Durability enhancements using fabric formwork

By replacing orthogonal concrete moulds with flexible sheets of fabric the construction of optimised, variable cross section concrete elements that provide material savings of up to 40% when compared to an equivalent strength prismatic member is now possible. This paper details the results of recent tests undertaken at the Building Research Establishment Centre for Innovative Construction Materials (BRE CICM) at the University of Bath that demonstrate additional durability advantages for fabric cast concrete.

Using accelerated test methods a 50% reduction in the non-steady state chloride diffusion coefficient and a 51% reduction in the coefficient of carbonation were found when comparing fabric and timber cast concrete samples. The combined results demonstrate that fabric formwork may be used to create optimised structures where strength and durability are provided only where they are needed.