Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 2.3.2.LI.6
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.3.2.LI.6
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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This lesson introduces the concept of formwork, a critical element in all concrete construction projects. In Ghana, we see construction everywhere – from new houses in our neighbourhoods and classroom blocks in our schools to large projects like the Pokuase Interchange or the Kejetia Market. None of these concrete structures could have been built without formwork. Formwork is the temporary mould that gives wet concrete its shape, supports it as it hardens, and ensures the final structure is strong and well-finished. Understanding formwork is fundamental for anyone interested in building, engineering, or architecture.
A. What is Formwork?
Definition: Formwork is a temporary structure or mould used to contain and support fresh concrete, shaping it to the required dimensions until it hardens and develops enough strength to support itself. Analogy: Think of baking a cake. You pour the liquid cake batter into a pan of a specific shape (round, square). The pan holds the batter in that shape while it bakes and becomes solid. In construction, formwork is the "cake pan" and fresh concrete is the "batter". Other Names: Formwork is also commonly called shuttering. The process of removing the formwork after the concrete has hardened is called striking or stripping.
Formwork is essential for creating almost all concrete elements in both the substructure (e.g., foundations, column bases) and the superstructure (e.g., columns, beams, slabs, walls, staircases). B. Materials Used for Formwork
Different materials are used for formwork depending on the project's budget, the desired finish, and the number of times the formwork will be reused. The most common materials seen in Ghana are: