Plywood - Formwork

AS 6669:2016: Plywood - Formwork - An Essential Engineering Standard

For engineers and construction professionals involved in concrete construction, understanding the performance and specifications of formwork materials is paramount. AS 6669:2016, "Plywood - Formwork," provides the authoritative Australian standard for plywood specifically designed and manufactured for concrete formwork applications, ensuring predictable and reliable results on site.

What is AS 6669:2016?

AS 6669:2016 is a comprehensive Australian Standard developed by Standards Australia that sets out the minimum performance requirements and specifications for plywood intended for use as concrete formwork. Its primary purpose is to guide both manufacturers and users in selecting and applying plywood to achieve specific concrete surface finishes and structural integrity during the pouring and curing process.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the manufacture, properties, and application-related considerations for formwork plywood, including both overlaid and non-overlaid types. It addresses aspects such as grades, dimensions, moisture content, edge finishes, and formaldehyde emission classes to ensure suitability for providing concrete surface finishes classified from Class 2 to Class 5 as per AS 3610.1. The standard does not dictate the design of the formwork system itself but focuses on the plywood component's performance characteristics.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Concrete Formwork Designers, Site Engineers, Construction Managers, Quality Control Inspectors, Civil Engineers, and Timber Product Manufacturers.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Development, Residential Building, and Commercial Building.
• • Compliance nature: While not always mandated directly by law, compliance is strongly recommended for quality assurance, project specifications, and to meet the requirements of related building codes and standards, making it effectively a de facto requirement for reputable projects.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through project-specific quality assurance plans, site inspections by engineers and client representatives, and potentially by building certifiers or regulatory bodies ensuring adherence to specified standards.

Key Requirements Overview

AS 6669:2016 requires manufacturers to produce formwork plywood with defined structural properties and dimensional stability. Professionals must ensure that the selected plywood grade is appropriate for the intended concrete surface finish and the imposed loads during concrete placement. Key provisions include:

• • Performance Grading: The standard specifies grades for formwork plywood, aligning structural characteristics with recognized industry benchmarks for predictable performance.
• • Surface Finish Compatibility: It details requirements for plywood to achieve specific off-form concrete surface finishes, essential for aesthetic and functional requirements.
• • Material Properties: Requirements cover crucial aspects like moisture content and edge finishing to prevent premature degradation and ensure a clean concrete surface.
• • Formaldehyde Emissions: The standard includes classifications for formaldehyde emissions, promoting healthier and safer working environments.
• • Branding and Identification: Approved plywood must be clearly branded, indicating compliance and facilitating correct selection and traceability.

Related Standards & References

To ensure comprehensive application, AS 6669:2016 should be read in conjunction with AS 3610.1, which details the broader requirements for formwork design and construction for concrete. Furthermore, AS/NZS 2269.0 provides complementary specifications