Floor formwork: load calculation and installation

Floor formwork is a key system in monolithic construction, as it forms the horizontal concrete structures that bear the building’s primary operational loads. The strength of the floor, worker safety, and the overall construction project timeline depend on proper calculations and high-quality installation.

The foundation of the floor formwork system is telescopic props, beams, and laminated plywood. Each element has a specific role: the props support the vertical load from the fresh concrete and reinforcement, the beams distribute the load over the entire surface, and the plywood forms a smooth surface for the future floor. The combined effect of these elements ensures the stability of the structure until the concrete has reached the required strength.

Before installation, an engineering calculation is performed to determine the permissible load on the system and correctly distribute the support points. The calculation takes into account the thickness of the future floor, the floor height, the weight of the concrete mix, the reinforcement, and the temporary loads associated with workers on the surface. Errors at this stage can lead to deflections, deformations, or even emergency situations, so the accuracy of calculations is critical.

Once the calculations are completed, the foundation is prepared. The surface must be level and stable to prevent the supports from shifting. Telescopic supports are then installed at the specified spacing, with particular attention paid to their vertical position and stability. Proper installation of the supports forms the foundation of the entire system and directly impacts the structural reliability.

Next, beams are installed, connecting the supports into a single load-bearing system. They ensure uniform load distribution and prevent localized overloads. Laminated plywood is then laid, ensuring a tight fit to the structure without gaps to prevent concrete leakage and ensure a level floor surface.

Particular attention is paid to the quality of connections and the condition of all components during installation. The use of damaged supports, deformed beams, or worn plywood is unacceptable, as this directly impacts the safety and quality of the final product. Before pouring concrete, the system is checked for stability and compliance with design parameters.

An equally important step is formwork removal. This is performed only after the concrete has achieved sufficient strength. Premature removal of supports can lead to cracks and a reduction in the load-bearing capacity of the floor, which will negatively impact the reliability of the entire building.

Therefore, floor formwork requires precise engineering calculations, competent installation, and strict adherence to work procedures. Only a comprehensive approach can ensure safe construction, high-quality concrete structures, and efficient use of materials.