12-10-2010, 01:51 PM
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Abstract
Rapid urbanization has resulted in drastic increase in housing demand today. The traditional or conventional method of construction for mass housing 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. Many methods have emerged and have been tried out and are still being adopted all over the world. These systems can be named as large-panel system, part pre-cast and part in-situ construction etc.
Despite the enormous need for housing, India has not yet been able to practice any of these methods with advantage and economy. The initial obstacles being requirement of huge element of machinery, inadequate scope of compared to huge inputs, composite construction failing on account of extreme atmospheric conditions, not adhering to strict quality control and having tendencies to cut corners for saving on costs, etc. 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.
This paper deals with the necessity, components and advantages of aluminium formwork system. It also compares the AFS with conventional method.
Introduction
Aluform is a construction system for forming cast in place concrete structure of a Building. Aluform system provides aluminium formwork for RCC, load-bearing ,multi-storeyed buildings and enables the walls and slab to be poured in the same operation. This increases efficiency, and also produces an extra-ordinarily strong structure with excellent concrete finish.
Due to the fine tolerances achieved in the machined metal formwork components, consistent concrete shapes and finishes are obtained floor after floor, building after building, confirming to the most exact standards of quality and accuracy. This allows plumbing and electrical fittings to be prefabricated with the certain knowledge that there will be an exact fit when assembled. The dimensional accuracy at the concreted work also results in consistent fittings of doors and windows. The smooth off form finish of the concrete eliminates the need for costly plastering.
The system of Aluminium Forms has been used widely in the construction of residential units in both low-rise & high-rise buildings. It has proven to be very successful in the construction of mass housing projects in various parts of the world. The system most suitable for Indian conditions is a tailor-made aluminium formwork for cast-in-situ fully concrete structure. It is also a system for scheduling and controlling the work of other connected construction trades such as steel reinforcement, concrete placement and mechanical & electrical inserts.
The formwork system is unique because it enables the construction of the entire structure of a building in R.C.C. with all the members including walls, floor slabs, window hoods, balconies, sunken floors and various decorative features, being cast integrally for each floor as per the architect’s requirement.
