General Contractor Practice Exam

What type of removable nails are typically used for formwork?

1. Double headed

2. Single headed

3. Composite

4. Concrete nails

The correct answer is: Double headed

Double-headed nails are specifically designed for use in formwork due to their unique structure, which allows for easy removal after the concrete has set. The double-headed design means that one head remains above the surface of the formwork while the other is driven into the wood. This feature enables workers to remove the formwork without damaging it or the surrounding material, as they can simply pull out the nail by gripping the exposed head. This is particularly important in construction, where reusable forms are often employed for multiple pours. Using double-headed nails not only facilitates the construction process but also helps preserve the integrity of the forms, leading to cost savings in the long term as forms can be reused multiple times without excessive wear or damage. In contrast, single-headed nails do not offer the same ease of removal, as once they are driven in, they are flush with the surface and require tools to extract, which can lead to more damage to the formwork. Composite nails and concrete nails serve different purposes in construction environments and are not designed specifically for formwork application, making them less suitable for this particular need.