Concrete Formwork Pressure Calculator

Maximum lateral pressure on wall or column formwork from the ACI 347 / CIRIA 108 method, based on pour rate, concrete temperature and mix type.

Result

Formula pressure
48.73 kPa
Hydrostatic cap (ρ·g·H)
70.63 kPa
Design lateral pressure
48.73 kPa (1,018 psf)
Advisory
Standard wall design range.
Calcurly.com area calculator showing dimensions, result, and cost breakdown

Share this calculator

About this calculator

How-to: enter the vertical pour rate (m/hr), concrete temperature at placement, and choose the mix chemistry. We use the CIRIA / ACI 347 wall formula P = C_w · C_c · (150 + 9000·R/T), then cap it at hydrostatic pressure ρ·g·h. Result is in kPa — divide by 47.88 for psf.

Frequently asked questions

Which standard is this?
It follows the CIRIA Report 108 wall formula (widely used in the EU/UK) which is aligned with ACI 347. Both cap at hydrostatic pressure ρgH.
Why does colder concrete give higher pressure?
Cold concrete hydrates slower, so it stays fluid deeper into the pour. That's why R/T controls the formula — high pour rate, low temperature → higher pressure.
How do I use the result for tie spacing?
Multiply the pressure by the tributary area of each tie. Cross-check against the tie's working load limit with a factor of safety of 2.
What does the Concrete Formwork Pressure Calculator do?
Maximum lateral pressure on wall or column formwork from the ACI 347 / CIRIA 108 method, based on pour rate, concrete temperature and mix type. How-to: enter the vertical pour rate (m/hr), concrete temperature at placement, and choose the mix chemistry. We use the CIRIA / ACI 347 wall formula P = C_w · C_c · (150 + 9000·R/T), then cap it at hydrostatic pressure ρ·g·h. Result is in kPa — divide by 47.88 for psf.
Is the Concrete Formwork Pressure Calculator free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on Calcurly.com is free, works in your browser without sign-up, and can be embedded on your own website.
How accurate is the Concrete Formwork Pressure Calculator?
Results are calculated in real time using industry-standard formulas. Treat the output as a well-informed estimate — always cross-check with local regulations, product datasheets, or a qualified construction & building professional before committing to a purchase or a job.
What inputs does the Concrete Formwork Pressure Calculator need?
Enter values for: Pour rate (m/hr), Concrete temperature (°C), Form height (m), Element, Chemistry Cc, Density (kg/m³). Sensible defaults are pre-filled where possible so you can start with a single change.
Can I embed the Concrete Formwork Pressure Calculator on my own website?
Yes — copy the iframe snippet at the bottom of this page, or use the Embed Generator to customise the size. The embedded version stays in sync with the live calculator on Calcurly.com.
Construction site with steel framework at sunset
Mini Course
40 min
Go deeper on this topic

Estimate Builds Without Losing Money

The pricing framework used by profitable contractors — from take-off to contingency — explained in plain language.

What you'll learn
  • Break a job into material, labour and overhead lines
  • Set a defensible contingency and margin
  • Handle change orders without eating the cost
  • Read a quote back to a client with confidence
Price
$29
Instant access · lifetime updates

Keep calculating

Useful tools for the next step