Concrete Formwork, 5th Edition

The Concrete Formwork, 5th Edition has been updated with expanded information on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and safety data sheets (SDSs), insulated concrete forms (ICFs), and total stations. New topics in this edition include wind turbine foundations, micropiles, bridge deck overhangs, building information modeling (BIM), form vibrators, and concrete structures such as bridges, dams, and grain elevators. References are made throughout the text-workbook to International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC) standards. Also incorporated in the text-workbook are the latest American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommendations and OSHA regulations.

Key aspects:

Comprehensive Coverage of Formwork Systems

• Covers residential, light commercial, and heavy commercial formwork applications.
  
• Emphasizes both traditional and modern formwork techniques.
  

Step-by-Step Structure

Follows the construction process:

• Site preparation
  
• Wall form methods
  
• Residential foundations
  
• Flatwork
  
• Heavy construction
  
• Precast concrete
  
• Formwork design calculations
  

Updated Safety Standards

• Includes detailed guidance on OSHA regulations.
  
• Covers Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
  
• Emphasizes safe assembly and disassembly of formwork.
  

Integration of Modern Technology

New content on:

• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
  
• Total stations in layout
  
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  
• Form vibrators

Specialized Topics

Expanded sections on:

• Micropiles
  
• Wind turbine foundations
  
• Bridge deck overhangs
  
• Dams, grain elevators, and other large structures
  Code Compliance

Aligns with major codes and standards:

• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
  
• American Concrete Institute (ACI) guidelines

Highlights:

• Covers the full lifecycle of concrete formwork: design, construction, placement, and removal.
• Updated to reflect modern standards, including OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and use of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Introduces advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), total stations, and insulated concrete forms (ICFs).
• Expands into new applications, such as wind turbine foundations, micropiles, and bridge deck overhangs.
• Detailed safety guidance integrated throughout all phases of formwork construction.

About Leonard Koel

Leonard Koel is a highly respected expert in the field of concrete construction and formwork. With decades of experience as an instructor, author, and industry professional, Koel has dedicated his career to educating construction workers, contractors, and students on best practices in concrete formwork and related trades. He is known for his clear, practical teaching style and his ability to break down complex construction concepts into accessible, easy-to-understand content. Koel has authored several widely used textbooks and training materials in the construction industry and is regarded as a leading authority on formwork safety, design, and construction techniques. His work continues to influence and shape construction education and practice nationwide.

Other Works:

• Carpentry 7th edition
• Concrete and Formwork