FORMWORK

Concrete initially is in a plastic state and has to be kept within an closure of a desired shape by proper temporary supports till it gains adequate strength. This temporary enclosure is known as formwork or shuttering or simply as forms.

For circular works such as arches, doors, etc., the term centring is used generally instead of formwork or shuttering. Similarly the term moulds is used to indicate formwork of relatively small units such as lintels, cornices, cubes for testing, etc.