PVC permanent formwork profiles can contribute to responsible building materials credit.

What is a PVC wall system?

The PVC wall system is strong, lightweight, easy to install and cost-effective, suitable for a variety of construction applications. These new generation concrete-filled PVC in-situ (SIP) formwork wall construction systems developed in Australia have significant advantages in terms of construction time, life cycle cost and better energy performance.

According to the green star rating tool of the Australian Green Building Council, this type of pvc permanent formwork profiles can contribute to responsible building materials credit.

Where do they work?

Australia provides modular SIP systems with proprietary components that use individually designed connection molds and systems. These new systems can effectively replace traditional load-bearing precast concrete, inclined or masonry block walls. Today, they are used in basements, stairs and elevator shafts, blade columns, irrigation tanks, retaining walls and other areas, as well as buildings up to 60 floors.

what is the benefit?

Cost-effective and fast assembly

Traditional temporary formwork using wood, plywood or steel is labor-intensive, accounting for 40% to 60% of the total cost of concrete structures. Materials such as glass-reinforced plastics, fiber-reinforced plastics, thermoplastics (PVC, polystyrene), fiber cement, and metals can be used in prefabricated formwork for permanent systems that stay in place during the life of the building. Interconnect components create templates that can be installed efficiently.

The use of PVC wall systems helps overcome shortcomings related to the poor tensile strength of concrete that needs to be reinforced, easy cracking under constant pressure (such as in basements and retaining walls), and its porosity, which can lead to "concrete cancer ".

The plastic formwork seals the concrete and acts as a waterproof barrier to protect it from the environment during the life cycle of the building. The connectors in the latest SIP formwork system allow quick installation and core filling, usually without vibration and settlement of concrete.

In some systems, the amount of cement can be reduced and replaced with increased fly ash or aggregate without causing concerns about concrete cancer.

Reduce environmental impact and risk of injury

The technologically advanced PVC wall system has the potential to reduce the environmental impact and health and safety risks of construction sites. Some of the latest systems require fewer steel bars, thereby reducing material consumption and the carbon footprint of the building.

Because there is no need to peel off the SIP template, coupled with its light weight and easy installation, it reduces the risk of injury, which helps to improve the health and safety of the site.

Lightweight

The lightweight advantage of some modular systems means that they may need to be supported before concrete is placed due to their vulnerability to wind loads. Therefore, it is important to ensure that any modification to the SIP template system mold design or the use of the combination of the two system components is checked and signed by a suitably qualified professional, because the system is proprietary and different in nature. market.

Advantages of PVC wall system

Cost savings, construction time savings, and ease of installation are the key attractions of the system cited by companies using PVC wall systems. Their decision to use pvc permanent formwork profiles instead of traditional formwork or masonry alternatives may also be affected by site requirements, especially where there are water issues, retaining wall requirements, and project design requirements (such as multi-story basements).

From an environmental and safety point of view, the SIP system has been proven to benefit the project in the following ways:

• Transport energy saving

• Significantly reduce the hidden energy of the material

• Better site safety

• Reduce long-term maintenance

• Above ground and underground versatility

• High degree of industry security and compliance

• High fire resistance

• Easy to operate and install

Some of the latest systems have been certified to meet the requirements of earthquakes and bushfires, so they can meet Australia's needs for a more resilient future built environment.