accommodate different concrete structures.
Slabs
Plywood formwork for slabs is a versatile construction element used in creating various concrete structures. It is employed in the construction of ceiling slabs, slab tables, drop beams, and other similar applications.
Infrastructural uses
Concrete form plywood is a critical component in large-scale infrastructure projects such as tunnels and bridges. Plywood forms’s durability is paramount, especially in projects requiring continuous concrete pouring. To accommodate the unique demands of these projects, customized concrete form plywood systems are employed. These systems include crane climbing formwork, shaft platforms, and configured tunnel systems, often in conjunction with customized steel components.
Where to buy forming plywood?
Plywood formwork can be purchased from a variety of sources, including local suppliers, large home improvement stores, and specialized construction material retailers. Vinawood is a common place where you can buy concrete forming plywood and it is believable because it is the leading plywood store in Vietnam, carrying a range of plywood types, including those specifically designed for concrete forming. They can provide personalized service and might offer delivery options.
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How to Choose the Right Formwork Plywood?
What are the best boards for concrete forms? To ensure optimal performance, select straight, flat lumber with minimal knots. This type of wood will provide the best support for the concrete as it cures. Besides, you also need to consider the following factors:
- Quality and specifications: Ensure the plywood meets the required specifications for your project. Look for terms like HDO, MDO, or film-faced.
- Reusability: Consider the reusability of the plywood if you plan to use it for multiple projects.
- Cost vs. value: Forming plywood price varies depending on quality. Balance the cost with the quality and durability required for your specific project needs.
- Local regulations: Check if there are any local building codes or regulations regarding the type of plywood used for formwork.
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People Also Ask
What form does plywood come in?
Plywood comes in various sizes and formats. Hardwood plywood typically measures 2x2 feet, 2x4 feet, and 4x4 feet. On the other hand, utility plywood offers larger dimensions, including 4x10 feet sheets and 5-foot wide sheets available in 6, 8, and 10-foot lengths.
Can plywood be used for formwork?
Yes, plywood is an excellent choice for formwork. Its ease of assembly and ability to create smooth, joint-free concrete surfaces make it a popular option. Plywood formwork is typically removed once the concrete has cured sufficiently, as indicated by hardening and visible separation between the formwork and concrete.
What are the disadvantages of plywood formwork?
The disadvantages of plywood forms include:
- Health risks from adhesives (urea and phenol formaldehyde)
- Lower strength compared to wood
- Reduced durability
- Difficulty in shaping
- Lighter weight than solid wood
How many times can you reuse plywood formwork?
Plywood formwork is known for its reusability, with an average lifespan of 7 to 50 uses depending on proper care and maintenance.
Concrete forming plywood is a vital material in the construction industry, providing the strength, durability, and smooth surface necessary for high-quality concrete structures. Whether you’re working on a small project or a large-scale development, choosing the right type of concrete forming plywood can significantly impact the efficiency and outcome of your construction efforts. Investing in high-quality plywood not only ensures a better finish but also enhances the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness of your project
VINAWOOD – Vietnam Plywood Supplier & Manufacturer
