Shuttering of Column, Beam and Lintel Beam: Types, Procedure and Importance
Introduction
Shuttering, also known as formwork, is a temporary structure used to support freshly placed concrete until it gains sufficient strength. Proper shuttering is essential for maintaining the shape, dimensions, and quality of concrete members such as columns, beams, and lintel beams.
What is Shuttering?
Shuttering is a mold into which concrete is poured and allowed to harden. It helps achieve the required shape and dimensions of structural elements.
Functions of Shuttering
Provides shape to concrete.
Supports wet concrete until it hardens.
Maintains alignment and dimensions.
Prevents leakage of cement slurry.
Ensures smooth surface finish.
Shuttering of Column
Purpose
Column shuttering is used to cast reinforced concrete columns safely and accurately.
Materials Required
Plywood or steel plates
Wooden battens
Clamps
Nuts and bolts
Supports and braces
Procedure
Step 1: Marking
Mark the exact location of the column according to the drawing.
Step 2: Reinforcement Check
Check column reinforcement, cover blocks, and vertical alignment.
Step 3: Fixing Shuttering Panels
Install shuttering panels around the reinforcement cage.
Step 4: Tightening
Use clamps and bolts to tighten the shuttering.
Step 5: Alignment Check
Check plumb and dimensions using a plumb bob and measuring tape.
Step 6: Concrete Pouring
Pour concrete carefully and compact it using a vibrator.
Precautions
Ensure proper vertical alignment.
Prevent gaps to avoid slurry leakage.
Apply shuttering oil before concreting.
Provide adequate bracing.
Shuttering of Beam
Erect vertical steel props/scaffolding and lay the bottom beam soffit board horizontally at the correct elevation.
Provide a slight upward curve (camber) of around 1 - 2mm per meter of span on long-span beams to offset future deflections under load.
Place the beam's steel rebar cage onto the bottom board using cover blocks (25 - 30 mm).
Fix vertical side panels to the soffit board. Support the sides with diagonal timber kickers and tie-rods across the top so they do not bulge outward during vibration.
Purpose
Beam shuttering supports fresh concrete and reinforcement until the beam gains strength.
Components of Beam Shuttering
Bottom Sheeting
Side Sheeting
Props
Bracing
Sole Plates
Procedure
Step 1: Install Supports
Place props and supports at specified spacing.
Step 2: Fix Beam Bottom
Install beam soffit (bottom shuttering).
Step 3: Fix Side Panels
Attach beam side shuttering panels.
Step 4: Place Reinforcement
Install beam reinforcement according to drawings.
Step 5: Alignment Check
Check beam level, width, and line.
Step 6: Concrete Pouring
Pour and compact concrete properly.
Precautions
Ensure sufficient supports.
Check levels before concreting.
Prevent deflection during pouring.
Tighten all joints properly.
Shuttering of Lintel Beam
Lintel Beam Shuttering
A lintel beam is a small structural beam cast directly over door and window openings to support the masonry brickwork above.
Masonry Support Check: Ensure masonry walls on both sides of the door/window opening are cured and built up to the required lintel height.
Bottom Support: Place a horizontal timber or plywood board across the opening gap, supported by vertical wooden or steel posts (ballies or props) underneath.
Bearing Length: Ensure the lintel extends onto the adjacent brickwork by at least $150\text{ mm}$ (or equal to the lintel depth) on both sides.
Side Formwork: Secure side boards tightly to the masonry walls using C-clamps or binding wire to stop slurry leakage.
Purpose
Lintel beam shuttering is used above doors and windows to support masonry loads.
Procedure
Step 1: Provide Support
Install temporary supports under the lintel level.
Step 2: Fix Bottom Shuttering
Place the bottom shuttering board.
Step 3: Install Side Shuttering
Fix side panels according to lintel dimensions.
Step 4: Reinforcement Placement
Place reinforcement bars as per design.
Step 5: Concreting
Pour concrete and compact properly.
Step 6: Curing
Start curing after initial setting.
Precautions
Maintain proper dimensions.
Ensure proper support under shuttering.
Check reinforcement placement.
Prevent movement during concreting.
Removal Time of Shuttering
Minimum Stripping (Removal) Time for Formwork
Per standard construction codes (IS 456 / BS 8110), formwork should only be removed once concrete achieves sufficient strength:
| Structural Member / Shuttering Part | Minimum Stripping Time |
| Vertical Formwork (Columns, Walls, Beam Sides) | 16 – 24 Hours |
| Soffit Formwork to Slabs (Props left under) | 3 Days |
| Soffit Formwork to Beams (Props left under) | 7 Days |
| Props Removal to Slabs (Spans up to $4.5\text{ m}$) | 7 Days |
| Props Removal to Beams (Spans up to $6\text{ m}$) | 14 Days |
| Props Removal to Beams (Spans over $6\text{ m}$) | 21 Days |
Advantages of Proper Shuttering
Accurate dimensions
Better surface finish
Increased safety
Reduced concrete wastage
Improved structural quality
Common Mistakes in Shuttering
Improper alignment
Weak supports
Gaps causing slurry leakage
Insufficient bracing
Early removal of formwork
Conclusion
Shuttering of columns, beams, and lintel beams plays a vital role in RCC construction. Proper design, installation, alignment, and removal of shuttering ensure safety, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality concrete structures. Site engineers must carefully inspect shuttering before concrete placement to avoid construction defects and structural problems.
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