Where is pressure on a concrete wall form greatest?

The pressure on a concrete wall form is greatest at the bottom of the form due to the weight of the concrete above it. As fresh concrete is poured, it exerts downward pressure, which is influenced by the volume of the material above. The concrete behaves like a fluid until it sets, exerting more force per unit area as the depth increases. Consequently, the bottom portion of the form must be designed to withstand this increased pressure to prevent failure or deformation.

Understanding this principle is crucial for carpenters and builders because appropriately designed forms support the weight of the concrete during the curing process. If the formwork at the bottom is inadequately supported, it may lead to structural weaknesses or even collapse, which could compromise the integrity of the wall being formed.