Optimization of Vertical Formwork Layout Plans Using Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Abstract

A formwork is a structure used to contain poured concrete and to mold it to the required dimensions. Different formwork systems provide a wide range of concrete construction solutions that can be chosen to suit the needs of a particular structure. The selection of panels and the design of the formwork layout for concrete structures, especially if the panels are to be reused many times to form different work zones, are one of the most complex tasks in formwork construction. It influences the quality of work, construction time, site safety and cost. The formwork costs account for a significant part of the total costs for concrete works. The problem of the selection and layout of reusable panel forms is solved mainly based on the intuitive judgment of experienced engineers in collaboration with the form system supplier. This study proposes a mixed integer linear programming modeling approach to support the formwork planning process. The problem consists in determining the number and sizes of the panels according to the geometry of the concrete elements to minimize the rental cost of wall shuttering in a building divided into work zones that are to be completed in sequence, reusing the chosen panels. The model can be solved using typical software dedicated to mixed integer linear programs. A simple example is used to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, where the formwork rental cost is 7.31 % lower than the rental costs of panels and corners optimized without consideration of the reuse in consecutive zones.

Diseño del encofrado para muros usando encofrados modulares

“…Por consiguiente, un correcto diseño del encofrado tiene un gran efecto en el proceso entero de construcción [6].…”

An IoT device for striking of vertical concrete formwork

“…Formwork is a type of temporary structure used at a construction site to maintain the shape of structural concrete members like columns, beams, and slabs, etc. Formwork costs can account for up to 60% of the total cost of the materials used in the construction project (Biruk and Jaskowski, 2017). When the concrete gains sufficient strength to withstand its dead weight and imposed load, the formwork can be removed.…”

Improving Flow in Concrete Constructions by Avoiding Spatial Conflicts Between Pour Cycles

“…In a CP option, one single casting segment is defined as zone and a group of segments as area, representing a pour cycle. The term zone is used as a construction segment which is fully covered by formwork elements (Biruk and Jaskowski 2017). Both the terms zone and area are used in the Lean Construction literature when referring to takt time planning (TTP) (Frandson et al 2013).…”