Understanding the Differences Between Freshwater Wood Formwork and Ordinary Formwork

In the world of construction, choosing the right formwork is crucial for ensuring the quality and aesthetics of the final structure. Two commonly utilized types of formwork are freshwater wood formwork and ordinary formwork. While they serve similar purposes in the casting process, there are significant differences in their definitions, uses, surface treatment, and dismantling requirements.

1. Definition and Purpose

Freshwater Wood Formwork: Freshwater wood formwork refers to a type of formwork that does not require additional decoration or covering after concrete pouring. It is primarily used in areas where the surface of the concrete needs to remain visible as part of the building's final appearance, such as beams, columns, and wall surfaces. 

Ordinary Formwork: On the contrary, ordinary formwork consists of general templates used for pouring concrete where the surface does not need to be preserved as a final look. Typically, it is utilized for casting elements like floors, ground surfaces, and slopes.

2. Surface Treatment

Freshwater Wood Formwork: The surface of freshwater wood formwork must be smooth and even, leaving no noticeable marks or gaps. To achieve the desired quality of the concrete surface, high-quality materials such as plywood, known for their good adhesion properties, are commonly employed.

Ordinary Formwork: Ordinary formwork has more lax requirements regarding surface treatment. It can be made from lower-quality materials, such as wooden boards or bamboo boards. The standards for smoothness and flatness of the surface are less stringent compared to freshwater wood formwork.

3. Formwork Dismantling

Freshwater Wood Formwork: Since freshwater wood formwork is used to retain the concrete surface as a final appearance, careful measures must be taken during the dismantling process to avoid damaging the concrete. Specialized release agents or specific dismantling techniques are usually applied to ensure the integrity of the concrete surface.

Ordinary Formwork: The dismantling process for ordinary formwork is relatively straightforward. It can be disassembled using basic tools without particular care, due to the fact that the concrete surface quality is not a concern. As a result, minor damage to the concrete during removal is permissible.

Choosing between freshwater wood formwork and ordinary formwork depends on the specific building components and design requirements of a project. In practice, construction professionals often consider project needs and construction plans to determine whether to use freshwater wood formwork, ordinary formwork, or a combination of both to optimize the building process and ensure a high-quality finish.