Examining Aluminum Formwork (MIVAN) with Conventional Formwork and Investigating Precast Methods: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Aluminum shuttering, particularly the MIVAN aluminum shuttering system, has gained popularity in the construction industry for its lightweight characteristics and versatility in building structural components like walls. Originating from a European construction company, MIVAN shutters were first produced in Malaysia in 1990 by MIVAN Company Ltd. Currently, MIVAN Business Ltd. utilizes over 30,000 sqm of shuttering globally, with widespread adoption in India, especially by companies like Xrbia, aiming to provide affordable housing using MIVAN technology.

Renowned for its cost-effectiveness and suitability for diverse construction climates, MIVAN shuttering is widely utilized in the Middle East and Asia. The MIVAN method enables the construction of individual rooms, facilitating the rapid construction of multiple houses. This monolithic system involves continuous concrete pouring for floors, walls, staircases, and beams. Employing techniques such as hot air drying accelerates the construction process by allowing early removal of forms. Precision-engineered and lightweight, MIVAN shuttering panels are used for windows, doors, and service ducts before concrete pouring.

One of the distinctive features of MIVAN technology is its monolithic approach, ensuring dimension uniformity and eliminating the need for additional plastering due to the high-quality final surface with minimal tolerance and verticality. This study undertakes a comprehensive comparison between MIVAN technology and traditional building methods. The analysis covers fundamental principles, features, benefits, cost-effectiveness, and construction speed.

Through an extensive literature review, the study emphasizes the innovative aspects of MIVAN's aluminum formwork system. Key advantages include enhanced durability, reduced labor requirements, improved quality control, and accelerated construction timelines. Financial implications are thoroughly examined, considering various cost parameters to assess the overall cost-effectiveness of MIVAN technology.

Furthermore, the study explores construction schedules and productivity, highlighting MIVAN's benefits in terms of assembly simplicity, reduced construction time, improved site coordination, and faster project completion. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for construction professionals and decision-makers, advocating for the widespread adoption of MIVAN technology as a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solution in the construction industry.