Slip form construction involves pouring concrete into the top of a continuously moving formwork. As the concrete is poured, the formwork is raised vertically at a speed that allows the concrete to harden before it is free from the formwork at the bottom. The concrete to be used needs to be workable enough to be placed into the form and consolidated by vibration, yet quick-setting enough to emerge from the form with strength. The concrete must be constantly monitored for its setting rate to ensure the forms are not being raised too fast. It is a self-contained formwork system and can require little crane-time during construction. This is a formwork system that can be used to form any regular shape or core. The formwork rises continuously, at a rate of about 300mm per hour, supporting itself on the core and not relying on support or access from other parts of the building or permanent works.

Different types of slip formwork

There are six types of slip formwork according to the direction of work.

1. Vertical slip forming the concrete form may be surrounded by a platform on which workers stand, placing steel reinforcing rods into the concrete and ensuring a smooth pour. Together, the concrete form and working platform are raised utilizing hydraulic jacks.
2. Horizontal slip forming for pavement and traffic separation walls concrete is laid down, vibrated, worked, and settled in place while the form itself slowly moves ahead.
3. Tapered slip forming is also used in the construction of conical chimneys, cooling towers, piers and other tall concrete structures involving constant or changing thicknesses in walls, diameters and/or shapes. A form is used with sections that overlap so that one gradually slides over the other. This is commonly done in chimney construction but it is not satisfactory for architectural concrete because the lap shows. While the tapered slip-forming process is similar to that used on the standard slip-forming, it requires greater attention, contractor experience and expertise to ensure the success of such projects.
4. The Cantilever forming is used as climbers that are independent of cranes and attached to a large area of formwork at storey height. In this system, shuttering has already been completed, which is part of the structure between individual levels of climbers. The cantilever jump form system gives maximum protection, providing a complete self-climbing formwork system that is independent of cranes for walls, columns, supports and floor beers.
5. Egg-shaped slip forming  is based on the jump form principle that can be adapted to any geometric shape. Individual curvature adjustment can be obtained by adjusting the axis and vertical circumferential slope. The system can be adjusted independently on each side of the wall as well as products of optimal working condition.
6. Conical slip forming  is a system by which it is possible to construct structures of varying wall thicknesses and tapering walls. The conical formwork is made up of cantilever plates and overlapping plates, which are fastened to steel yoke frames.