Calculate the area in square metre of the formwork required for a beam...
Calculating the Area of Formwork for a Beam
Formwork is a temporary structure used to support the concrete until it reaches sufficient strength to support itself. The area of formwork required for a beam can be calculated using the following steps:
Step 1: Calculate the perimeter of the cross-section
The perimeter of the cross-section can be calculated by adding all the sides of the cross-section.
Perimeter = 2(Length + Width)
For the given beam, the perimeter can be calculated as:
Perimeter = 2(2m + 0.4m + 0.4m) = 4.8m
Step 2: Calculate the area of the cross-section
The area of the cross-section can be calculated by multiplying the length and width of the cross-section.
Area = Length x Width
For the given beam, the area can be calculated as:
Area = 2m x 0.4m = 0.8m²
Step 3: Calculate the area of formwork required
The area of formwork required can be calculated by multiplying the perimeter of the cross-section by the height of the formwork.
Area of Formwork = Perimeter x Height
The height of the formwork can be calculated by adding the thickness of the slab and the height of the beam. Assuming a slab thickness of 100mm, the height of the formwork can be calculated as:
Height of Formwork = 0.1m + 0.2m = 0.3m
For the given beam, the area of formwork required can be calculated as:
Area of Formwork = 4.8m x 0.3m = 1.44m²
Step 4: Add an additional 10% for wastage
It is recommended to add an additional 10% for wastage when calculating the area of formwork required.
Area of Formwork with Wastage = Area of Formwork x 1.1
For the given beam, the area of formwork required with wastage can be calculated as:
Area of Formwork with Wastage = 1.44m² x 1.1 = 1.584m²
Conclusion
Therefore, the area of formwork required for a beam of 2m span and cross-section dimension of 400mm x 200mm is approximately 1.584m². It is important to note that this calculation is an estimate and the actual area of formwork required may vary based on the site conditions and the design of the formwork system.