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Home > News and Events > News > News Detail
9/19/2025
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ACI defines formwork for concrete as "a total system of support for freshly placed concrete including the mold or sheathing that contacts the concrete as well as supporting members, hardware, and necessary bracing (also called shuttering in the United Kingdom)."
Formwork molds the concrete to the desired size and shape, and controls its position and alignment. It is a temporary structure that supports its own weight and the freshly placed concrete, as well as construction live loads including materials, equipment, and workers.
SP-004: (8TH) Formwork for Concrete is the American Concrete Institute's (ACI) guide to designing, building, and using formwork for concrete, with the eighth edition serving as a comprehensive resource updated to align with the latest ACI standards like ACI 347R-14. The publication covers aspects from planning and materials to specific design considerations for various structures like walls, slabs, and bridges, emphasizing safety, quality, and economic efficiency in formwork practices. Key updates include expanded coverage on wind loads, shoring, new formwork technologies, and the inclusion of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) examples.
On-Demand Course: Formwork Systems: Design and Construction – Continuing Education Credit: 0.2 CEU (2.0 PDH).
On-Demand Course: Constructability Series: Formwork for Constructable Concrete Structures – Continuing Education Credit: 0.10 CEU (1.0 PDH).
On-Demand Course: Contractor's Guide: Formwork – Continuing Education Credit: 0.1 CEU (1 PDH). This course is included in the Fundamentals of Concrete Construction Certificate Program. Completion of all courses in an ACI University Certificate Program will earn you a program certificate and digital badge. For more details, visit ACI University Certificate Programs.
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View All Concrete Formwork Resources Here »
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The American Concrete Institute's newest Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-19) and Commentary is now available in print and digital formats. Learn more about the 2019 edition, plus supplemental resources from ACI.
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