Metal-wood forms are just like metal forms except for the face. It is made with a sheet of B-grade exterior plywood with waterproof glue.

Wood

Wooden forms are by far the most common type used in building construction. They have the advantage of economy, ease in handling, ease of production, and adaptability to many desired shapes. Added economy may result from reusing form lumber later for roofing, bracing, or similar purposes. Lumber should be straight, structurally sound, strong, and only partially seasoned. Kiln-dried timber has a tendency to swell when soaked with water from the concrete. If the boards are tight-jointed, the swelling will cause bulging and distortion. When green lumber is used, an allowance should be made for shrinkage, or the forms should be kept wet until the concrete is in place. Soft woods, such as pine, fir, and spruce, make the best and most economical form lumber since they are light, easy to work with, and available in almost every region.

Lumber that comes in contact with concrete should be surfaced at least on one side and both edges. The surfaced side is turned toward the concrete. The edges of the lumber may be square, shiplap, or tongue and groove. The latter makes a more watertight joint and tends to prevent warping.

Plywood can be used economically for wall and floor forms if it is made with waterproof glue and is identified for use in concrete forms. Plywood is more warp resistant and can be reused more often than lumber. Plywood is made in 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2-, 9/16-, 5/8- and 3/4-inch thicknesses and in widths up to 48 inches. Although longer lengths are manufactured, 8-foot lengths are the most common. The 5/8- and 3/4-inch thicknesses are most economical; thinner sections require additional solid backing to prevent bulging. However, the 1/4-inch thickness is useful for forming curved surfaces.

Fiber

Fiber forms are prefabricated from impregnated waterproofed cardboard and other fiber materials. Successive layers of fiber are first glued together and then molded in the desired shape. Fiber forms are ideal for round concrete columns and other applications where preformed shapes are feasible since they require no form fabrication at the job site. This saves considerable time and money.

Fabric

Fabric forming is made of two layers of nylon fabric. These layers are woven together, forming an envelope. Structural mortar is injected into these envelopes, forming nylon-encased concrete "pillows." These are used to protect the shorelines of waterways, lakes and reservoirs, and as drainage channel linings.

Fabric forming offers exceptional advantages in the structural restoration of bearing piles under waterfront structures. A fabric sleeve with a zipper closure is suspended around the pile to be repaired, and mortar is pumped into the sleeve. This forms a strong concrete jacket.

FORM DESIGN

Forms for concrete construction must support the plastic concrete until it has hardened. Stiffness is an important feature in forms. Failure to provide form stiffness may cause unfortunate results. Forms must be designed for all the weight to which they are likely to be subjected. This includes the dead load of the forms, the plastic concrete in the forms, the weight of the workmen, the weight of equipment and materials, and the impact due to vibration. These factors vary with each project, but none should be ignored. The ease of erection and removal is also an important factor in the economical design of forms. Platform and ramp structures independent of formwork are sometimes preferred to avoid displacement of forms due to loading and impact shock from workmen and equipment.

When concrete is placed in forms, it is in a plastic state and exerts hydrostatic pressure on the forms. The basis of form design, therefore, is the maximum pressure developed by concrete during placing. The maximum pressure developed depends on the placing rate and the temperature. The rate at which concrete is placed affects the pressure because it determines how much hydrostatic head builds up in the form. The hydrostatic head continues to increase until the concrete takes its initial set, usually in about 90 minutes. At low temperatures, however, the initial set takes place much more slowly. This makes it necessary to consider the temperature at the time of