Cost-Benefit Analysis of Phenolic Board and Polypropylene (PP) Hollow Plastic Board as Formwork Materials in Construction Projects

The choice of formwork materials is one way through which efficiency, productivity, and sustainability can be increased in construction projects. The study compared the economics of Phenolic Boards and Polypropylene (PP) Hollow Plastic Boards as formwork materials through life cycle costing and cost-benefit analysis approach. The study used a descriptive-comparative research design and gathered information from construction practitioners such as project engineers, site engineers, contractors, and foremen. The data were obtained using structured questionnaires complemented by market prices and published construction costs information. The methods used to analyze the economics of the two formwork materials included descriptive statistics, weighted mean, cost per use method, and comparative cost benefit analysis.
The results indicate that while Phenolic Boards have low start-up cost, PP Hollow Plastic Boards performed better in terms of durability, reusability, maintenance, and cost efficiency. Cost per use analysis indicated that PP Hollow Plastic Boards incurred much lower operating cost due to its high reusability and replacement. In addition, the participants viewed PP Hollow Plastic Boards as better for increasing productivity and reducing wastage. The study concludes that life-cycle cost and acquisition cost need to be evaluated in tandem while choosing formwork materials. Utilizing PP Hollow Plastic Boards will be advantageous for cost control, increased efficiency, and sustainable construction.

Cost-benefit analysis, life-cycle cost analysis, formwork, phenolic board, polypropylene hollow plastic board

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