In construction projects, the use of formwork is undoubtedly essential—it can significantly improve both construction progress and quality. Most importantly, it can also greatly reduce the risk to construction workers' safety. But once a construction project is completed, when is the best time to remove the formwork? Let’s find out together with our Guangxi formwork supplier.

　　First, we need to understand the several conditions for formwork removal. The removal of formwork must be based on the compressive strength test results of concrete specimens cured under the same conditions. A formwork removal application form must be completed and signed by the competent foreman and the project’s technical manager before being submitted to the supervisor for approval and subsequent implementation. Formwork may be removed only after the concrete strength has been confirmed to be sufficient to prevent damage to the surface edges and corners upon removal. For structural members with a span greater than 8 meters, formwork may be removed only after the concrete strength reaches 100% of the design strength. For structural members with a span less than 8 meters, formwork may be removed only after the concrete strength reaches 75% of the design strength. In areas subjected to prestressing, formwork may be removed only after the concrete has attained the design strength required and the prestressing process has been completed.

　　The removal sequence of formwork templates is the reverse of the installation sequence: support first, then remove; support later, remove earlier; remove non-load-bearing templates before load-bearing templates; remove longitudinal wall templates before transverse wall templates; remove exterior wall templates before interior wall templates. The main construction steps are as follows:

　　(1) Removal of beams and slabs: First, loosen the adjustable supports on the formwork to separate the joists from the formwork, and allow the joists to rest on the horizontal tie rods. Next, remove all attachments connecting the formwork to the edges. Then, use a steel chisel to pry the formwork loose, allowing it to descend and be supported by the joists. Finally, remove both the formwork and the joists.

　　(2) Formwork for beams and columns may be removed only after ensuring that their surfaces remain undamaged. First, remove the diagonal braces; then, remove the formwork panels, tie rods, and associated components. Finally, gently pry the formwork away from the concrete using a crowbar.

　　(3) Promptly clean any adhering substances from removed formwork, apply release agents, and stack the formwork neatly by category. Also, promptly collect and centrally manage the removed structural components and perform appropriate protective treatments on them.

　　(4) When removing formwork, operators should stand in a safe location. When removing support under beams with large spans, they should start from the midspan and remove the supports gradually toward both ends.

　　Second, there are several points to note: When removing formwork, fasteners must not be discarded randomly; instead, they should be collected into bags as you go along. Excess fasteners and nails should be placed in a dedicated backpack and properly recycled according to requirements—never left lying around or stored haphazardly. During formwork removal, every effort should be made to avoid damaging the wooden formwork, so that it can be reused efficiently. Removed formwork should be promptly cleaned, repaired, and coated with release agent. Formwork with unclear markings should be re-marked accordingly. Careful maintenance is essential to extend its service life. Before removal, a comprehensive inspection must be conducted to ensure that all fastener connections and supporting structures meet safety standards. Before dismantling supports, any debris on them and obstacles on the ground must be cleared away first. Removal operations must proceed layer by layer from top to bottom; simultaneous work at different levels is strictly prohibited. Horizontal tie rods should be removed layer by layer, following the vertical posts.

　　In addition, proper management of formwork removal measures is essential. For example, before installing floor slab supports and formwork, a comprehensive technical and safety briefing should be conducted for the work teams, covering in detail the installation methods, assembly sequence, technical standards, and quality and safety requirements. During the support installation process, temporary anti-overturning measures must be put in place. These temporary measures should only be removed once the supports have been fully installed and verified to be correctly positioned.

　　To ensure the accurate positioning and cross-section of the structure, and to maintain straightness of the beams, before formwork installation, control lines for the edges of columns and beam members should be marked on the concrete surface. Therefore, during installation, use a string line for alignment and properly place support blocks. The storage area for formwork must be leveled and compacted. When storing formwork flat, it should be supported by wooden blocks. When storing formwork upright, wooden blocks must be placed under the areas where the formwork contacts the ground, thereby preventing distortion and deformation. Do not stack formwork randomly or pile loose formwork and accessories onto already assembled formwork.

　　Wall and column formwork already installed on the working surface must not be struck during the lifting of other formwork, nor should they be used as temporary supports before pre-assembled formwork is in place, to prevent deformation or vertical deviations in the formwork. Flat formwork already installed on the working surface must not be used as temporary storage areas or work platforms, so as to ensure the stability of the supporting structure and prevent deviations in the elevation and flatness of the formwork.

　　When is the best time to remove formwork after construction of a building has been completed? After reading this article, do you think you’ve already figured it out? If you still have any questions about construction formwork, feel free to reach out to our company for assistance.

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