What is the difference between formwork and falsework?
Formwork is the mould that shapes the concrete — the sheathing, studs, walers and ties in contact with the pour. Falsework is the temporary structure that supports the formwork and its loads until the concrete is self-supporting — the props, frames, towers and bracing beneath. Both are temporary works, and on most Victorian projects both require an engineered design.
The distinction matters on site because the two carry different loads, different failure modes and often different sign-off responsibilities. A form that leaks or bulges is a finish and rectification problem. Falsework that fails is a collapse.
Where the boundary sits
The boundary is the underside of the form face. Anything transferring the load from that face down to the ground or to the structure below is falsework, including back-propping through completed levels.
If the propping layout on the deck does not match the drawing — prop count, spacing or base plates — stop and get it re-checked before concrete is called. Substitution on the day is the most common cause of falsework incidents.