Repair Systems
Formwork plywood
Phenolic-faced structural form ply — technical reference for concrete spalling in Australian remedial building practice. Covers system selection, product comparisons, and brand equivalents.
What is formwork plywood?
Structural formwork plywood — typically 17 mm film-faced or marine-grade ply — is used as the formed face of concrete and repair mortar pours where a smooth, consistent surface finish is required. In remedial works it is used for column encasements, beam soffit shutters, and slab edge forms where the aesthetic quality of the formed face is important for the completed repair. Plywood is fixed to the timber framing with nails or screws, treated with a form release agent before every pour, and stripped after the concrete achieves sufficient strength for self-support. Edges must be sealed with tape or sealant to prevent moisture penetrating the face veneers and causing delamination during wet curing, which would leave an uneven surface impression on subsequent pours. With good maintenance, plywood panels can be reused multiple times, reducing material cost on larger repair programmes.
Product Reference
Scroll right to see all brands. Use each card's TDS link for verified specifications before specifying on any project.
System Description
Phenolic-faced to AS/NZS 6669. Apply release agent before each pour. Limit reuse per face condition.
Technical Properties
- Provides smooth, consistent concrete face finish with proper release agent
- Multiple reuses possible with edge sealing and release agent maintenance
Limitations
- Edges must be sealed — moisture delamination at exposed edges is a major failure mode
- Bowing between supports requires closer stud spacing on large panels
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Phenolic-faced to AS/NZS 6669. Apply release agent before each pour. Limit reuse per face condition.
Technical Properties
- Provides smooth, consistent concrete face finish with proper release agent
- Multiple reuses possible with edge sealing and release agent maintenance
Limitations
- Edges must be sealed — moisture delamination at exposed edges is a major failure mode
- Bowing between supports requires closer stud spacing on large panels
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Phenolic-faced to AS/NZS 6669. Apply release agent before each pour. Limit reuse per face condition.
Technical Properties
- Provides smooth, consistent concrete face finish with proper release agent
- Multiple reuses possible with edge sealing and release agent maintenance
Limitations
- Edges must be sealed — moisture delamination at exposed edges is a major failure mode
- Bowing between supports requires closer stud spacing on large panels
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Phenolic-faced to AS/NZS 6669. Apply release agent before each pour. Limit reuse per face condition.
Technical Properties
- Provides smooth, consistent concrete face finish with proper release agent
- Multiple reuses possible with edge sealing and release agent maintenance
Limitations
- Edges must be sealed — moisture delamination at exposed edges is a major failure mode
- Bowing between supports requires closer stud spacing on large panels
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Phenolic-faced to AS/NZS 6669. Apply release agent before each pour. Limit reuse per face condition.
Technical Properties
- Provides smooth, consistent concrete face finish with proper release agent
- Multiple reuses possible with edge sealing and release agent maintenance
Limitations
- Edges must be sealed — moisture delamination at exposed edges is a major failure mode
- Bowing between supports requires closer stud spacing on large panels
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Brand Equivalents
Side-by-side view of equivalent products across all major brands.
| Material | Ardex | Sika | Fosroc | Tremco / Other | Parchem / Mapei |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formwork plywood (17 mm) | Austral Ply | Carter Holt Harvey Structaply | Big River Plywood | Weyerhaeuser Structaply | Local merchant |
Disclaimer
Information is general only. Product selection must be confirmed against project requirements, substrate condition, exposure class, manufacturer technical data sheets, NCC requirements, Australian Standards (including AS 3600), and consultant or structural engineer specifications. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineering advice.
Concrete & Structural Defects
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