CMGT 420 FORMWORK EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Why is formwork important? - ANS Formwork is required because fresh concrete behaves like
a heavy fluid; it controls shape, alignment, and surface finish and represents 35-60% of total
concrete cost.
Categories of formwork systems - ANS Job-built forms, manufactured systems (panel/gang),
and special systems such as slipforms, tunnel forms, and flying forms.
Job-built wood forms - ANS Constructed on-site for flexibility in irregular shapes but require
skilled labor and have limited reuse.
Prefabricated (gang) forms - ANS Large preassembled panels lifted by crane that reduce labor
and increase efficiency on repetitive projects.
Flying table forms - ANS Large reusable slab form systems used in multistory construction for
fast cycle times.
Tunnel forms - ANS Allow walls and slabs to be cast together as one monolithic unit,
increasing speed and structural continuity.
Slipforms - ANS Continuously moving forms used for vertical structures like silos and cores.
, Jump forms - ANS Forms that are raised in stages and anchored to previously cast concrete
for vertical construction.
Why is formwork high risk? - ANS It is temporary but must support heavy loads; failure can
occur due to poor design, bracing, or inspection.
Who is responsible for formwork? - ANS The contractor is typically responsible for design,
construction, and safety unless otherwise specified.
Key formwork standards - ANS ACI 347R (design/practice) and OSHA (safety requirements).
Importance of inspection - ANS Forms must be inspected before and during placement to
detect movement, leaks, or instability.
Common deficiency: damaged materials - ANS Using worn or damaged components reduces
strength and can lead to failure.
Common deficiency: poor connections - ANS Inadequate fastening leads to weak joints and
possible blowouts.
Common deficiency: insufficient bracing - ANS Lack of lateral support can cause excessive
movement or collapse.
Common deficiency: ignoring drawings - ANS Failure to follow plans leads to improper load
paths and unsafe conditions.
Loads on formwork - ANS Self-weight, fresh concrete pressure, construction live loads, and
environmental loads (wind, impact).
Fresh concrete behavior - ANS Fresh concrete acts like a fluid, exerting lateral pressure on
vertical forms until it begins to set.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Why is formwork important? - ANS Formwork is required because fresh concrete behaves like
a heavy fluid; it controls shape, alignment, and surface finish and represents 35-60% of total
concrete cost.
Categories of formwork systems - ANS Job-built forms, manufactured systems (panel/gang),
and special systems such as slipforms, tunnel forms, and flying forms.
Job-built wood forms - ANS Constructed on-site for flexibility in irregular shapes but require
skilled labor and have limited reuse.
Prefabricated (gang) forms - ANS Large preassembled panels lifted by crane that reduce labor
and increase efficiency on repetitive projects.
Flying table forms - ANS Large reusable slab form systems used in multistory construction for
fast cycle times.
Tunnel forms - ANS Allow walls and slabs to be cast together as one monolithic unit,
increasing speed and structural continuity.
Slipforms - ANS Continuously moving forms used for vertical structures like silos and cores.
, Jump forms - ANS Forms that are raised in stages and anchored to previously cast concrete
for vertical construction.
Why is formwork high risk? - ANS It is temporary but must support heavy loads; failure can
occur due to poor design, bracing, or inspection.
Who is responsible for formwork? - ANS The contractor is typically responsible for design,
construction, and safety unless otherwise specified.
Key formwork standards - ANS ACI 347R (design/practice) and OSHA (safety requirements).
Importance of inspection - ANS Forms must be inspected before and during placement to
detect movement, leaks, or instability.
Common deficiency: damaged materials - ANS Using worn or damaged components reduces
strength and can lead to failure.
Common deficiency: poor connections - ANS Inadequate fastening leads to weak joints and
possible blowouts.
Common deficiency: insufficient bracing - ANS Lack of lateral support can cause excessive
movement or collapse.
Common deficiency: ignoring drawings - ANS Failure to follow plans leads to improper load
paths and unsafe conditions.
Loads on formwork - ANS Self-weight, fresh concrete pressure, construction live loads, and
environmental loads (wind, impact).
Fresh concrete behavior - ANS Fresh concrete acts like a fluid, exerting lateral pressure on
vertical forms until it begins to set.
