When should formwork be removed?

We can examine some guidelines for specific structures a little more closely. Always check with your site engineer to confirm the exact timeline your concrete forms require to cure properly. The following can be are general rules for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):

• Walls and columns can be removed after about 24-48 hours

• Slabs, with their props left under them, can typically be removed after 3-4 days

• Soffits, with their props left under them, can be removed after one week

• Props supporting slabs under 4.5 meter can be removed after one week

• Props supporting slabs over 4.5 meter can be removed after two weeks

• Props to supporting beams and arches under 6 meter can be removed after two weeks

• Props to supporting beams and arches over 6 meter can be removed after three weeks

When using Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), the amount of time before formwork can be removed is 10/7 of the times above.