In construction, what is the purpose of formwork?

Formwork serves a critical purpose in construction by providing a temporary structure that supports the weight of the concrete until it is fully cured and can support itself. This support is essential, as freshly poured concrete is fluid and lacks the strength to hold its shape or any additional loads. The formwork holds the concrete in place and shapes it into the desired dimension, allowing it to set properly and acquire its strength over time. Once the concrete has reached the appropriate strength, the formwork can be removed.

The other options, while related to aspects of concrete work or construction, do not represent the primary purpose of formwork. Formwork is not used for mixing concrete, measuring it, or insulating buildings, which are distinct processes and functions in the building process.