Pneumatic formwork used in strengthening of structural elements during reconstruction of buildings and structures

Abstract

The paper discusses the importance of building reconstruction and the need for improving the available formwork systems used for strengthening of structural elements during reconstruction. Citing the results of the analysis of the Russian and foreign scientific publications, the authors emphasize the necessity of replacing costly wooden formworks with high-technology reusable all-purpose and mobile formwork systems. Considering that such requirements are met by rubber-fabric formworks, the authors have developed a pneumatic formwork and showed by way of experiment that the labor intensity of installation and dismantling of such formworks is much lower as compared with conventional wooden formworks, which makes this research original. The paper further describes the design of the suggested formwork and the installation and dismantling techniques. The versatility of the formwork is confirmed by its ability to easily adapt to any structural elements (pier foundations, columns, beams etc.) ensured by the flexibility of rubber-fabric materials. This system can be used for structural elements having various geometric shapes (round, rectangle, trapezoidal) and dimensions. Their transportability is warranted not only by the dimensions and flexibility, but also by a small weight. The use of pneumatic formworks contributes to resolving the problem of conservation such valuable natural material as wood.