Formwork is the temporary structure that enables molding of concrete into desired shape, holds it in the correct position until it has hardened sufficiently and is able to support the loads imposed on it. The structural system of temporary supports that holds the formwork in position is termed as false work. Formwork is also an effective means of curing when it is left in place. The operation of removing the formwork is known as stripping. Stripped formwork can be reused. Reusable forms are known as panel forms and non-usable ones are called stationary forms.

The erection of formwork is a time consuming process and cost of formwork (material + labour) could sometimes be as high as 50% of the cost of the concrete structure. The failure of formwork systems during construction, causing monetary and time loss, sometimes grave injuries and death, are not uncommon. Efficient design of these temporary structures play critical role in reducing the cost and ensuring safety.

Formwork, which holds and supports wet concrete till such time it cures, is a very vital element in concrete construction. With the globalization of China economy and introduction of multinationals in China for the construction and nations program, it has become foremost to have speedy construction and timely completion of projects. Now days, low waste modern formwork system for superstructure construction are commonly adopted. Formwork system affects on the cost, time, and quality of project delivery. But still these formwork systems are not much used in China and most of the contractors do not like to shift to the latest technology as they have the doubt of facing losses in the project and they are very much familiar with the existing formwork type, the conventional type. At the same time they believe that these formwork systems are bit expensive.