falsework

1. (engineering) A temporary framework used in the building of bridges and arched structures in order to hold items in place until the structure is able to support itself.Examples: "Both steel and timber forms were used, supported on a falsework of steel beams erected on the new abutments at each end and on temporary piles which were driven into the river bed at mid-span."; "Each [girder] measuring 38 metres long, they will sit below four steel tripods which will support the falsework and formwork."uncountableusually

2. (engineering) Scaffolding, a temporary frame serving to support and brace a building under construction until it can stand alone.Examples: "... the woefully incomplete Ferris Wheel ... was a half-moon of steel encased in a skyscraper of wooden falsework."uncountableusually