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Building Construction

What Is Shuttering in Building Construction? With Podcast

A short definition of shuttering as the mould that holds wet concrete in shape, with a podcast clip and a list of five formwork types.

Constropedia Editorial First published March 2020 · Updated September 2026 · 2 min read

Shuttering, also known as formwork in concrete construction, is used as a mold. It supports and holds the liquid concrete till the time it takes shape. It acts as a mold for pouring concrete, which supports the surface vertically during the construction process for instance column, beam, slab, wall sides & so on. Molds can be temporary or permanent wherein concrete or similar material is poured & formed. During shuttering, it is advisable to use waterproof & good quality plywood. In concrete construction methodology, the falsework supports the shuttering molds.

Underside of slab shuttering: brown panels between pale grey beams, supported on props inside a building under construction
Shuttering

Types Of Shuttering:

  1. Traditional Timber Formwork.
  2. Engineered Formwork System.
  3. Reusable Plastic Formwork.
  4. Permanent insulated Formwork.
  5. Flexible Formwork.
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