Formwork is the term given to either temporary or permanent molds into which concrete or similar materials are poured.

In the context of concrete construction, the falsework supports the shuttering moulds. Climbing formwork is a special type of formwork for vertical concrete structures that rises with the building process. While relatively complicated and costly, it can be an effective solution for buildings that are either very repetitive in form (such as towers or skyscrapers) or that require a seamless wall structure (using gliding formwork, a special type of climbing formwork).

Various types of climbing formwork exist, which are either relocated from time to time, or can even move on their own (usually on hydraulic jacks, required for self-climbing and gliding formworks).

Best known in the construction of towers, skyscrapers and other tall vertical structures, it allows the reuse of the same formwork over and over and over for identical (or very similar) sections / stories further up the structure. It can also enable very large concrete structures to be constructed in one single pour (which may take days or weeks as the formwork rises with the process), thus creating seamless structures with enhanced strength and visual appearance, as well as reducing construction times and material costs (at the joints which would otherwise require extra reinforcement / connectors).[1]

The climbing formwork structure normally does not

only contain the formwork itself, but also usually provides working space / scaffolds for construction crews. It may also provide areas for machinery and screens for weather protection, up to being fully enclosed while yet staying modular around a changing building structure

Slip form

Slip form is similar in nature and application to jump form, but the formwork is raised vertically in a continuous process. It is a method of vertically extruding a reinforced concrete section and is suitable for construction of core walls in high-rise structures lift shafts, stair shafts, towers, etc. It is a self-contained formwork system and can require little crane time during construction.

This is a formwork system which can be used to form any regular shape or core. The formwork rises continuously, at a rate of about 300mm per hour, supporting itself on the core and not relying on support or access from other parts of the building or permanent works.

Commonly, the formwork has three platforms. The upper platform acts as a storage and distribution area while the middle platform, which is the main working platform, is at the top of the poured concrete level. The lower platform provides access for concrete finishing.

Benefits

Careful planning of construction process can achieve high production rates Slip form does not require the crane to move upwards, minimising crane use. Since the formwork operates independently, formation of the core in advance of the rest of the structure takes it off the critical path enhancing main structure stability. Availability of the different working platforms in the formwork system allows the exposed concrete at the bottom of the rising formwork to be finished, making it an integral part of the construction process. Certain formwork systems permit construction of tapered cores and towers. Slip form systems require a small but highly skilled workforce on site.