Efficiency Measure of Form Work in Construction: A Comparative Assessment

Abstract

Architectural planning, engineering, and building are the major areas in the complex, process-driven, field of construction. When it comes to large housing projects in contemporary times, the speed of construction is given paramount importance. Among the emerging technologies in mass housing projects, formwork system happens to be the favourite for two reasons: completing the project in less time and obtaining good concrete finishing without change in the investment. Thanks to the phenomenal rise in building of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures, formwork system is in great demand. Formwork system also owes its great demand due to record building of mega infrastructure projects such as transport infrastructure (R&B), water resources engineering works, sports buildings, stadiums, and so on. Fast-track construction largely depends on formwork system. For example, Mivan, a modern method consisting of an aluminium-based formwork system, is found widely used in the building of housing units and mass residential projects. Suitable to Indian conditions for its low maintenance feature and cost-effectiveness, it is aluminum formwork that can be tailormade to suit various requirements. This paper attempts to compare the technology cost of aluminium-based Mivan formwork with that of conventional construction formwork technology. It works on the hypothesis that Mivan technology is more cost-effective, qualitatively superior, and time-saving as compared to conventional formwork technology.