Concrete which is a mixture of cement, gravel, sand, water and other additives is used in poured or block format in construction. Poured concrete walls and other constructions such as steps, require forms to be built or set into which the mixed concrete is poured. The forms are made from different materials depending upon the kind of construction.

Building the Forms

Plywood or lumber is the most preferred material for building forms. Sheets of plywood or lumber are cut according to the dimensions for the construction at hand. These sheets of plywood are then put together to form a brace and are firmly set on the surface or ground. The inside surfaces of the forms are coated with oil or any release agent that would make the removal of these forms easier once the concrete is dry and ready for use.

Pouring the concrete into the forms

The low areas in the forms are filled with gravel, chunks of concrete blocks, and even broken brick. This will help reduce the amount of concrete mix to be poured into the forms. The concrete mix is then filled into the forms and mixed with the rubble beneath. The forms are overfilled to some extent so that the concrete can be worked upon and air pockets and gaps can be eliminated. Using different tools, screeding and troweling is carried out to smoothen out the concrete surface. The concrete is now ready to be cured.

Curing concrete in form setting

The concrete is left untouched for at least 24 hours. This allows the concrete to harden and achieve maximum strength. The curing for concrete foundations may even go up to 28 days. Once the concrete is cured and the surface ready to be used, the forms are removed taking care not to damage the concrete structure.

Concrete form setting tips

The poured concrete must be of the right consistency and thickness. This will enable the concrete to set faster. Also the plywood forms that are used must be secured properly to the surface. Concrete form setting will also depend upon the skills of the concrete contractor who would supervise the mixing, pouring and curing of the concrete used in forms.

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