STeel shuttering versus Wooden shuttering better qualty or economy

Let me put in this way i.e. only if shuttering is required for more uses (re use for more then 5-8 times), steel shuttering is best economical option. Also steel shuttering requires less work force to do the foam work (may require lifting gears).

Waterproof marine plywood is the better option to get smooth finish, especially where plastering is not required.  

Defiantely steel shuttering because of its durable, economical and less time required for shuttering.

Also strength wise its very firm, rigid & can be easliy deshuttered. NO of repetitions achieved is far more than wooden shuttering.

I support the usage of steel shuttering  because of its durability, it can used in most of the construction processes with out any kind of hindrances.

Steel shuttering definitely gives a better quality and economy as it has more number of repetitions and smooth surfaces can be achieved by use of steel shuttering. The better option is Aluminum shuttering which also gives the better scrap value.

Steel shuttering are recyclable and saves our most important ecological asset. maintenance is also better and easy, strength is better as far as safty is concern due course of construction, long lasting and scrap also has a value.

I support Mandeep for use of shuttering as per requirement.

when we are constructing heavy srtuctures like pier and pier cap -  we should go for monolithic casting of structures in one go. There should not be any casting joint specially for pier and pier cap. Monolithic casting shutter can be developed using steel. but Maintenance and transportation is an issue.

For small and better finish of work, wood / plywood can be considered because it is esay to handle.

I support Mandeep for the use of shuttering as per nature of job. when we are constructing load bearing structures for heavy construction like pier and pier cap for flyovers / Bridges --- we should go for steel shuttering for monolithic casting of structure at one go. There should not be any casting joint specially for pier cap. we can achieve these kind of shuttering by the use of steel. But maintenance and transportation is an issue.

For small and smooth finish of work, wood and plywood can be considered because it is easy to handle and cheap.

I think the nature of shuttering to be used depends upon the nature of work...whether the shuttering is meant for a multistoried building or low height construction.....because in case of low height constructions...i think using wooden shuttering is not  a bad idea and it is light in weight as well......but where high rise constructions are there...one should go for a steel shuttering......

Almost all the points are covered by people.... i support steel shuttering because of durability......

You are right Ms. Kothari, steel shutterings are durable, low on maintenance and the coverage of mould releasing oil is more compared to wooden shuttering, better face finish of the concrete means less hacking and repairing.

Steel shuttering has many advantages over wooden shuttering. Firstly these are more strong,durable,geometrically true to shape and resilient which make it ideal for bigger construction projects. Secondly these are less prone to deformation and dislocation during construction as they can be secured to ground in a better manner which ultimately leads to better quality of the structure. Thirdly the finish to concrete surface is more aesthetic if these shuttering are used. Fourthly these prove to be more economical in the long run because of longer life and better durability.

I support steel shuttering because of its reusability and better finishing when compared with wodden shuttering, which cannot be used for long period. It take less time for shuttering with steel rather compared to wodden. but the main criteria what we should see is where the shuttering is to be used and on what type of structure depending on the needs

I support Mr. Shivendra Kumar Jha. He is correct. None of the two can be writtenof as worse. The Steel Shuttering is very useful in Infrastructure projects and projects where there is no dimensional variation and repeatation is massive. Whereas, plastic coated plywood shutters are better, where there is massive dimensional variation and also where you need very good finish. Hence, both are good at its own place.

I support Mr. Pragya. Steel shuttering is more durable than wooden shuttering. Quality of concrete is also good. Though, initial investment is more but same is recovered from the scrap when the plates are damaged.

Steel Shuttering if the loads during concreting are high and frequent deshuttering is involved like in precast works.

Mr Dilip and Mr Khalil, Thanks for supporting my statement. I believe steel shutters are better option than wooden shutters. But the only thing I like about wooden shutters is they are light and easy to work with and gives a nice finishing. But since it is not long lasting, I believe it is not as good option as steel shutters

Well These shells were Hyperbolic paraboloid shells. No plates were reuired to be bent and regular size plates 2feet x4feet were used. Cut peices were used at corners. What you mentioning may be a dome or semicircular curvature.

I completely agree with Pragya. A few issues arise, say, finish obtained by wooden shuttering is good, agreed, but then we have numerous other finishing coatings coming over concrete like, plastering, pop, paint etc. so we always can take the liberty. Another issue is that it needs to be stored, transported and higher initial costs, but then a company which is having regular work or a good order book can sort out these problems very easily.

If you think from the contractors perspective where repetitive use of shuttering is possible, steel shuttering is the best option. High capital is required but is the best option in terms of long term use.

Wooden shuttering was the best option during earlier days when we had plenty of wood available at low cost.. but now this is not a viable solution for long term..

I support Pragya's views that steel shuttering is expensive on beginning but its long lasting.

I support the views of  Pragya Kothari.

The finsh we get from the Marine Plywood centring is fine and most of the times even if we leave the surface as it is even without surface treatment is also serves the purpose. But when we use steel centring  it needs surface treatment for good appearance.

In case we are using the steel centring for Parbolic, curved slabs, the cost for making centring is high and re usability of centring made for this purporse is remote. 

The wooden centring made of Planks & cut logs cut from the trees should be avoided to protect the Trees which protect us. "VRIKSHO RAKSHITHI  RAKSHITHAHA"

I dont agree on flexibilty point of view

Steel shuttering can be used in any shape. We have used steel shuttering shell roofs and parabolic shells where curve chnaged continously with rise or fall in height. In some case there may be wastage in steel for cutting irregular shapes but it is not difficult.  

Steel shuttering is durable long lasting

gives better finsh

but costs more intiallly

Requires more effort for handing being heavy

Wooden shuttering light in weight

Does not last more

costs less

1. Environment is important than ease of construction

No dought it is easy to handle wooden shuttering but we forget about environment. We talk of green building.

We must remember that forest cover is being depleted by continous use of wooden shutering and that is its biggest disadvanatge. Cost wise also in the long run steel shuttering is economical. If we care for environment we should go steel shuttering and save forests.

I am supporting Prayga's argument. Well said, no need to add anything else.

Advantages of Steel shuttering

The applications of Steel shuttering are versatile with all types of sections varying from pipe sections to srtructural framed sections.

They can be used for external scaffolding scafloding for slabs,steel cribs for bridges and for any spans.

Steel scafflding can be used more cycles than wood with minimum maintenance.But the limitatations of wooden scafolding are more.

Disadvantages of wooden shuttering

There is height limit for wooden scaffolding (10')when used in vertical supports.

Wooden shuttering not eco friendly since the green cover of earth is distroyed for the sake of wood .

it depends on nature of use, number of repetitions , concreting methods, level of mechanisation, handling method etc. no body can say that either steel or plywood shuttering is better than others in all above cases.