The failure was a “known unknown.” Engineers realized no existing guidance accounted for:
The report emphasizes that pressure is down the form. Peak pressure occurs roughly 0.5m to 1.0m above the base, decaying to zero at the bottom once the concrete sets.
Where:
Let's put real numbers on a typical column pour (3m height, R=3m/hr, T=15°C).
The report provides practical guidance on the design and construction of formwork, including: ciria report 108 concrete pressure on formwork
Engineers rarely carry the original 120-page document. However, you can apply its logic in three steps:
Enter , a document that revolutionized how the industry predicts lateral pressure. Published by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), this 1985 benchmark remains the most cited practical guide for formwork pressure calculation worldwide. The failure was a “known unknown
You are pouring a 4m high wall with:
| Method | Formula | Result (kN/m²) | Tie spacing @ 300kN capacity | Cost implication | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 23.5 x H | 70.5 kN/m² | Ties @ 0.9m x 0.9m | High (more ties, larger walers) | | CIRIA 108 | 11.4 + (785x3)/(15+17.8) | 11.4 + 71.7 = 83.1 kN/m² | Ties @ 0.85m x 0.85m | Wait—this is HIGHER? | The report provides practical guidance on the design