What is the difference between scaffolding, shuttering and formwork

archdevil

Royal Member
Difference between scaffolding, shuttering and formwork
scaffolding, formwork can be permanent or temporary mouldings or casings, used to support wet concrete until it is hard enough to support its own weight. In a nutshell, formwork is required for concrete structures such as columns, walls and concrete slabs, where as scaffolding is used for access around a building.

SCAFFOLDING:
Scaffolding is a temporary framework having platforms at different level of a structure which enables the masons/labor for working at the height. They are usually used for activities such as plastering, painting, brickwork at heights etc.

SHUTTERING/FORMWORK:
Formwork is a temporary structure used as a mold in which fresh concrete are poured to cast the members of the structure at the site. It is also known as falsework or shuttering. In the context of concrete construction, the falsework supports the shuttering molds for example column sides, beam sides, slab side, wall side etc.

So, By their definitions, scaffolds are for supporting labor and materials and act as working platforms. Formwork (Shuttering) acts as molds for pouring concrete.

CENTERING:
Part of the formwork which supports the horizontal surface is called centering for example slab bottom, beam bottom etc.