Intrinsic model to predict formwork pressure

Abstract

Formwork pressure depends on many factors. Some are related to the intrinsic characteristics of concrete while others are extrinsic factors related to the external environment and formwork conditions. In this study, a model is proposed to simulate the change of formwork pressure over time due solely to the effect of the intrinsic material characteristics. In addition, a new apparatus was devised to measure the formwork pressure in isolation from the extrinsic factors. Tests were performed using three mixtures: cement paste (CP), ordinary concrete (OC), and self-consolidating concrete (SCC). The formwork pressures predicted and measured in the experiment are compared considering discrete and continuous casting situations. From the comparison, it is verified that the proposed model can predict the response of the lateral pressure with respect to a time-varying vertical pressure. Copyright © 2010, American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved.