ABSTRACT
Since its invention by the Romans, concrete has been cast into all manner of formworks whether temporary or permanent and these formworks have all been rigid. While historically both civil engineering and some state-of-the-art architectural projects have benefited by the use of fabric as a formwork this versatile means of containing concrete has yet to become a formwork of choice for the construction industry. The list of universities conducting research and experimenting with fabric formwork continues to grow but currently there exists a disconnect between the research being conducted and industry. Practitioners: architects, engineers and contractors have yet to embrace this forming method as a replacement for or an addition to their conventional formwork systems. This paper will explore the question of whether there is a future for the use of fabric as a material practical for forming concrete members.
