PERMANENT
FORMWORK
Steel Source Australia supplies two permanent PVC formwork systems — a structural walling system and a lay-flat formwork system. Both are stay-in-place concrete wall solutions that eliminate traditional formwork stripping, reduce labour costs and deliver superior structural performance for residential, commercial and civil projects.
PVC Structural Walling
Australian manufactured permanent polymer (PVC) formwork that stays in place after concrete is poured — no stripping, no scaffolding for wall placement, no horizontal reinforcement for crack control. CodeMark and BRAC certified. Compliant with the National Construction Code.
Product Profiles
Brick / 140mm block wall
- Residential walls
- Party walls
- External walls
- Stairwells
Standard wall solution. Suitable for residential and light commercial applications.
140 block, 190 block and 150 precast / tilt-up
- Multi-residential
- Office buildings
- Basement walls
- Retaining walls
Enhanced structural system. Replaces a broad range of conventional wall types.
190 block, 200 in-situ concrete walls and 200 precast / tilt-up
- Warehouses
- Car parks
- Healthcare
- Aged care
Heavy-duty applications. Replaces 200mm in-situ concrete and precast wall systems.
290mm block and 300 in-situ concrete walls
- High-load retaining walls
- Tanks
- Culverts
- Pools
Maximum load capacity. For demanding structural and earth-retaining applications.
* Please confirm profile selection with your project engineer. Steel Source Australia supplies all four profiles.
Key Advantages
No Stripping Required
Permanent stay-in-place system — no formwork removal, saving time and labour on every project.
Void-Free Warranty
Patented snap connection and polymer formwork eliminates the risk of air voids in concrete walls.
Up to 50-Year Waterproof Warranty
World-first zero-leak waterproof warranty for basement walls. No membrane required in many applications.
No Horizontal Reinforcement
PVC structural walling does not require horizontal reinforcement for crack control, reducing material and labour costs.
Lightweight & Safe
Lightweight PVC panels reduce manual handling injuries. No cranage required for panel placement.
Fire Rated to 90/90/90
Achieves Fire Rating Level 90/90/90. Fully compliant with NCC fire requirements.
Applications
Lay-Flat PVC Formwork
An internationally patented lay-flat permanent formwork wall system designed for builders, developers and construction teams across Australia. The world's first lay-flat PVC formwork system — stores flat, unfolds on site, and delivers faster installation, lower costs and stronger walls than blockwork or traditional in-situ concrete.
Key Advantages
70% Faster Installation
Lay-flat PVC formwork installs up to 70% faster than traditional blockwork, reducing labour costs and project timelines significantly.
Lay-Flat Design — 5× Storage
Unique internationally patented lay-flat system stores up to 5× more formwork per square metre. Easier to cut, transport and handle on site.
70% Less Waterproofing
Highly water-resistant panels typically require around 70% less waterproofing than blockwork, saving on labour and materials.
2× Stronger Than Blockwork
Perforated twin-skin panels provide superior concrete adhesion and structural performance — twice the strength of standard blockwork.
Minimal Waste
Cut on site with easy adjustments. Optimised panel sizing reduces off-cuts and material waste compared to rigid PVC systems.
Certified & Compliant
Fully certified to Australian Standards. Type C, Class 1 and 10 Residential Buildings. Internationally patented design.
Applications
System Comparison
| Feature | Lay-Flat PVC | Block Work | In-Situ Concrete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport & Storage | Lay-flat: 5× space saved | Bulky, heavy and expensive | Needs formwork, costly pallets |
| Installation Speed | Cut on site, easy adjustments | 80% slower than PVC | Skilled formwork needed |
| Labour & Cost | Less labour, lower costs | High labour costs | Expensive skilled crews |
| Waterproofing | Integrated, minimal risk | Porous — needs waterproofing | Good if formwork quality high |
| Concrete Bond | Perforated → superior adhesion | Weak mortar joints | Good, formwork-dependent |
| Waste | Minimal waste | 30–50% more waste than PVC | Formwork waste |
| Compliance | Aust. Standards + Patents | Accepted (dated) | Certified |
Technical Reference
Standards & Compliance
Both PVC formwork systems are certified to Australian Standards and comply with the National Construction Code (NCC). The following reference data supports engineers, builders and specifiers selecting permanent formwork systems for Australian projects.
The primary Australian Standard for the design of concrete structures. Permanent formwork systems must be compatible with AS 3600 structural design requirements. Both PVC formwork systems are designed for use with AS 3600 compliant concrete mixes.
The structural walling system holds CodeMark and BRAC certification confirming compliance with the NCC. Achieves fire rating FRL 90/90/90. The lay-flat system is certified for Type C, Class 1 and 10 Residential Buildings under the NCC.
Specifies requirements for the design, fabrication, erection and stripping of formwork. Permanent formwork systems are designed to remain in place and comply with AS 3610 structural requirements during concrete placement.
The PVC structural walling system holds CodeMark certification — an independent third-party assessment confirming the product complies with the NCC. Covers structural, fire, acoustic and waterproofing performance. BRAC (Building Regulations Advisory Committee) certified.
The lay-flat formwork system is internationally patented. Fully tested and certified to comply with all concrete formwork standards. Certified for Australian Standards. Suitable for Type C, Class 1 and 10 Residential Buildings.
The 110mm PVC structural walling profile achieves Fire Rating Level (FRL) 90/90/90 under AS 1530.4 fire resistance testing. No horizontal reinforcement required for crack control. Suitable for fire-rated wall applications in residential and commercial buildings.
Enquire About Permanent Formwork
Steel Source Australia supplies both PVC structural walling and lay-flat formwork systems. Contact us with your project details — wall type, profile, quantity and location — and we'll get back to you promptly.