Abstract
Selecting the appropriate formwork system (FWS) is a critical aspect in the successful completion of reinforced concrete (RC) building construction projects. The selected FWS has a significant impact on the cost, time, and quality performances of the project. As there are many FWSs and formwork fabricators (FWFs) available, the selection of the FWS depends on several compromising and conflicting criteria. This study aims to identify the FWS selection criteria groupings (e.g., latent factors) and investigate the quantitative interrelationships among them. For this purpose, 35 FWS selection criteria were identified through literature review, and a questionnaire was developed. The data from the questionnaire were statistically analyzed, and five latent factors were identified: FWS-FWF characteristics, structural design, local conditions, cost, and performance indicators. A conceptual framework was developed based on the latent factors, and a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was utilized to identify the effects among the latent factors. The results of the SEM approach confirmed that FWS-FWF characteristics are affected by the structural design and local conditions and FWS-FWF characteristics have a substantial effect on cost and the performance indicators of the project. The findings of this study may assist construction professionals in selecting the FWS in building construction projects.
Highlights
In reinforced concrete (RC) construction, cast in situ concrete is the most commonly used structural material in the world, including in Turkey [1], since it offers more flexibility, ease of handling, and cost-effective solutions when compared to other materials [2]
Results of the structural equation modelling (SEM) Approach and Hypotheses Development Initially, a conceptual framework was developed to illustrate the relationships among the five formwork system (FWS) selection criteria groupings based on the results of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)
Some building structural parameters related to the structural design of a building construction project (e.g., “total building height”) may significantly affect other FWS selection criteria [32]
Summary
In RC construction, cast in situ concrete is the most commonly used structural material in the world, including in Turkey [1], since it offers more flexibility, ease of handling, and cost-effective solutions when compared to other materials [2]. FWSs have a significant impact on the time and cost performance of RC structures since formwork activities are performed continuously throughout the construction process [6]. The FWS can account for up to two-thirds of the total cost of the RC structural frame [7] and it can have a major impact on the total duration of the project as the FWS affects the floor cycle time of building construction projects [8]. Selecting the most appropriate FWS can reduce project cost and time [9]
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