Formworks for Concrete: subsidies to optimizing the design

In Brazil, high levels of knowledge in production of new materials and in steps of structural design are not yet widely applied on construction of multi-story buildings. On the other hand, in scenery of global economy it becomes indispensable introducing rationalization concepts in civil construction, especially in formworks. This introduction can be possible with the proper action of a well-formed professional, who is still rare in Brazilian Civil Engineering. In this context, this book aims to discuss procedures to reach reduction on the final cost of multi-story buildings, when architectural and structural designs are well outlined, with emphasis to constructive details. Furthermore, benefits of a convenient definition of “Formwork Design” are presented, due to its fundamental role in the graphical elements of a design. Principles of formwork design are presented according to Brazilian Code ABNT NBR 7190:1997, based on method of limit states. Tests on the side surfaces of columns formworks originated a proposal to estimate side pressures applied by concrete. Finally, new premises to design the formwork of a multi-story building are presented.