Maintenance and Care of Steel Formwork for Steel Structures: 5 Practical Tips to Extend Service Life
Steel formwork for steel structures is a core component in building construction, and its service life directly affects project costs, efficiency, and concrete quality. Due to long-term outdoor use, bearing the pressure of concrete pouring, and repeated assembly and disassembly, it is prone to problems such as rusting, deformation, and wear of connectors. Below are 5 practical maintenance and care tips to help extend its service life.
Nov 28,2025
I. Timely Cleaning: Remove Residues to Prevent Material Damage
After concrete pouring, cement paste and sand are prone to remaining on the formwork surface. Long-term accumulation of these residues will form a hardened layer, which affects the flatness of subsequent pouring and accelerates corrosion.
① Clean the formwork within 2 hours after removal (when the cement paste is not yet hardened and easy to clean). Prioritize high-pressure water gun washing; for stubborn residues, use bamboo scrapers or special steel wire brushes for removal (avoid using iron tools to prevent scratches).
② After cleaning, wipe dry the surface and splicing gaps. Focus on checking water-prone areas such as tongue-and-groove joints and bolt holes to ensure no moisture remains.
③ Conduct in-depth cleaning once a month: use neutral detergents such as 5% sodium carbonate solution to wipe off oil stains and dust, then rinse with clean water and air-dry.
II. Regular Inspection: Eliminate Hidden Risks Early
The accumulation of minor damages can easily lead to grout leakage during pouring and deviations in concrete forming. Regular inspection is the key to extending the service life of steel formwork.
① Daily inspection (after each formwork removal): Check for scratches, dents, and cracks on the panel, whether the sealing rubber strips are aged or detached, and whether the connectors are intact. Polish minor scratches with sandpaper and replace damaged rubber strips immediately.
② Weekly inspection: Test the strength of the support structure and connectors; use a torque wrench to check the bolt tightness (in line with the design value of 30-50 N·m). Deformed supports must be repaired to meet standards before reuse.
③ Monthly inspection: Use a level and tape measure to test the overall flatness (deviation ≤ 2 mm/m) and dimensional accuracy. For warped panels or deformed edges/corners, perform mechanical straightening or local reinforcement.
III. Scientific Rust Prevention: Protect Steel Performance
Steel is susceptible to erosion by oxygen, moisture, and salt, and rusting occurs faster in rainy seasons and coastal areas. Scientific rust prevention can block corrosion.
① Surface protection: After cleaning and drying, apply epoxy zinc-rich primer (film thickness ≥ 60 μm), and wrap rust-proof tape around gaps and bolt holes. For long-term pouring, apply water-based release agent (avoid oil-based residues that cause corrosion), which also facilitates formwork removal and provides temporary protection.
② Environmental control: Set up drainage systems at the construction site to prevent the formwork from being soaked in stagnant water or mud. Store idle formwork in a dry and well-ventilated place; if stored outdoors, build a rain shelter and place wooden blocks (≥ 10 cm thick) under the formwork to isolate moisture.
③ Rust treatment: For local rust, polish the area with 80-120 mesh sandpaper until the metal surface is exposed, then apply anti-rust paint. If rust covers more than 10% of the surface area, evaluate the strength and replace local parts if necessary.
IV. Standardized Storage: Reduce Idle Loss
The storage method during the idle period affects the reusability of the formwork. Improper stacking can easily cause deformation and loss of accessories.
① Classified stacking: Stack formwork by model and size. The height of each stack of the same type should not exceed 1.5 m. Place 3-5 cm thick sponge pads or wooden boards between each layer to prevent panel scratches from friction.
② Structural protection: Cover tongue-and-groove joints and edges with rubber protective sleeves. Store small accessories such as bolts and pins in sealed boxes, mark their models, and store them together with the corresponding formwork.
③ Regular maintenance for idle formwork: If idle for more than 1 month, open the storage container monthly to check for moisture and rust. When the humidity is ≥ 60%, place silica gel desiccants to control humidity.
V. Proper Operation: Reduce Human-Induced Damage
Irregular operation is a major cause of early damage to formwork. Standardized operation can reduce losses.
① Standardized assembly and disassembly: When installing, place wooden blocks under hammers to avoid direct impact on the panel; use crowbars and strippers for disassembly, and prohibit forced pulling or prying.
② Load control: During pouring, control the speed (≤ 3 m/h) and material distribution uniformity in accordance with the design requirements. Keep the vibrator 5-10 cm away from the panel to avoid direct contact that damages the panel.
③ Personnel training: Conduct pre-job training to clarify the processes of assembly, disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance, and eliminate rough construction. Before pouring, technical personnel shall verify the installation accuracy, and construction can only proceed if the accuracy meets the standards.
Conclusion
The maintenance and care of steel formwork for steel structures runs through the entire cycle of "use - cleaning - inspection - storage". By implementing the above 5 tips, the service life can be extended from 30-50 cycles to 80-100 cycles, while ensuring project quality and reducing costs. Construction teams should establish a regular maintenance mechanism, incorporate maintenance into daily management, and ensure the continuous and stable operation of the formwork.
