Bird Table Formwork: What It Is, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications

In high-rise construction projects and developments with repetitive floor plans, the choice of structural execution method has a direct impact on build quality, construction speed, and overall project efficiency.
In recent years, the construction industry has sought to optimize execution processes through the adoption of modern technologies. In this context, the Flying Table Formwork system has become one of the widely used methods for casting concrete slabs.

The Mezzo project, as one of the developments by NEXA Group, also uses this system for structural execution. In large-scale projects with multiple floors, the use of Flying Table Formwork supports better time management, higher execution accuracy, and stronger coordination between different stages of construction.

What Is Flying Table Formwork?

Flying table formwork is a type of modular formwork system used for casting concrete slabs and floor systems. It is designed and assembled as an integrated unit, allowing the formwork to be moved from one floor to another by crane after concrete placement and once the concrete has gained sufficient strength—without requiring the full dismantling of its components.

Unlike traditional formwork methods, where a large portion of the system must be dismantled and reinstalled after each cycle, flying table formwork eliminates much of this repetitive work. This is precisely why it has become an efficient solution for high-rise projects and buildings with repetitive floor layouts.

Main Components of Flying Table Formwork

This system consists of a set of engineered components that work together as an integrated unit:

  • Formwork deck / casting surface
  • Primary and secondary supporting beams
  • Adjustable props and jacks
  • Bracing and stabilizing elements
  • Connections and load-transfer components
  • Crane lifting and relocation equipment
  • Working platforms and site safety accessories

Together, these components create a stable platform for casting concrete slabs and enable the fast transfer of formwork units between floors.

How Flying Table Formwork Works

After the formwork is installed on a floor, reinforcement and concrete pouring are carried out. Once the concrete reaches the required strength, the supporting props are partially released and the table form is extracted as a single unit from the building opening.

It is then lifted by a crane and transferred to the upper floor, where the same process is repeated. This cycle allows the formwork system to be reused multiple times without the need for full dismantling and reassembly at each floor level.

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Advantages of Using Flying Table Formwork

  • Increasing construction speed

    One of the key advantages of this system is the reduction in the time required for each floor. Eliminating many of the repetitive formwork dismantling and reassembly steps shortens the slab construction cycle, allowing the project to progress more rapidly.

    Improved construction quality

    The system’s integrated structure and engineered design reduce errors caused by repeated formwork installation. This leads to greater slab uniformity, improved dimensional accuracy, and higher-quality concrete surfaces.

    Reduced site operations

    In traditional methods, a significant amount of on-site work is dedicated to collecting, sorting, and reinstalling formwork components. Flying table formwork simplifies these repetitive processes, improving overall workforce productivity.

    Enhanced safety

    Due to the integrated system and the use of standardized working platforms and safety equipment, better working conditions are provided for site personnel. In addition, manual handling of heavy components is significantly reduced.

    Suitable for high-rise projects

    In buildings with repetitive floor layouts, flying table formwork performs particularly effectively. The higher the number of floors, the more significant the economic and operational benefits become.

    Reusability of formwork

    The system is designed so that formwork units can be reused multiple times throughout the project. This feature helps reduce material consumption and optimize resource efficiency.

Disadvantages of Flying Table Formwork

In addition to its numerous advantages, this system also has certain limitations that must be considered during the design and project planning stages.

  • Requirement for a tower crane and lifting equipment

The transfer of integrated formwork units between floors is typically carried out using a tower crane or other lifting equipment. Therefore, careful planning for the use of these resources and precise scheduling of formwork relocation is essential.

  • Higher initial investment

The initial cost of procuring and setting up flying table formwork systems is generally higher than traditional methods. However, in large-scale and high-rise projects, this cost is offset by increased productivity and reduced construction time.

  • Limitations in certain architectural designs

This system is less effective in projects with significant variations in floor layouts or non-repetitive geometries, and therefore requires careful evaluation during the design phase.

  • Need for sufficient space for assembly and disassembly

In flying table formwork systems, formwork units are assembled, moved, and reused as large integrated sections. As a result, adequate space on site is essential. In urban projects or constrained sites, limited space can complicate handling and preparation processes, potentially affecting overall system efficiency.

Application of Flying Table Formwork in the Metzo Project

The Mezzo project, one of the developments by NEXA Group, utilizes flying table formwork in its structural execution, applying modern construction technologies. In such projects, construction time management and quality control are of critical importance, and selecting an appropriate formwork system plays a key role in achieving these objectives.

The use of flying table formwork in the Mezzo project contributes to a more organized construction process, reduces formwork cycle times, and increases accuracy in slab execution. It also enables better coordination of construction activities and creates a suitable foundation for improving overall project productivity.

Conclusion

The flying table formwork is one of the modern methods for constructing concrete slabs, widely used especially in high-rise buildings and projects with repetitive floor layouts. Higher construction speed, improved quality, enhanced safety, and optimization of on-site processes are among the key advantages of this system. On the other hand, the need for lifting equipment and higher initial investment are some of the considerations that must be taken into account when selecting this method.