In this blog, we will introduce the method of calculating the number of Shuttering in detail. We will discuss the use of different types of Shuttering, the basic data and preparation required, and demonstrate how to determine the Shuttering requirements for walls, columns, slabs, beams, and foundations step by step through specific calculation steps. Through the analysis of actual cases and the discussion of precautions, you will be able to more fully understand and master the calculation method of the number of Shuttering.

Types of Shuttering

Selection and application of Shuttering in construction is very important. Different Shuttering materials and forms are appropriate for different construction needs. The following is an outline of some forms of Shuttering and their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and its application in the construction process.

• Wooden Shuttering: light weight, low cost, but easy to be affected by humidity and require special maintenance. It is suitable for small construction projects.
• Steel Shuttering: High strength and long service life, strict construction requirements and limited flexibility. The surface of the concrete is of good quality and suitable for large construction projects.
•  Aluminum Shuttering: good hardness, light weight, but expensive, suitable for high-rise building projects.
• Plastic Shuttering: light weight, strong anti-corrosion, but low strength and limited support. Suitable for small and medium-sized projects.

Basic Concepts And Terminology

      Before the calculation of the quantity of Shuttering, it is necessary to know some basic concepts and terms. These terms will help you to understand and apply the methods correctly in the whole calculation process. Here are some basic and commonly used terms.

• Area Of The Shuttering: The Shuttering area defines the total area of the Shuttering surface that comes in contact with the wet concrete. It is usually measured in square meters (㎡).

• Volume Of The Shuttering: The Shuttering volume includes the volume of Shuttering materials. It is usually measured in cubic meters (CUM) it is referred to less frequently. Although the main focus of most of the calculations is the area of Shuttering, there may be some cases where the volume of Shuttering is very important.

• Perimeter Of The Shuttering: The perimeter of the Shuttering refers to the length of the outer perimeter of the structure enclosed by the Shuttering. The perimeter of the Shuttering is generally used to calculate the Shuttering area of the columns and beams.

• Height Of The Shuttering: The height of the Shuttering is a straight measure of the height of the Shuttering from the bottom to the top. The height of the Shuttering is generally used to express the Shuttering area of the walls and columns.

• Length Of The Shuttering: The length of the Shuttering refers to the length of the horizontal or vertical dimension of the Shuttering. The length of the Shuttering is generally used for the Shuttering area of the walls and beams.

• Opening Area: These are the parts of the building structure for which there is no requirement of Shuttering support, such as the doors, windows and other openings. If the Shuttering area is calculated, then the area of these openings should be deducted from the total area.

Calculation Steps

      The number of Shuttering is calculated according to the specific building works according to the specific building of the wall, column, wall, floor slab, beam, foundation and other parts.

The steps for calculating the number of Shuttering for the corresponding components are as follows:

1. Wall Shuttering Calculation

Step:

Wall Shuttering calculation step to wall size: record the wall height and length.

Wall Shuttering area = height × length

Example: If the wall has a height of 3m and a length of 10m, Then the form area = 3m × 10m = 30㎡.

Deduct the area of the hole: measure the height and width of the door, window or other hole of the wall.

Opening area = height of the opening × width of the opening

Example: If a wall has a window area of 2㎡, Then the net Shuttering area = 30㎡ -2㎡ = 28㎡.

The total area of the Shuttering is: if there are several walls or there are several holes on the wall, the above steps will be repeated. Add up.

2. Column Shuttering Calculation

Step:

Determine the size: Measure the height, thickness and width of the column

Calculate the column perimeter: Circumference = 2 × (width + thickness)

E.g. If the column is 0.5 m thick and 0.5 m in width Perimeter = 2 × (0.5 m + 0.5 m) = 2m

Calculate form area for 1 single column: Template area = perimeter × height

E.g. Column height is 4 m, then column Shuttering area = 2m × 4m = 8 m²

Total Shuttering area: If there are multiple columns of the same size, then multiply by volume of columns

E. g. If there are 10 columns of the same size then, Total Shuttering area = 8m² × 10 = 80m²

3. Floor Shuttering Calculation

Step:

The floor slab area is measured: the slab length and width are measured.

The floor Shuttering area is: form area = length × width.

Example: The floor slab length is 20m and the width is 10m. So, the floor slab Shuttering area = 20m x 10m = 200㎡.

In addition to the floor slab, there are beams or ribs on it, so the Shuttering area of the beams should be calculated and then summed up.

Example: There are 4 beams with a length of 10m and a height of 0.5m, so the beam Shuttering area = 4 x (peripheral x length) = 4 x (2 x (width + height) x length) = 4 x (2 x (0.3m + 0.5m) x 10m) = 64㎡.

Total Shuttering area: The total general Shuttering area = the total Shuttering area + the area of beams or ribs: 200㎡ + 64㎡ = 264㎡.

4. Beam Shuttering Calculation

Step:

Size of the beam:Length, width, and height of the beam must be measured.

For finding out the beam's perimeter:Circumference = 2 × (width + height)

For example the width of the beam = 0.3m and the height = 0.5m. Then, the perimeter of the beam = 2 × (0.3m + 0.5m) = 1.6m.

Calculate the Shuttering area for a single beam:

Form Area = Perimeter × Length

Assume the length of the beam as 10m. Then, form area of the beam = 1.6m × 10m = 16㎡.

Total form area:

In case of several beams of the same size, the area is multiplied by the number of beams.

For example 5 beams are there of the same size, then the total form area = 16㎡ × 5 = 80㎡.

5. Basic Shuttering Calculation

Step:

Determine the basic size: Measure the length, width and height of the foundation.

Calculation of base template area: Side Shuttering area of foundation = (2 × height × length) + (2 × height × width).

For example, foundation length 15m, width 10m, height 2m, then side Shuttering area = (2 × 2m × 15m) + (2 × 2m × 10m) = 60㎡ + 40㎡ = 100㎡.

Calculate the foundation slab Shuttering area (if required): The area of the floor = length × width.

For example: Base plate Shuttering area = 15m x 10m = 150㎡.

Total template area: Side Shuttering area + bottom plate Shuttering area = 100㎡ + 150㎡ = 250㎡.

Notes

      When calculating and installing Shuttering, accuracy and safety are equally important. Here are some common problems and considerations to help you avoid common errors and improve project efficiency.

Measurement accuracy: Use a high-precision measure (such as a laser distance measure or high-precision tape measure) to measure the distance. Analyze the data and avoid errors that may affect template quantity calculations.

Drawings: Review the architectural and construction drawings and pay special attention to openings, corners, and complex shapes. Any omissions in an object may result in material waste.

Shuttering selection: Analyze the requirements and select the appropriate Shuttering (wooden Shuttering, steel Shuttering, aluminum Shuttering, etc.). Different materials are suitable for different natural or artificial conditions, as well as for different numbers of future uses.

Shuttering layout and door opening: Analyze the door and window or any other opening so that the formulas can accurately account for the real area. Subtract the materials used for the template and consider the loss required for splicing and cutting. Then, calculate the template amount based on your real parameters.

Shuttering support system: Design a reasonable support system to ensure the stability and safety of the Shuttering and avoid instability affecting construction quality and safety.

Template reuse and damage: Reasonably arrange the number of times the template is reused, pay attention to maintenance and care, and avoid deformation and damage caused by excessive use.

Construction environment: Adjust Shuttering selection and installation methods according to weather and terrain, and take necessary protective measures to deal with extreme weather.

Safety measures: Strictly abide by safety operating procedures and use protective equipment such as safety belts and helmets to ensure the safety of construction workers.

Construction personnel experience: Strengthen the training of construction personnel, improve their template installation and removal skills, and reduce improper installation and removal due to lack of experience.

Recommended Tools And Software

• Measuring tools: e.g. laser rangefinder, steel ruler total station.
• Manual calculation tools: e.g. scientific calculators, pen and paper.
• Shuttering design and calculation software: e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla Structures.
• Project management software: e.g. Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Procore.
• Mobile applications: e.g. BIM 360, Fieldwire.
• Online tools and resources: e.g. Concrete Shuttering Calculator, SketchUp.

Why Choose AJ Building

      Is it tough to calculate the number of templates after reading the specific calculation methods above? Please do not worry, our professional engineers can calculate the number of templates based on the specific situation of the project for you, and let you be more relieved to proceed with your project.

      As one of the most professional Shuttering manufacturers in China, we can basically meet any styles of Shuttering production, and more than 20 years experience and continuous learning processes, any complex or totally brand new Shuttering can be designed and made to meet your special requirements. Our production type covers almost all mainly used Shuttering in the world, most of them are normally in stock. From wooden Shuttering, steel Shuttering, aluminum Shuttering to some new developed plastic Shuttering, all can be made to fit your requirement. Different Shutterings are mostly suitable for different types of buildings. If you are in need, you are welcome to send us an inquiry, we will try our best to help you to save your Shuttering cost.

Our advantages include:

Raw material advantages: Our template equipment uses relatively high-quality raw materials (Q235, Q345, etc. ).

Precision Design: Use advanced 3D design software to make the customized production of various Shuttering more accurate.

Various choices: various types, specifications of Shuttering products.

High-quality service: professional one-on-one after-sales service to solve various problems for you.

We await your inquiry and you are always welcome cordially to visit and inspect our factory. We are committed to innovation, 3D design technology, and ensuring that every product of us can meet each customer's requirements. We have a professional team of experienced engineers and designers, can be based on the drawings and construction requirements provided by the owners to carry out detailed design and optimization, and finally to ensure that the template can be a perfect fit, to achieve better economic benefits. If you are interested in Shuttering products or the need to customize your Shuttering solution, you can contact us, and we will make a professional and objective introduction according to your actual situation, to ensure that your project is in the best condition. 

FAQ

What Is The Difference Between Shuttering And Scaffolding?

• Scaffolding is used to support labor and materials and acts as a working platform; formwork (formwork) acts as a mold for pouring concrete.

What Is The Difference Between Shuttering And Centring?

• The shuttering is the vertical formwork that keeps the concrete upright; the centering is the horizontal formwork that is responsible for maintaining an even distribution of the concrete.

When Should Shuttering Be Removed From Slab?

• Typically, it can be removed after 14 to 21 days.

Read More:

The Ultimate Guide To Formwork Plywood

Know About Formwork Installation

Make Smooth Concrete With Formwork

Choosing the Right Concrete Formwork Materials