Formwork plays a major role in cement-based construction projects of all sizes. It is used to mold different concrete structures into their desired shapes and sizes. The formwork industry in South Africa has evolved significantly over the years to meet the growing construction demands of the nation.
Evolution of formwork technology
Formwork technology in South Africa used to depend mainly on wood for most projects until a few decades ago. Wooden formwork was labour-intensive and time-consuming to construct on site. Dismantling formwork used to take a considerable time after concrete pouring. However, the construction industry has now moved towards more advanced formwork solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Metal formwork systems have become popular in South Africa Formwork since the 1980s. Prefabricated galvanized steel formwork significantly reduces construction time compared to traditional wood forms. It can be reused for multiple pours leading to lower project costs. Various modular systems are available that are easy to assemble and disassemble on site with minimal manual labour requirements.
Large project developers and construction contractors now prefer using aluminium formwork systems for their high strength, light weight and corrosion resistance qualities. Prefabricated aluminium forms accelerate project timelines. They are increasingly used for constructing tall buildings, bridges, tunnels and other complex concrete structures. Advances in formwork design have enabled constructing more complicated structural elements.
Plastic formwork has also emerged as an innovative solution. It is lighter than metal forms, has an extended lifespan and yields smooth, blemish-free concrete finishes. Plastic-faced formwork is suitable for projects requiring high-quality architectural concrete surfaces. The performance, productivity and sustainability benefits of such systems have propelled their adoption across South Africa.
Key companies and market challenges
Major local formwork solution providers serving the South African construction sector include ADTO Group, Reckli, PERI, Doka, ULMA and MEVA. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of modular metal, aluminum and plastic formwork systems suited for diverse project requirements.
Despite technological advancements, skilled formwork labour remains a challenge for contractors in South Africa. The availability of trained and experienced formworkers impacts project schedules. Contractors usually depend on foreign labour which increases costs. Low adoption of digitised formwork techniques like BIM is hindering further productivity and efficiency enhancements.
High upfront capital investments for steel and aluminium formwork systems also deter smaller contractors and developers. Rental models have helped address this issue to some extent. However, rental costs still impact project economics. Material price volatility along with frequent changes in duties and taxes imposed by the government affect formwork suppliers. Strict safety, quality and environmental standards further increase operating expenses in the industry.
Growing infrastructure development
Despite short term economic challenges faced by South Africa due to COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure development remains a national priority over the long term. Public and private investments in roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, dams and renewable energy projects are driving demand for efficient construction solutions. This presents significant growth opportunities for the domestic formwork industry in the coming years.
Mega projects like Gautrain rapid rail expansion, new port developments in Durban and Cape Town, Medupi and Kusile power station construction are propelling markets for specialized modular formwork systems. Advances in transportation infrastructure across major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban are also boosting formwork requirements. Furthermore, initiatives to upgrade bulk water infrastructure, build social housing units and restore crumbling municipalities will drive steady work for formwork solution providers.
Demand for skilled labour
A thriving construction sector augmenting nationwide infrastructure backbone stimulates job creation. Formwork contractors are struggling to source sufficient skilled formwork labourers and technicians locally to man expanding project sites. Trades like carpentry, steel fixing and scaffolding are experiencing shortages as well.
Contractors are compelled to invest in skills development initiatives to groom greenhorns into proficient formworkers. Apprenticeship programmes, vocational training institutes, and sponsorships for international certification courses are helping reduce the experience deficit to an extent. Automation and digitization of construction processes also promises to ease labour constraints in future, apart from boosting productivity multi-folds.
Policy and sustainability factors
To channelize infrastructure spending effectively and nurture local industries, the South African government has intensified focus on construction sector development policies. Preferential procurement guidelines promoting adoption of sustainable, innovative building technologies are a positive step. Subsidy schemes for skills training, reduced import taxes on critical materials and simplified regulatory clearances augur well for the formwork supply chain too.
Construction waste management practices addressing occupied landfill space continue to be strengthened based on global best practices. Reusable, reusable formwork solutions aligned with circular economy principles will gain significance over the long run. Solution providers are also exploring green building material alternatives and renewable energy integrations at production facilities to enhance sustainability profile.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it