UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR
Institute of Technology
Department of Construction Technology and Management
Post Graduate Program
Price, quality, speed, and safety Comparing the Use of Timber and Steel
Formwork Systems (A Case Study in Gondar Building Construction Projects)
MSc Research Proposal
Name: Hirut Biyadglign Mersha
ID No: GUR/00056/15
Submission Date: 27/06/2016 E.C
Submitted to Dr. Abebe Worku [PhD]
Ethiopia, Amhara, Gondar
Abstract
The success of a building construction project in terms of safety, quality, cost, and timeliness is
contingent upon the sort of formwork system employed. The benchmark for a successful project
delivery to a client is completion within the allocated budget, timeline, safety and quality
standards; nevertheless, nearly all construction projects in our nation fall short of this benchmark.
But in our nation, nearly no building project has the good fortune to be effectively completed and
handed over to the client. highlighting the application and methods of the formwork system, this
study compares the safety, cost, quality, and completion time of specific building construction
projects between steel and timber formwork. The building projects that are now being constructed
at various locations were chosen for the study in order to be carried out. Various building types,
including residential, commercial, apartment, multipurpose, and real estate, will be included in the
research.
The research is limited in the area of structural elements like slab, beam, column, shear wall and
stair case. This research will benefit the construction sectors to improve cost, quality, time and
safety of the construction sectors. Therefore, this study will give strength in avoidance of time
delay, cost overrun, prove quality performance and difficulties in the safety of the manpower
crews.
Comparison between steel & timber formwork based on price, time, quality is the research want
to achieve in the end result of the research. Case study, correlational design, Questionnaires and
interviews will be conducted in the research to get relevant data which helps to achieve the
objectives. Qualitative and quantitative research strategies will be used in the research.
The research findings will be disseminated by a means of presentation and prepare a research
report document.
i
Acknowledgment
I want to thank to my almighty god. who stands beside me through every challenge I encounter. I
would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Abebe Worku (PhD) Assistant Professor, GiT
University of Gondar.to give us this significant chance to develop the proposal. Finally, I would
like to express my gratitude to all of my family and friends for helping me with my proposal.
ii
Table of Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i
Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................................ ii
List of tables .................................................................................................................................... v
List of figures .................................................................................................................................. v
Acronyms ....................................................................................................................................... vi
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of problem......................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Scope of the study.............................................................................................................. 3
1.5 Limitation of research ........................................................................................................ 3
1.6 Significant of the research ................................................................................................. 3
1.7 Research Questions............................................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................ 5
LITRATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Form work ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Formwork types ................................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................................ 9
METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Research area ..................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Research period ............................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Research Design .............................................................................................................. 10
3.5 Population ........................................................................................................................ 10
3.6 Sample size determination ............................................................................................... 11
3.7 Study variables ................................................................................................................ 11
3.8 Research Approach .......................................................................................................... 11
3.9 Method of data collection ................................................................................................ 12
iii
3.10 Data analysis .................................................................................................................. 12
3.11 Ethical considerations .................................................................................................... 12
3.12 Data quality assurance ................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................................... 13
WORK PLAN ........................................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................................... 14
BUDGET................................................................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER SIX ............................................................................................................................. 15
PLAN FOR DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS ..................................................................... 15
References ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Appendixes ................................................................................................................................... 17
Appendix – 1 Interview Questions ............................................................................................ 17
Appendix – 2 Questionnaires .................................................................................................... 17
iv
List of tables
Table 1 Various size of timber members ........................................................................................ 6
Table 2 Budget for the research work ........................................................................................... 14
List of figures
Figure 1 Map of Gondar city .......................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2 Time schedule for the research proposal ........................................................................ 13
v
Acronyms
JV = joint venture/grade of contractors
UOG = University of Gondar
vi
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background
Temporary constructions known as formwork are used to support concrete until it can sustain itself.
It shapes the concrete to fit various construction formwork types, which often vary based on the
specifications of the building. Formworks are often constructed from prefabricated forms, steel,
aluminum, or wood into which concrete is poured. For minor construction components like
staircases, etc., formwork is also utilized in addition to casting structural elements like slabs,
beams, columns, and shear walls. When choosing formwork for a structure, key considerations are
cost, schedule, and quality. Reference. The timber planks were supported by timber columns in
the traditional formwork design. These days, as technology advances steadily, plywood sheets are
utilized in place of wooden planks, and steel posts are supported by jacks. Subsequently, tiny
formwork units were created and used to join the recurring building components. Finally, a
formwork system is created. Initially, steel was employed, which was exceedingly heavy. Next,
the formwork system's weight will be decreased because aluminum, plastic, and other materials
have replaced the original formwork material (K.Loganathan & K .E Viswanathan, 2016/04/26).
The use of formwork is essential to the strength and geometry of concrete components. In addition,
it is one of the pricier features of constructing using concrete. The usage of formwork is wellestablished, with many systems having been employed in various projects. Choosing and creating
a formwork system requires taking into account factors including surface quality, structural
geometry, building time, cost, and safety.
The success of a building construction project in terms of quality, cost, and timeliness is contingent
upon the sort of formwork system employed. The benchmark for a successful project delivery to
a client is completion within the allocated budget, timeline, safety and quality standards;
nevertheless, nearly all construction projects in our nation fall short of this benchmark.
1
1.2 Statement of problem
The employment of inferior formwork technology and related procedures is a major factor in
Ethiopia's building sector's poor performance. The type of formwork used on the sites is one of the
most crucial aspects in determining the success of a building project in terms of cost, quality, and
construction speed, according to several academic studies. This study examines the use and
techniques of formwork systems by contrasting steel and timber formwork with regard to the price,
quality, and completion time of building construction projects in Gondar (Sida, october 2015 E.c).
There is a damage in the formwork related to work execution includes inadequate vibration,
placement of reinforcement in wrong position, deformation of formwork, inadequate curing
conditions of the concrete after casting etc. Furthermore, damage during construction may occur
due to premature removal of shoring, too weak shoring, insufficient lateral bracing of catastrophic
failure due to premature removal of shoring is Failure of the supporting system during casting lead
to a progressive collapse initiated by punching shear failure in a flat slab. The collapse caused the
death of construction workers. Which formwork system can resist such damages. (Frühwald, Eva;
Serrano, Erik; Toratti, Tomi; Emilsson, Arne; Thelandersson, Sven, 2007).
The construction sector has seen a significant number of workplaces falls that resulted in fatalities
and injuries. Concrete formwork is one activity that frequently results in catastrophic falls. The
purpose of this study is to comprehend the formwork lifespan of building projects' fall-related
safety concerns (Chellappa, 28 May 2021 ).
I thought it is better that Contractors, consultants, and clients should evaluate to prevent issues that
arise from limitations in the use of steel or timber formwork for the casting of concrete. which
technique for producing concrete surfaces produces the most level, smooth, straight, and
aesthetically pleasing surface. & which one is safer for the construction crew to work on, as well
as which one is more expensive. By doing this, they may save money, avoid quality issues, and
complete their project within the allotted time.
2
1.3 Objectives
1.3.1. General Objectives
o The main objective of this research work is to assess the effectiveness & efficiency of steel &
timber form work in building construction project.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
o A cost-benefit analysis of the steel and timber formwork systems used in construction projects.
o To compare the final concrete quality produced using steel and wood formwork systems
o To compare the speed of construction of building projects that use timber and steel formwork
system.
o To assess the safety of building projects including steel and wood formwork.
1.4 Scope of the study
In the research assess steel & Timber formwork construction methods for different construction
projects like apartments, real estate, residential buildings, office buildings & multipurpose
buildings for different types of contractors having different grades of JV in Gondar town and also
my research only limited in the area of column, slab, beam, shear wall & Staircase formwork
methods.
1.5 Limitation of research
The study will get difficulties in case of the war that we have seen recently in Amhara, Gondar
town. There will be a limitation in the availability of respondents in interviewing.
1.6 Significant of the research
This study will have a contribution to solve the type of problem due to cost, quality, time and
safety based on the selection of timber and steel formwork.
Cost overrun; time & quality are sensitive issues in building construction projects. And keeping
the safety for the productive crews is really matter. Therefore, comparison of the formwork method
of steel & timber is really necessary to avoid the delay of projects, to improve the quality of the
construction works & to minimize the cost of the project.
3
The evaluation method is used for the stalk holders (contractor, client & consultant). they will
understand which formwork is better in dealing with cost, time, quality & safety issues during
construction.
1.7 Research Questions
 Which formwork system is better in improving quality to the clients?
 Which system will provide the best value for money to the contractor?
 Which formwork system will proof better projects time compilation?
 Is both steel & timber formworks are giving safer working condition for the manpower
crews?
 Which one is giving good performance on the productivity of manpower.
4
CHAPTER TWO
LITRATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter's goal is to conduct a thorough literature assessment on the concrete formwork system
and how it affects the price, speed, safety and quality of building project construction. To construct
this chapter, an examination of books, theses, standards, and pertinent websites is conducted.
2.2 Form work
A temporary mold into which concrete is poured and shaped to allow it to cure into the desired
shape is referred to as "formwork." While plywood, glass fiber reinforced polymers, steel, and
other materials can also be used to create traditional formwork, shuttering made of wood is the
most common material (Anon., 9 January 2023).
To guarantee a high standard and attractive appearance of the final concrete structure, especially
in cases where the concrete will be visible once the construction is done, high caliber work and
inspection are required (Anon., 9 January 2023).
Since formwork makes up around 40% of the entire project cost of the structure, it is one of the
most significant variables in determining the success of a construction project in terms of speed,
quality, cost. When contemplating a construction project, the customer wants to use the facility for
its intended use as soon as feasible, and the contractor wants to complete the task on schedule. In
order to increase profits, the contractor wants to complete the project as soon as feasible. A very
short floor cycle is the most effective approach to expedite the work involved in the construction
of high-rise buildings. Since formwork is the primary time element in building projects, the floor
cycle of a structure is mostly determined by its kind. This article aims to provide an overview of
the formwork types that are currently available in Maharashtra and demonstrate how each one will
impact the project's cost, length, and quality (Sandip.P.Pawar and P.M.Atterde, 2014).
The country's building industry is currently developing at a rapid pace, which has prompted
studies. Rapid industry growth necessitates timely, efficient, and high-quality projects that meet
the needs of all parties involved in the nation's construction sector. Therefore, it is prudent to
choose the kind of materials and construction technique for formwork and scaffolding, temporary
5
works, and other important factors that affect the cost, completion time, and quality of the projects,
in order to meet the needs of the nation's construction industry. Apart from the previously
mentioned rationales, a comprehensive investigation into the customs and application of the
formwork system in our nation is lacking (Sida, October 2015).
As a result, the two researchers mentioned above compared the price, quality, and speed of the two
formwork systems in Adiss Abeba and Maharashtra. I observe a discrepancy when comparing
utilizing the safety factor. As a result, I will evaluate and contrast steel and timber formworks with
regard to Gondar City's quality, cost, time, and safety. This thesis will examine the safety of steel
and timber form work because safety is a major concern in building.
2.3 Formwork types
In the case of this research study (Muhamed, 2020/05/15)
o Steel formwork
o Wooden formwork
2.3.1 TIMBER FORMWORK
The most popular material for bracing a member is known as traditional formwork. It is easily
scalable on-site. This approach is more methodical and reusable when engineered wood beams
are used in place of timber joists, and metal props are used in place of sand supports (Muhamed,
2020/05/15).
Sheeting
25 mm to 40mm thick
for slabs, beam, column side
and beam bottom
Joints, ledges
50 x 70 mm to 50 x
150mm
Posts
75 x 100mm to 100 x
100mm
Table 1 Various size of timber members
6
Advantages
o Easy handling because it is lightweight.
o Easy to disassemble.
o Damaged parts can be replaced with new one.
o Very flexible.
o Easy to produce.
o Easily available.
Dis advantages
o Limited size of shape.
o Excessive loss of heat.
o Avery smooth surface will be produced which would give problems for finishing process.
o Limited fixing.
2.3.2 STEEL FORMWORK
Steel forms may be reused and are more robust, long-lasting, and resilient than timber formwork.
Steel shapes are easier and faster to assemble and disassemble. By employing steel forms, exposed
concrete surfaces can be produced with good quality and don't require additional care. Concrete
does not absorb moisture from steel formwork. Steel formwork is not warped or shrinks
(Muhamed, 2020/05/15).
Advantages
o It can be used for a number of times.
o It is nonabsorbent.
o Smooth finish surface obtained.
o No shrinkage of form work occurs.
o Easy to use.
o Its volume is less.
o
Its strength is more.
7
Dis advantages
o Limited size of shape.
o Excessive loss of heat.
o A very smooth surface will be produced which would give problems for finishing
process.
o
Limited fixing.
8
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter will include an overview of the study, the sample size selection method, the research
strategy, the research design, the sort of methodology that will be utilized to gather the data, and a
detailed discussion of how to analyze and evaluate the data that is acquired.
3.2 Research area
The city of Gondar is the site of the study. Gondar is located in the Amhara Regional State in the
northwest of Ethiopia. The location is 37028'E and latitude 1203'N. Gondar is situated 120 miles
from Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara National Regional State, and 727 km from Addis Ababa,
the seat of Ethiopia's federal government. The terrain of Gondar is rugged and undulating, with a
total area of 192.3 km^. There are 50, 817 dwelling units in Gondar overall, based on data from
the 2007 National Population and dwelling Census. Gondar is the primary city of the North Gondar
Zone and the hub of political and economic activity for the North Amhara region. Twelve
administrative sub-cites make up the city (Atsede D. Tegegne, Mikyas A. Negewo, Meseret K.
Desta,, n.d.).
Figure 1 Map of Gondar city
9
3.3 Research period
This research work will take four months means 120 days from March 1st ,2024 up to June 30,2024.
3.4 Research Design
Cross sectional study design will be implemented to obtain adequate information from respondents
using self-administered and interview with observation of sites.
Step 1
o Review of literature
o Data collection and extraction
Literature review is going to be gained from different websites like google scholar, research gate.
Academia can search different sources like journals, Books …
Data collection & extraction will be conducted by self-administering by interviewing & by questionaries
etc.…
Step2
o
Data analysis
Data can be analyses using bar chart for comparing bot steel & timber formworks. Also, by using table to
compare their cost quality, safety& speed.
Stape3
o Data interpretation
Data will be interpreted for knowing the outcome of the research.
3.5 Population
Since the precise number of general populations of Gondar city is 299,969 it is difficult to conduct
random sampling because the sample size will be large if randomly sampled the population. I may
not find that much site in Gondar town.
As a result, the study's population will be the workers and managers from a construction project
in Gondar, as well as employees from the offices and sites of construction businesses.
10
3.6 Sample size determination
The building projects that are being built in Gondar make up the majority of the population in this
study paper. The primary idea behind sample population selection is to develop projects that
incorporate both contemporary steel formwork and conventional timber formwork.
Samples are chosen using the purposive random sample selection approach. The sample population
was divided into categories based on the distribution of office, commercial, multipurpose,
apartment, and residential buildings in Gondar. A specific group sample of the population,
including contractors, managers of construction sites, supervisors of construction sites, foremen,
and other responsible men, will be included in this study.
3.7 Study variables
3.7.1 Dependent Variable
The dependent variable of this study is Cost, speed, quality & safety of formwork in building
construction sites of Gondar city.
3.7.2 Independent variables
o Health of personnel on the site
o Late of Payments
o Liquidate damage
3.8 Research Approach
Research strategy is used to challenge the study objectives.by a means of qualitative and
quantitative approaches.
3.8.1 Quantitative Research
The quantitative research method is about gathering factual data and studying relationships
between facts in order to find out how these relationships agree with theories of previous research
findings. It uses empirical approach.
3.8.2 Qualitative Research
It is an exploration of the subject undertaken without prior formulations – the objective is to gain
understanding and collect information and data such that theories will emerge It is, therefore,
detailed descriptions of situations, events, people, interactions and observed behavior.
11
3.9 Method of data collection
Data is going to be collected through observation, questionnaire, interview to the selected sites.
The litter of consent from Gondar university COTM department will be used to collect data from
different sites. By using the different data collection methods:
o Naturalist Observation
o Survey method
o Case study
o Correlation design
Naturalistic Observation: I will observe the timber formwork and steel formwork site conditions
without interfering the manpower crews.
Survey Method: By preparing questionnaire Questioning a selected group of people from
different sites about their attitudes, beliefs, etc.
Case Study: Obtaining detailed information from very small group of people from the site in great
depth to develop general principles. this method is useful in studying which one have disorder due
to cost, quality, time & safety.
Correlation Design: This type of method Measures the relation between two variables. Data is
going to be collected in Timber formwork & steel formwork by conducting correlation that as the
value of one variable goes up, the value of the other variable goes down.
3.10 Data analysis
The raw data will be entered, cleaned and analyzed by using bar charts & tables. To analyze the
data that will gain from the respondents through questionnaire, observation, Case study &
correlational design.
3.11 Ethical considerations
Maintaining the authors' privacy and consent, communicating more wisely without causing problems,
and reaching an agreement with the site's responses through the preparation of an official university
consent letter are all necessary during the study phase.
12
3.12 Data quality assurance
The validity and reliability of this study proposal will be enhanced by two or three checks by the
researcher, coworkers, and an expert. The counselors of the final draft will also guarantee the
validity of this study work.
CHAPTER FOUR
WORK PLAN
My research work will begin in the second semester of the year 2016 E.C. I am going to do the
research Within four months starting from March up to June having 120days. As I am assigning
the Calander Sunday as a non-working day the thesis work will have 104days.
Preparing research schedule by MS project 2016
Figure 2 Time schedule for the research proposal
13
CHAPTER FIVE
BUDGET
This proposal budget is a best estimate of the costs required to complete the research. This Budgets
prepared with as much detail as possible. The costs are broken down cost for stationary material,
copying & printing and transportation cost.
No.
1
Item/ description
Stationary materials
Unit
Amount
Unit cost (birr)
Total cost
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Note book
Paper
Pen
Correction fluid
Piece
Pack
Piece
Piece
1
3
6
1
200.00
300
25
30.00
Sub total
200.00
900.00
90.00
30.00
1220.00
2
Copying and printing
2.1
2.2
2.3
Copying
Printing documents
Printing (interview
questions)
Pages
Pages
Pages
100
160
70
5
5
5
500.00
800.00
350 .00
2.4
Other print outs
Pages
50
5
Sub total
250.00
1650.00
3
Transportation cost
3.1
Transportation cost to
the study area
Trip
30
10.00
300.00
3.2
Telephone card
Piece
5
50.00
Sub total
250.00
550.00
Grand total (1+2+3)
3420.00
Unexpected cost (15% of
grand total)
513.00
Grand total
4183.00
Table 2 Budget for the research work
14
CHAPTER SIX
PLAN FOR DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS
Dissemination of the research to the wider audience could be by presenting to the department of UOG
university and by writing the research document in the form of (report, research paper, thesis or journal
article) is an appropriate means of communicating to the findings. The research report paper will
include:
o CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
o CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
o CHAPTER THREE: METHDOLOGY
o CHAPTER FIVE: FINDING
o CHAPTER FIVE: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
o CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION
The objectives of the dissemination plan are:
o To maximize the impact of the research
o To increase its visibility, and
o To ensure that the research outputs reach to the construction sectors that are the relevant
stakeholders.
15
References
1. Anon., 9 January 2023. Designing Buildings. s.l.:s.n.
2. Atsede D. Tegegne, Mikyas A. Negewo, Meseret K. Desta,, n.d. Gondar: s.n.
3. Chellappa, V. a. U. R. S., 28 May 2021 . Understanding the fall-related safety issues in
concrete formwor. E3S Web of Conferences , Volume 263, p. 8.
4. Frühwald, Eva; Serrano, Erik; Toratti, Tomi; Emilsson, Arne; Thelandersson, Sven, 2007.
Design of Safe Timber Structures - How Can we Learn from Structural Failures in
concrete,steel & timber?. Sweden: s.n.
5. K.Loganathan & K .E Viswanathan, 2016/04/26. A Study report on cost,duration and
quality analysis of different formworks in high-rise building. International Journal of
Scientific and Engineering Research, Volume Volume 7.
6. Muhamed, s., 2020/05/15. Building formwork. s.l.:s.n.
7. Sandip.P.Pawar and P.M.Atterde, 2014. Comparative analysis of formwork in multistory
buildings. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology.
8. Sida, B. A., october 2015 E.c. Cost,Quality& speed comparison of steel & formwork system
used for building projects( A case study in addis abeba). Addis Abeba: s.n.
16
Appendixes
Appendix – 1 Interview Questions
1.Does steel formwork system used repeatedly?
2. For how many formworks construction does timber formwork used?
3.Do you think the safety for the workers before construction in the selection of formwork
system?
4.Is the cost of steel affect the cost of construction?
5.Is supervisors approve the work permission for the use of timber formwork?
Appendix – 2 Questionnaires
1. Which kind of formwork method have you most frequently used in your professional career?
a) Timber formwork
b) Steel formwork
c) Combination of both
d) Other (Please specify the name )________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2. Which kind of formwork is being used for the following structural feature in the project that
you are now working on?
For Beam: _______________________________
For Column: _____________________________
For Slab: ________________________________
For Stair_________________________________
For shear wall_____________________________
3. What are the considerations to select the type formwork used?
(You can select more than one)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Cost of formwork
Required quality of finished concrete
Required completion time of the project
Market/ stock availability of formwork
Safety for the worker
17
f) Other consideration (please specify)
___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Which type of formwork system causes damage or catastrophic failure during inadequate
vibration, placement of reinforcement in wrong position, inadequate curing conditions of the
concrete after casting?
a) Steel formwork
b) Timber formwork
c) Both of them
d) Neither of them
e) Don’t know
5. Which type of formwork system creates safer working conditions for workers during
construction?
a) Steel formwork
b) Timber formwork
c) Both of them
d) Neither of them
e) Don’t know
18