What is the primary purpose of falsework during construction?

The primary purpose of falsework during construction is to support structures during curing. Falsework refers to temporary structures that are set up to support permanent structures while they are being constructed, particularly when dealing with elements like concrete that require time to cure and gain strength. This support is crucial for ensuring that the load-bearing components of a building, such as beams and slabs, maintain their shape and alignment until they can support themselves.

This aspect is important because if the curing concrete does not have adequate support during this critical phase, it can lead to structural failures, alignment issues, or undesirable cracking. Thus, using falsework is essential for the stability and integrity of the construction process.

The other options focus on aspects that are not the function of falsework. Fire resistance pertains to materials that withstand fire exposure, insulation refers to methods of retaining heat and providing energy efficiency, and connecting adjacent structures involves architectural or engineering design considerations unrelated to the temporary supports provided by falsework.