SSS Bonded Structural Backing
Engineered Strength for Tile Installations
SafePave® Structural Support (SSS) is a purpose-built composite reinforcement panel that bonds to the underside of porcelain and natural stone tiles used on raised pedestal systems.
It doesn't sit below the tile, it bonds to it, creating a single structural unit with dramatically improved load capacity, impact resistance, and post-crack safety.
Specified by engineers. Trusted by builders. Designed for projects where failure isn't an option.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Problem SSS Solves
Raised pedestal flooring places brittle tiles under conditions they were never designed for:
- Point loading, corner-supported spans concentrate stress at the tile mid-span
- Impact loading, dropped objects trigger brittle fracture and sudden breakthrough
- Progressive failure, once a crack starts, an unreinforced tile has nothing to stop it
Traditional fixes, adding more pedestals, using thicker tiles, or placing trays underneath, either increase cost, add weight, compromise the design, or simply don't work. Trays in particular prevent breakthrough but amplify vibration, increasing the risk of cracking.
SSS solves the problem at the tile itself.
How It Works
SSS combines three engineered materials into one bonded system:
| Reinforcement tape (SPT2) |
Modified acrylic + 200gsm woven fibreglass + IXPE foam
Full-coverage bond,
fracture control,
vibration absorption
Structural backing board
Glass Fibre Resin Polymer (GFRP),2mm rigid panel
Bending stiffness,
load distribution,
breakthrough prevention |
Composite action Tile + SPT2 + GFRP act as one unit.
2–4× greater load capacity vs. tile alone
Installation is peel-and-bond.
No specialist trades.
No custom adhesives.
No changes to pedestal layout.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Data
Independent and in-house testing demonstrates:
Performance Measure | Tile Only | Tile + SafePave SSS |
|---|---|---|
Bending Stiffness | Baseline | 2–3× increase |
Load Capacity | Moderate | 2–4× higher |
Crack/Breakthrough Resistance | Poor | Excellent |
Impact Resistance | Poor | No breakthrough at 5kg drop from 1000mm |
Residual Load (post-fracture) | None | ≥ 2.5kN, walkable after cracking |
Peel Adhesion | >20 N/25mm @ 24h dwell | |
Thermal Cycling Performance | >90% retention (−20°C ↔ +70°C) |
Actual performance varies by tile type, pedestal layout, and design conditions. We can test your specific tile and provide expected performance data.
Compliance & Standards Alignment
SafePave® SSS is tested and aligned to:
- AS 1170.1 – Structural design actions
- ISO 10545-4 / AS 4459.4 – Breaking strength and modulus of rupture
- ISO 10545-5 / ASTM C1870 – Impact resistance
- EN 12825 – Raised access floor performance requirements
Full test results available at [safepave.com.au/tests-and-compliance]
Why Specify SSS
For Architects & Specifiers
Enables confident use of 20mm natural stone and large-format porcelain on pedestal systems
Reduces system weight, less structural load, more design freedom
No changes to pedestal layout or FFL (finished floor level)
Expands your tile selection, more tile types become viable
For Builders & Installers
Simple peel-and-bond application, no additional trades required
Compatible with any standard pedestal system
Retrofit-ready, can be applied to existing installations (3mm FFL change)
Protects under-deck membranes and services from breakthrough damage
For Project Managers & Engineers
Reduces liability exposure from tile failure on occupied areas
Tile remains walkable and serviceable even after cracking (≥ 3kN residual load)
Supported by independent test data and compliance documentation
Backed by 25 year SafePave® warranty
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Typical Applications
Rooftop terraces and podium decks
Commercial and residential balconies
External raised-access floors
Public walkways, plazas, and courtyards
High-traffic areas requiring safety continuity
---
Compatible Tile Types
Porcelain | Ceramic | Granite | Marble | Limestone | Travertine | Composite Stone
Not sure if SSS suits your tile? Contact us, we'll assess and test if needed.
Environmental Stability
Stable under typical raised floor operating temperatures
Compatible with wet-exposed environments
Designed for long-term performance in outdoor installations
Installation (4 Steps)
1. Clean, wipe the tile underside with isopropyl alcohol
2. Peel, remove the SPT2 release liner
3. Bond, press SSS panel firmly and centrally onto the tile
4. Install, handle, cut, and lay as standard
No special tooling. Tiles can be cut after application.
[Download Full Installation Instructions →](https://safepave.com.au/safepave-installation#sss-installation)
[Download Technical Data Sheet →](https://assets.zyrosite.com/AMqpRwPvRJfjDjk8/tds---sss-lH7CDwapElgnF3Re.pdf)
[Download Product Flyer →](https://assets.zyrosite.com/AMqpRwPvRJfjDjk8/sss-flyer-uXwENRKblMCzf5lJ.pdf)
-
Need It for Natural Stone?
For marble, limestone, travertine, and other natural stone tiles, see [SafePave® SSS-Stone](https://safepave.com.au/safepaver-structural-support-for-stone-sss-stone1), the aluminium composite backing variant engineered specifically for the flexural and moisture characteristics of natural stone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Field
"SafePave® Structural Support allowed us to use 20mm Limestone tiles on a pedestal system, with no breakages.", Project Engineer, Sydney CBD Podium Project
---
Questions? Talk to Us.
We work directly with architects, specifiers, and project teams to confirm SSS suitability, provide test data, and advise on quantities.
Call / WhatsApp: 0425 288 812
Email: info@safepave.com.au
Product | Best For |
|---|---|
SPRT, Reinforcement Tape | Retrofit safety layer for existing installed tiles |
SSS, Structural Support (this product) | Bonded GFRP composite backing for structural improvement |
SSS-E, Structural Support Elite | Advanced performance, includes wind uplift resistance |
Not sure which system is right for your project? View System Hierarchy →
For natural stone tiles (marble, limestone, travertine), see SafePave® SSS-Stone, the aluminium composite variant engineered specifically for the characteristics of natural stone.
