What is shuttering in construction?

Shuttering in construction refers to temporary metal, plywood, timber, or other materials used to offer support to wet concrete mix till it gets strength for self-support. It offers support to inclined, vertical, and horizontal surfaces or to cast concrete as per required size and shape.

Now that you know about the shuttering meaning in construction, let me tell you some important points regarding the same.

• It can be used as permanent or temporary molds that hold the poured concrete in shape until it gets hard and gains adequate strength to support itself.

• Execution of Shuttering work takes time, and it forms 23%-25% expenditure on the total building or structure cost.

• Shuttering should be sufficiently tight to avoid loss of water and mortar from cement concrete and should be rigid enough to avoid any deflection in the surface after laying cement concrete.

• Shuttering should be made from recyclable and reusable materials.

• The shuttering material shouldn’t distort or warp when exposed to the elements.

• The shuttering material should be as light as possible.

• If shuttering is removable, the process should not damage the concrete.

• The Shuttering material should be inexpensive.

• Coffer Shuttering

• Plastic Shuttering

• Aluminum Shuttering

• Steel or Metallic Shuttering

• Timber Form Work

• Plywood Shuttering

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I hope now you know what is shuttering in construction!

My uncle is an architect so whenever I have a problem or a question related to any kind of architectural work I go to him. He explained everything to me in very simple language considering that I am not well aware of the fancy architectural terms. I asked about the meaning of shuttering work in construction to him. I will explain to you the way he explains it to me.

What is shuttering in building construction?

In simple words, shuttering is a temporary structure which is usually used in construction work to support the concrete during the curing period of concrete. It is generally made of steel, plastic or wood and it is made in such a way and placed in such a way so that it holds the concrete until it is strong enough do not need any kind of external support.

Usually, there are two kinds of Shuttering: permanent shuttering and removable shuttering.

Removable shuttering or temporary shuttering is most frequently used in construction projects. I already explained about it to you above. However permanent shuttering is also used in construction project but for certain specialized projects only like building a bridge. This kind of shuttering is usually made of concrete and is made in such a way that it becomes a part of the finishing structure.

Now you know the meaning of shuttering work in construction.

When I was getting my house built, the architect told me that a temporary shuttering was necessary in a certain part of the house. As I wasn’t aware of what shuttering was, I asked him about shuttering building construction and how it is done. Here is what he told me. 

What do you mean by Shuttering for Construction?

He told me that shuttering is the process of giving support and stability to the concrete before it becomes solid. He also said that, generally, wood and steel is used for it. Here are the steps of how it is done. 

• Step 1:

The first step is to make sure that the shuttering material is of good quality and is at least 3 inches. 

• Step 2: 

The next step he told me was to apply grease or oil before applying the shuttering. 

• Step 3: 

After that, it's necessary to ensure that there is no gap so that the mixture doesn’t leak. 

• Step 4: 

The next step he said was removing the shuttering but that should only be done after the concrete is set. For that, the concrete must be kept for around 16 to 24 hours.

And that‘s all he told me about shuttering building construction. Hopefully, this helps.