Dismantling the formwork is a delicate operation that requires precision and vigilance. On many construction sites, frequent errors can cause accidents, damage concrete or formwork, and lead to significant delays. In this article, we review the concrete errors to avoid for safe and efficient formwork dismantling.
Remove the formwork too early: a frequent error
The most common mistake when dismantling formwork is to remove the panels before the concrete has reached its sufficient strength. On the construction site, this can result in visible cracks or concrete subsidence, especially for vertical structures or thin slabs. To avoid this problem, it is crucial to respect the curing time recommended by the concrete supplier or by the technical standard. A still fragile concrete will not support the weight of the cased element.
Neglecting the safety of workers
Dismantling the formwork involves moving heavy, unstable panels. On some construction sites, workers were injured due to the lack of helmets or safety harnesses. Falls of formwork elements or slips on still wet floors are real risks. For each dismantling operation, individual protections must be strictly respected in order to ensure a secure site.
Use unsuitable tools
Many accidents during the dismantling of formwork result from the use of poorly adapted tools. For example, forcing a too thin lever to extract a rigid panel can cause concrete splinters or damage the formwork. The use of ergonomic tools designed for dismantling reduces the risk of breakage and injury, while facilitating the work of workers.
Ignorer l’ordre logique de démontage
Chaque coffrage possède une séquence précise de retrait. Une erreur fréquente consiste à commencer par un panneau inférieur avant d’avoir retiré les éléments supérieurs. Cela peut provoquer des déséquilibres et la chute de plusieurs éléments simultanément. Sur le chantier, il est important de retirer les éléments supérieurs en premier, puis de descendre progressivement, en vérifiant constamment la stabilité du coffrage restant.
Ignore the logical order of disassembly
Each formwork has a precise withdrawal sequence. A common mistake is to start with a lower panel before removing the upper elements. This can cause imbalances and the fall of several elements simultaneously. On the construction site, it is important to remove the upper elements first, then gradually lower, constantly checking the stability of the remaining formwork.
Do not clean and maintain the formwork after use
After a dismantling of the formwork, some sites neglect the cleaning and storage of the panels. Concrete dried on the boards or the deterioration of screws and fasteners reduce the lifespan of the formwork. Regular maintenance, with cleaning and lubrication of the moving parts, allows the material to be safely reused for other projects and avoids additional costs.
Mastering the dismantling of formwork is essential to ensure the safety of teams and the quality of structures on a construction site. By avoiding common mistakes such as premature formwork removal, the use of unsuitable tools or failure to comply with the dismantling order, you gain efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents.
To go further, also discover our guide on the errors to avoid when assembling the formwork and make sure to pass each step, from installation to uninstallation, safely.
