JOURNAL OF INFORMATION, KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH IN

CIVIL ENGINEERING

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF CONSTRUCTION

TECHNIQUES
(CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUE VS ALUMINIUM
FORMWORK TECHNIQUES)
1
NINJAL M PAREKH, 2BHUPENDRA M MARVADI, 3UMANG PATEL
1
Student, M.E. Infrastructure Engineering, Dept. of Civil Engineering,
L.D.R.P. Institute of Technology and Research, Gandhinagar-382015, Gujarat.
2,3
Assistant Professor,Dept. of Civil Engineering,
L.D.R.P. Institute of Technology and Research, Gandhinagar-382015, Gujarat.

ninjal.parekh@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Recent trends in construction become indispensable within the coming years to emphasize on
sustainable development. The paper discusses the importance and scope of recent trends in construction
techniques. The paper emphasizes on exploitation differing kinds of materials in modern trends and for
effectiveness in infrastructure building for fast economic process and development of a nation exploitation
recent advancements within the field of construction technology. Nowadays, the prefabrication and aluminium
Formwork technique in trade construction industry is developed countries has improved the standard of the
construction industry.
Aluminium Formwork System is a construction system for forming cast in situ concrete structure of a building.
Classified information’s given for Aluminium Formwork technique and Conventional techniques. Two case
studies are taken for the analysis of the construction techniques. The concept of formed (also called
“prefabricated”) construction includes those buildings wherever the bulk of structural parts are standardized
and created in plants during a location far from the building, so transported to the location for assembly

Keywords: Conventional Technique, Aluminium Formwork Technique, Cost, Time, Quality.

1. Introduction:
Aluminium formwork system provides aluminium formwork for RCC load bearing or RCC framed
multi-storied buildings and enables the walls and slabs to be poured in same operation. These increases
efficiency and also produces an extraordinarily strong structure with excellent concrete finish. Due to the fine
tolerance achieved in the machined metal formwork components, consistent concrete shapes and finishes are
obtained floor after floor. This allows plumbing and electrical fittings to be prefabricated with the certain
knowledge that there will be an exact fit when assembled.
As described by the manufacturers a low-cost system for housing using aluminium formwork.
Aluminium formwork system is construction system for forming cast in place concrete structure of building. It
is also a system for scheduling and controlling the work of other construction trends such as steel reinforcement,
concrete placement and mechanical and electrical conduits.
This type of construction requires a restructuring of the entire conventional construction process to enable
interaction between the design phase and production planning in order to improve and speed up the construction.
2. Objectives:

To reduce construction time of project

To minimize construction total cost (Direct cost and indirect cost) of project.

To measure and improve the quality of construction projects
3. Aluminium Formwork:

The speed of construction by aluminium formwork system will surpass speed of most of the other
construction technologies.

The work manages aluminium lightweight formwork approach effectively in order to accelerate the
particular development, to reassure quality manage along with strength. Adoption of this system reduces overall
cost of the structure.

This is one of the systems identified to be very much suitable for Indian conditions for mass
construction, where quality and speed can be achieved at high level.
Technology

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Aluminium Formwork System is highly suited to load bearing wall construction whereas traditional formwork
consisting of plywood and timber is not suitable to the high pressures of fresh concrete on the wall.
Cost: Use of this formwork in load bearing design gives an average of 15 per cent cost saving in the structure of
the building and increased usable floor space of 8 per cent over RCC design.
Time: For 100 per cent work, construction through slab beam wall construction takes X time and through
Aluminium Formwork technology the time required is 1/6th of the X time.
Environment Friendly: The technology is environment friendly as there is no use of timber. The formwork
gives the box or cellular design resulting in the walls giving support to the super structure in two directions. As a
result, the structures are more resistant to earthquakes than the traditional RCC column and beam designs.
Lifting: As the Aluminium Formwork is lightweight, no tower cranes are required for the same unlike in tunnel
framework.
Labours: Due to simplicity of the assembly, only unskilled labours are required with minimal supervision.
Repetitions: The Aluminium Formwork System is removable and can be reused hundreds of times with little
maintenance.
Scrap Value: Moreover, the requirement of steel is also reduced in this technology as aluminium has a higher
scrap value.
Simple Assembly Systems
Pin and Wedge System
The panels are held in position by a simple pin and wedge system that passes through holes in the outside rib of
each panel.
Quick Strip Prop Head
One of the principal technical features which enables this speed to be attained using a single set of formwork
panels is the unique V shaped prop head which allows the 'quick strip' to take place whilst leaving the propping
undisturbed. The deck panels can therefore be reused immediately.
Speed
The in-situ construction of all walls and partitions reduces the requirement for follow-on wet trades.
The concrete surface finish produced with the aluminium forms allows achievement of a high quality wall finish
without the need for extensive plastering.
Doors and windows are formed in position, with this high degree of precision items such as door and window
frames can be directly installed on site with minimal re-sizing required.
Quality
High quality Aluminium Formwork panels ensure consistency of dimensions.
On the removal of the Formwork mould, a high quality concrete finish is produced to accurate tolerances and
verticality.
The high tolerance of the finish means that no further plastering is required.
Importance of the Aluminium Form work System[8]
Rapid urbanization has resulted in a geometric increase in the housing demand, which cannot be fulfilled using
conventional materials and methods of construction. The traditional or conventional method of construction for
mass housing & high rise buildings is comparatively, a slow process and has limited quality control, particularly
when a large size project is involved. It is therefore obligatory to work out a method or a scheme where the
speed and quality of construction are controlled automatically by a systematic approach. Therefore Aluminium
Formwork System (AFS) identified to be suitable for Indian conditions for mass housing construction where
quality and speed can be maintained at a reasonably high level.
4. Case Study and Data collection:
Case Study 1: Paavan city Modasa is totally based on aluminium formwork construction. Total numbers of
units in Paavan city 575 units and 17 blocks in which 12 blocks are 2BHK and 5 blocks are 3BHK. G + 8 storey
buildings are constructed on site. In Paavan city, MAINI formwork construction company provides the
formwork and the overall cost of formwork is 5200/ sq ft. The maintenance of formwork is also done by the
MAINI formwork construction. Total area for one floor in 2BHK building is 4065 sq feet. Four units are
constructed on each floor. Formwork design is for only one floor. After completion of one floor then cycle is
going to repeat for next floor.
Table 1. Summary of Paavan city
Quantity Units
Total Area On Each Floor 4065 Sq ft
Quantity For Steel 11044.91 Kg
Quantity For Concrete 164.95 Cu m
Labour For Centring 60 Nos.
Plant Operation 12 Nos.

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Figure 1. Working plan of Paavan city

Case Study 2: Tulsi city Badlapur is totally based on aluminium formwork construction. Tulsi city is
developing in 5 phase, in which first phase is comes to an end which name of TULSI AARAMBH. In this
TULSI AARAMBHAMBH exclusive G + 4 and 7 story stor of 22 towers
owers .TULSI AARAMBH have luxurious 1 and 2BHK
flats. Batching plant of Tulsi city is about 0.25 cu m capacity. Pumping unit for the batching plant is not
combined but the pumping unit is assembled in it. Total area for one floor in 1 and 2 BHK building is 2147 sq
feet. Four units are constructed on each floor. Formwork design is for only one floor. After completion of one
floor and then after cycle is going to repeat.
Table 2. Summary of Tulsi city
Quantity Units
Total Area On Each Floor 2147 Sq ft
Quantity For Steel 7052.72 Kg
Quantity For Concrete 96.29 Cu m
Labour For Centering 52 Nos.
Plant Operation 9 Nos.

Figure 2. Working Plan of Tulsi city

Flow Chart for Aluminium formwork at Site

Figure 3.. Flow Chart of Aluminium Formwork Process

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5. Data Analysis:
Comparison of Construction Techniques:
Techniques
Case study 1: Paavan city
Construction with Aluminium Formwork
Table 3. Construction with Aluminium Formwork
Item Quantity Unit Rate Amount
Concreting MIX M25 164.98 Cu m 3900 6,43,422
Labour 106 No. - 24,906
Steel 11044.91 Kg 45 4,97,020
Formwork 4065 Sq ft 5200 2,11,38,000
Total 2,23,03,348
Aluminium formwork can be cost effective Applied after 100 time
Construction with Aluminium Formwork
Table 4. Construction with Conventional Techniques
Item Quantity Unit Rate Amount
Concrete M25 102.86 Cu m 5100 5,24,586
Steel 11044.91 Kg 45 4,97,021
Formwork 4065 Sq ft 25 1,01,623
Wall 62.09 Cu m 3450 2,14,210
Plaster 221.48 Sq m 989.93 2,19,250
Total ` 1,55,6690
Cost comparison of Paavan city
From the above tables of comparison we can conclude that the aluminium formwork method
is convenient for mass construction projects. Aluminium formwork method is very important to reduce the time
of construction it will directly affect on the economic conditions of project. When the cycle of construction is
reduced it will directly affect on the overall cost of construction and it will also create financial stability.
Table 5. Cost comparison of Paavan city
Cost Comparison of Paavan City
Techniques 50 time 100 time 150 time 160 times
Aluminium 79405400 137672800 195940200 207593680
Conventional 77834500 155669000 233503500 249070400
Percentage -2%
2% 13% 19% 20%

25000000 Aluminium
20000000
Conventional
15000000
10000000
50000000
0
50 100 150 160
Times Times Times Times

This is the graphical representation of the cost comparison of aluminium form work technique to the
conventional technique. It clearly shows that the aluminium form work method is effective. And I have also
included the line diagram for the percentage of difference
difference in Paavan city Modasa. These calculations are based
on data collection which is taken from the Paavan city. Further case study is the Tulsi city Badlapur.

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Percentage of Difference in Paavan City

Aluminium Formwork Technique Vs Conventional
Technique
25
20
15
10 Aluminium
5
0
-5 50 Times 100 Times 150 Times 160 Times
Case study 2: Tulsi city
Table 6. Cost comparison of Tulsi city
Cost Comparison of Tulsi City
Techniques 50 time 100 time 150 time 200 times
Aluminium 4,86,84,600 8,53,69,200 12,20,53,800 15,87,38,400
Conventional 5,02,82,856 10,05,65,700 15,08,48,450 20,11,31,400
3.28 17.80 23.59 26.70

25000000
20000000
15000000
10000000 Aluminium
50000000 Conventional.
0
50 100 150 200
Times Times Times Times

This is the graphical representation of the cost comparison of aluminium form work technique to the
conventional technique. It clearly shows that the aluminium form work method is effective. And I have also
included the line diagram for the percentage of difference
difference in Tulsi City, Badlapur. These calculations are based
on data collection which is taken from the Tulsi city.
Percentage of Difference in Tulsi City
Aluminium Formwork Technique Vs Conventional
Technique
30
25
20
15
10 Aluminium
5
0
50 Times 100 Times 150 Times 200 Times

Time of Construction
Time of construction of any construction technique is depending on the labour force. If we are
increasing the maximum amount of labour force than the construction can be reduced. The second most
important factor of construction technique is material use and wastage.

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In aluminium formwork construction technique in which the foundation and ground floor construction
is done with conventional technique. The aluminium formwork technique is very costly for that the foundation
formwork cost can be increase the total project cost. For that the construction till first floor is done with the
conventional techniques.
Table 7. Time of Construction of One Block of Paavan city
Days Week Month
Aluminium 64 9.2 2.2
Conventional 242 34.5 8.1
Table 8. Time of Construction of One Block Tulsi city
Days Week Month
Aluminium 56 7 2
Conventional 189 27 6.9
Quality of Work

High quality Aluminium Formwork panels ensure consistency of dimensions.

On the removal of the Formwork mould, a high quality concrete finish is produced to accurate
tolerances and verticality.

The high tolerance of the finish means that no further plastering is required.

Typically a 3mm to 4mm skim coat is applied internally prior to finishing and a 6 mm build up coat
prior to laying tiles.
Safety
Safety in formwork is another major concern today especially in high-rise construction and large infrastructure
projects like metros, flyovers, airports etc. It is a known fact that in India, There is a lot of pressure on the Indian
construction companies today to improve the same by the Govt. of India, Foreign Investors and also the
increased number of PMC’s (which are basically reputed MNC’s). Safety cannot be treated as a separate entity,
rather it should be an integral part of the formwork system.
Formwork & scaffolding being the major contributors to the safety in construction sites as they are also used for
the rebar and concreting works, it is time we pay proper heed to how these have to be integrated with safety so
as to ensure the overall safety at sites
Comparison of Formwork:
The main objectives of formwork are three fold like Quality, Safety and Economy. Formwork should be made
with quality material and should be constructed properly. The formwork should be constructed in such a way
that the where used is cut to the minimum and it can be struck off with ease and reused with least damage.
Cost Comparison of Formwork
The following study of the formwork in which the latest rates of formwork is taken to analyzed for the
study to minimized the project overall cost. Plywood formwork, steel formwork and aluminium formwork are
taken in the analysis like the market rates of the material of the formwork and the best rate at which formwork
can be buy.
Cost of Formwork:
Table 9. Cost of Formwork
Cost of Formwork
Type of formwork Unit Rates
Plywood Sq ft. 6000
Steel Sq ft. 2812
Aluminum Sq ft. 5200

Following the graphical representation of the above study of rates at the different rates of formwork.
The chart shows the aluminium formwork is economical when the use of cycle. The steel formwork is
economical than the other formwork.

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6000
5000
4000
3000 plywood
2000
1000 steel
0 aluminium
Initial At 100
At 200
times times At 300
times

Most Important Scrap Value of Formwork:

The scrap value is also going to in consideration for the maximum return. The companies of aluminium
formwork are dealingg in such a way that maximum return at the relative interval. The deals are done on the basis
of use. The aluminium formwork is economical because of rate of return is high.
Table 10. Scrap Value of Formwork
Sr no Formwork % scrap
1 Plywood 15 %
2 Steel 30 %
3 Aluminium 50 %
Scrap value of Aluminium formwork is minimum 50 %
The graphical representation shows that the aluminium formwork is the giving maximum back at the
scrap and the minimum scrap value is plywood formwork. The aluminium formwork is economical on the
repeat ion of 100 cycle because the scrap value shows the 50 % back at the reuse. The steel formwork is also
economical but the maintenance of the steel formwork is high and the bend in the formwork is frequently seen.

Scrap Value
50
40
30
20
10
0
Plywood Steel Aluminium

Time of formwork:
It is very important to keep the formwork in position till the cement concrete develops
sufficient strength and achieves bonding strength. If the formwork is kept too long it will result in extra cost and
therefore a balance has to be arrived at between economy and strength of concrete.
The Indian Standard Code IS-456 456 gives stripping time of formwork for different RCC members. In general, it
states that forms shall not be removed until the concrete has reached strength at least
least twice the stress to which it
may be subjected at the removal of formwork.
Table 10. Traditional Formwork
Sr No Structural Element Time Period (Days)
1 Wall, column and vertical sides of beam 1-2
2 Slabs ( probs left) 3
3 Beam soffits (probs left 7
4 Removal of probs to slab
(1) Upto 4.5 m 7
(2) over 4.5 m 14
5 Removal of probs beam

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(1) span upto 6m 14
(2) span over 6m 21

Time of aluminium formwork

Formwork is made from aluminium m are in many respects similar to those made of steel. However, because of
their lower density, aluminiumum formworks are lighter than steel forms, and this is their most important
advantage when compared to steel.
The major disadvantage of alumin
aluminium
um forms is that no changes can be made once the formwork is
fabricated and the timee of construction is done in the cycle of days of construction. The cycle shows the 8 days
of construction with aluminium formwork technique.
DAY 1
•Wall
Wall Reinforcement

DAY 2
•Formwork
Formwork Erection

DAY 3
•Beam
Beam And Slab Reinforcement

DAY 4
•Slab
Slab Reinforcement And Electrical

DAY 5
•Electrical
Electrical Work And Overall Checking

DAY 6
•Concrete
Concrete Pouring

DAY 7
•De-shuttering
shuttering vertical formwork

DAY 8
•De-shuttering
shuttering slab & beam panels

Figure 4.. Time Duration of Aluminium Formwork

Quality of formwork
Formwork is the most important task for any construction element in which the strength of element can be
achieved easily. Formwork must be capable of safely withstanding without distortion or danger the dead weight
of the fluid concrete is placed on it, labour
bour weight, equipment weight and any environmental loadings. Quality
of formwork is in which the respective factors are affecting on it.
Weight of formwork
Material of formwork
Work done of formwork
Table 11. Summary of Formwork
Item Plywood Formwork Steel Formwork Aluminium Formwork
• Unit cost is High
• Unit cost is Low
Overall Cost High • Real-time
time investment
• Overall cost is Low
is High
• Lightest
• Heavy
• Difficult to • Light
Quality and • Easy to Clean
Clean • Easy to Transport,
Processing • Difficult to
• Easy to Store, Clean and Disassemble
Transport, Store, Disassemble
Transport, Store, Move.
Strength 30 ( KN/m2 ) 65 ( KN/m2 ) 60 ( KN/m2 )
Can be recycled in Can be recycled in about 40 Can be recycled over 300
Recycle
about 10 Times Times Times
Difficulty Easy Difficult Easy
• Easy to bend • Strongest • Strong
Carrying
• carrying • carrying capacity is • carrying capacity is
capacity
capacity is low. high high
Wall Column Beam Wall Column Beam Slab
Application Wall Column Beam Slab
Slab Bridge Bridge
Construction • Construction • Use heavy • Easy to use
Time and time is long. machinery during assembly • Simple assembly
Usage • Complex • Construction time is procedures

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assembly procedures. longer than that of the • Construction time is
alumunium formworks the Shortest
Recovery
Rough Smooth like dry Wall Smooth Finishing
Value
• Shape elasticity is • Shape elasticity is
Shape low low
Shape elasticity is High
Elasticity • Can be combine with • Can be combine with
other Types of Formwork other Types of Formwork

6. Conclusion:
Finally concluded, Selection of Aluminium formwork construction is depending on the project type and project
requirements.

Aluminium formwork construction technique is cost effective for the mass construction and repetitive
projects.

Aluminium formwork construction is rapid construction technique in which construction at high speed.

Aluminium formwork construction is offering high quality of construction and low maintenance at the
minimum cost.
References:
1. Ashwini Arun Salunkhe, Rahul S. Patil, Jan 2011, “Effect Of Construction Delays On Project Time
Overrun:Indian Scenario” IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN:
2319-1163 pISSN: 2321-7308.
2. Enas Fathi Taher, R.K. Pandey, “Study of Delay in Project Planning and Design Stage of Civil
Engineering Projects”, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT) ISSN: 2249 –
8958, Volume-2, Issue-3, February 2013
3. Ying Cao, “Quality Control Of Construction Projects”, Savonia University Of Applied Sciences,
Business And Engineering, Varkaus, May 2010.
4. Dr. N. Krishnamurthy, “Safety in the Construction Industry” , Ph.D., F.ASCE, F.SSSS,
M.IE(Singapore), (Formerly of the C.E. Dept., National University of Singapore).
5. Construction Project Management Handbook, September 2009.
6. PRECAST CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, Svetlana Brzev, British Columbia Institute of
Technology, Canada ,Teresa Guevara-Perez, Architect, Venezuela
7. Prasanth S, “ Aluminum form work system” , Grand Edifice Developers, www.grandedificedevelopers
.in
8. D.M.Wijesekara, “Cost Effective and Speedy Construction for High-Rise Buildings in Sri Lanka by
Using Aluminium Panel System Formworks” , ACEPS – 2012.

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