Constructing column formwork is not always easy – you’ll need the help of engineers to purposefully design and erect the structure. The way to prepare and assemble column formwork includes:
1. Have the right materials for the job
Some of the common materials you can find for your column formwork are squared timbers, nails with different sizes and squared timbers.
2. Get the right tools for the job
For you to be able to create a column formwork of any kind, you’ll need tools such as circular saws, hammer wrecking bars with claws, hand saws, steel column clamps and wedges, and nail pincers, among others. You should make sure that you have the right equipment to complete the work.
3. Determine the measurements
When building column formwork, don’t forget to determine the size you want. Take note of the measurements and then write the size of the column on the bottom. Keep in mind that the steel reinforcement should be connected with the column reinforcement so this should be taken into consideration when taking measurements.
4. For the column rim, nail it on the concrete
Constructing column formwork will involve prefabrication of the column rim from the boards. Aside from that, there must be 25 mm sheeting thickness per side for the inside dimensions of the column rim.
5. Create one column corner
Other than the column rim, you need to insert two prefabricated panels to create a column corner. You can then nail the panels together. And if you want sturdier support, you can also brace them diagonally by boards. After this is done, you can place the steel reinforcement.
6. Create the second column corner
For the second column corner, you need to insert two panels again in the column rim. But, make sure to nail them separately because you want one panel to have a cleaning hole at the foot.
7. Fix the arch timbers
You’ll need arch timbers with 100 mm x 100 mm sizes at both sides of the corners. You can fix them with nails and don’t forget to ensure that your column formwork is perpendicular.
8. Tighten the column formwork
The last step for creating column formwork is to wrap flat steel column clamps around the arch timbers. You can also tighten them with the help of steel wedges. You need to make sure that the vertical distance between the clamps should be 700 mm. If you don’t have steel clamps, you alternately use wooden rims.