What Is Falsework?

Tips & Advice

Falsework is a temporary structure made of steel piles used to support a separate, permanent structure while it’s under construction. As soon as the permanent structure can support itself, the falsework is removed.

Formwork is a type of falsework that’s used to mold concrete during the construction of buildings, bridges and elevated roadways. When falsework is applied to arches, it’s called centering.

Falsework includes the piles, foundation, footing and all other structural elements that support a permanent structure while it’s being built. Falsework can be used to support formwork for in-situ concrete, prefabricated concrete elements, steel section, stone arches, etc.

How Is Falsework Constructed?

Falsework is often made from steel piles and fittings that are combined with adjustable telescopic props and flat heads, which support timber bearers. It is on these timber bearers where the formwork (or deck) is built. Secondary beams may also be inserted between the main bearers and the formwork.

If more specialized work is needed, such as when the load being supported is particularly heavy, prefabricated steel frames, military trestles, towers, steel girders, and standard steel sections can be employed.

Falsework is erected in a few main steps. First metalworkers fabricate a falsework section from pipes and beams. Next, the section is lifted with the assistance of large machinery, such as forklifts, while a ground crew guides the section into position. Finally, the falsework is secured into place.

Steel beams: wide flange, h-oile, and more

Falsework Risks and Considerations

The greatest risk to be considered when working with falsework is the potential for collapse, which can lead to injury for those on the structure, as well as the potential for falling materials, such as if a worker drops a tool while working high on the falsework. Usually, collapses occur when the structure is being loaded and when the concrete is being placed, because this is the time when the number of workers involved is at its highest. Both of these risks can be managed with the right training and safety precautions.

Common Sizes for Falsework Piles

Wide flange beams and h-pile beams can be used as falsework. Here are common sizes:

  • W8: W8x18, W8x21, W8x24, W8x28, W8x31, W8x35, W8x40, W8x48, W8x58, W8x67

  • W10: W10x22, W10x26, W10x30, W10x33, W10x39, W10x45, W10x49, W10x54, W10x60, W10x68, W10x77, W10x88, W10x100, W10x112

  • W12: W12x26, W12x30, W12x35, W12x40, W12x45, W12x50, W12x53, W12x58, W12x65, W12x72, W12x79, W12x87, W12x96, W12x106, W26x120, W12x136, W12x152, W12x170, W12x190, W12x210, W12x230, W12x252

  • W14: W14x22, W14x26, W14x30, W14x34, W14x38, W14x43, W14x48, W14x53, W14x61, W14x68, W14x74, W14x82, W14x90, W14x99, W14x109, W14x120, W14x132, W14x145, W14x159, W14x176, W14x193, W14x211, W14x233, W14x257, W14x283

  • W16: W16x26, W16x31, W16x36, W16x40, W16x45, W16x50, W16x57, W16x67, W16x77, W16x89, W16x100

  • W18: W18x35, W18x40, W18x46, W18x50, W18x55, W18x60, W18x65, W18x71, W18x76, W18x86, W18x97, W18x106, W18x119, W18x130, W18x143, W18x158, W18x175, W18x192, W18x211, W18x234

  • W21: W21x44, W21x50, W21x57, W21x58, W21x55, W21x62, W21x68, W21x73, W21x83, W21x93, W21x101, W21x111, W21x122, W21x132, W21x147, W21x166, W21x182, W21x201, W21x223, W21x248, W21x275

  • W24: W24x55, W24x62, W24x68, W24x76, W24x84, W24x94, W24x103, W24x204, W24x117, W24x131, W24x146, W24x162, W24x176, W24x192, W24x207, W24x229'

  • W27: W27x84, W27x94, W27x102, W27x114, W27x129, W27x146, W27x161, W27x178, W27x194

  • W30: W30x90, W30x99, W30x108, W30x116, W30x124, W30x132, W30x148

  • W33: W33x118, W33x130, W33x141, W33x152, W33x169

  • W36: W36x135, W36x150, W36x160, W36x170, W36x182, W36x194, W36x210, W36x232, W36x256

  • HP8: HP8x36

  • HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57

  • HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117

  • HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117

  • HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183

W-beams

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