👉FORMWORK DISMANTLING:

💫Formwork dismantling, also known as stripping or striking, involves carefully removing the temporary molds used to shape concrete after it has hardened, ensuring the concrete structure is not damaged and that the formwork is handled safely. 

🏷Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:

🚧1. Timing is Crucial:

Wait for Concrete to Cure: 
Formwork should only be removed after the concrete has gained sufficient strength to support itself.

📍Factors Affecting Curing Time: 

The exact time depends on the concrete mix, ambient temperature, humidity, and the structure's load-bearing requirements. 

Don't Rush: 
Removing formwork prematurely can lead to structural failure or damage. 

🚧2. Safe Dismantling Practices:

Systematic Approach: 
Develop a systematic method for releasing and lowering components in a controlled manner. 

Start from the Top: 
Remove the highest forms first, working downwards. 

Use Appropriate Tools: 
Use pry bars, hammers, or lifting equipment, as appropriate, to avoid damaging the concrete surface. 

Avoid Damage: 
Be careful not to damage the concrete, especially edges and corners. 

Maintain Structural Balance: 
Remove formwork on alternating sides to help maintain structural balance. 

Safety First: 
Use temporary platforms to minimize the risk of falls when stripping and ensure adequate lighting. 

Protect Workers: 
Protect workers from falling objects by setting up exclusion zones and installing warning signs. 

Curing After Removal: 
After removing the formwork, cover all exposed surfaces with polythene or wet hessian or ጆንያ to prevent moisture loss for about 5 days, so that the concrete is fully cured. 

🚧3. Specific Considerations:

Vertical Formwork:
Often removed by using pry bars, hammers, or lifting equipment, as appropriate. 

Horizontal Formwork:
May require props to be left under the slab until it gains sufficient strength. 

Bridge Formwork:
Follow specific procedures for dismantling steel formwork of bridges, including removing supports and arches in a controlled manner. 

Aluminum Formwork:
Follow specific procedures for construction and dismantling of aluminum alloy formwork, including removing diagonal supports and wall bolts. 

🚧4. Post-Dismantling:

Recycle or Dispose Responsibly:
If formwork is still in good condition, it may be reused for other parts of your project or stored for future projects. 

Clean and Store:
Clean up the removed formwork and accessories in time, and transport them to the same position on the upper floor and lay them flat. 

Maintenance:
Ensure the formwork is carefully handled at all times to maintain its value and operational readiness. 

Waste Removal:
Damaged material Boards shall be removed as per Ethiopian waste management procedures. 

@etconp