A rigid facing panel, usually made of plywood, steel, or plastic, that holds fresh concrete in place and dictates its final shape. Shutters are braced and tied together to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the wet mud, then stripped once the concrete gains sufficient early strength.
Heard on the job
Spray the shutters with form release before we fly them into place.
Also heard as
- form
- form panel
Do not mix it up with
- Formwork: A shutter is a single panel, while formwork is the entire temporary structure including bracing and ties.
Related terms
Formwork
The temporary molds, supports and bracing that hold fresh concrete in shape until it can carry itself.
Shutterer
A carpenter or tradesperson specializing in building concrete formwork.
Lift
One layer of concrete placed in a wall, column or mass pour, or the height cast between horizontal joints.