Factors in formwork selection: A comparative investigation

Results of an investigation concerning preferred methods of construction formwork by contractors' planning engineers in France, Germany and the UK are presented. Findings confirm differences amongst preferred solutions in these international locations. French and German contractors tend to employ similar proprietary formwork methods, whilst the UK 'stand alone' in preferring traditional timber solutions. It is found that company size has no significant impact on the formwork system selected. Nine formwork selection factors are identified, and ranked in terms of importance for each international group of contractors. Statistically, the rankings are shown to have significant correlation for each pair of countries. 'Relative costs', 'Specification (quality) of concrete' and 'Degree of repetition', are found to be the principal formwork selection criteria. Correlation analysis reveals association between many of these selection factors.