Accurate planning is the foundation of any successful construction project. It saves time, minimizes waste, and keeps your budget in check. One of the most critical calculations you’ll make is for shuttering, also known as formwork. This is the temporary mold into which concrete is poured.
Getting this calculation right ensures you have enough material, and choosing the right material can dramatically impact your project’s cost and quality.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of calculating shuttering quantity and introduce a modern material solution that outperforms traditional options.
Why Accurate Shuttering Calculation is Crucial
- Cost Control: Shuttering is a significant expense. Over-ordering leads to wasted capital and storage issues. Under-ordering causes costly delays while you wait for more materials.
- Project Timeline: Having the correct quantity of formwork on-site means your concrete pouring can proceed without interruption, keeping your project on schedule.
- Structural Integrity: Proper formwork is essential for achieving the desired shape and a smooth finish for concrete structures.
Shuttering Quantity Calculator
Slabs
Beams
Rectangular Columns
Waste Factor
How to Calculate Shuttering Quantity: A Step-by-Step Guide
Calculating the quantity of shuttering involves determining the total surface area that will be in direct contact with the concrete.
Step 1: Identify All Structural Elements First, list all the concrete elements that require formwork. This typically includes:
- Slabs
- Beams
- Columns (Rectangular or Circular)
- Footings and Foundations
- Retaining Walls
Step 2: Measure and Calculate the Contact Area Measure the dimensions of each element. The goal is to find the “contact area”—the surface area of the formwork that will touch the wet concrete.
Here are the standard formulas:
- For Slabs (Shuttering is only for the bottom surface):
- Formula: Area=LengthtimesWidth
- For Beams (Shuttering for two sides and the bottom):
- Formula: Area=[Lengthtimes(2 * Depth+Width)]
- For Rectangular Columns:
- Formula: Area=[2 * (Length+Width)] * Height
- For Circular Columns (Shuttering for the vertical surface):
- Formula: Area=pitimesDiametertimesHeight
Step 3: Sum the Totals Calculate the area for each individual element and then add them all together to get the total required shuttering area.
Step 4: Add a Waste Factor It is standard practice to add a waste factor of 5-10% to account for cuts, overlaps, and potential damage during handling.
- Final Quantity = Total Shuttering Area \times (1 + Waste Factor Percentage)
Choosing the Right Material: Beyond Plywood and Steel
Once you know your required quantity, the next question is what material to use. While plywood, steel, and PVC have been common choices, modern composites offer significant advantages.
Introducing
PAC® (Plastic Aluminum Composite) Shuttering Boards by Rajratan. This eco-friendly board is engineered to be a superior substitute for traditional materials in the construction formwork industry.
Why Choose PAC® Shuttering Boards?
- Unmatched Reusability: PAC® boards can be reused up to 100+ times , far exceeding plywood (up to 12), steel (up to 50), and PVC (up to 50). This drastically reduces the cost per use.
- Superior Finish and Durability: The boards provide a smooth surface for a great concrete finish. They are waterproof, UV resistant, and will not crack, deform, or degrade like other materials.
- Cost-Effective Investment: While the initial cost might be different, the high number of repetitions makes it a more economical option for frequent buyers. Plus, Rajratan offers a
40% Buy Back Replacement option, providing incredible long-term value. - Eco-Friendly: PAC® boards are a recyclable product, making them a responsible choice for modern construction.
Parameter
Plywood
Steel
PVC
PAC® Board
Number of Repetitions
Upto 12
Upto 50
Upto 50
Upto 100
Water & Decay Proof
No
No
Yes
Yes
Rust Resistant
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Eco-Friendly
No
No
No
Yes
Buyback Option
No
Yes
No
Yes
(Based on the comparison table in the brochure)
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For any inquiries about PAC® Shuttering Boards, contact
RAJRATAN INDUSTRIES PRIVATE LIMITED at Ph.: 0731 4045302 or Email: info@rajratan.in
- Phone: 0731 4045302
- Mobile: +91 96857 27927
- Email: info@rajratan.in
Get In Touch With Us!
Phone
info@rajratan.in
Address
123-124 First Floor, Shastri market Indore 452 007, M.P. India