Applications
Intensively used applications, for example high traffic and unsupervised corridors, mental health partitioning, student accommodation.
Services
The position of services and heavy fixtures should be pre-determined and their installation planned into the frame erection stage. If a plastered finish is specified, the thickness of the door or glazing frame must allow for the thickness of the plaster finish. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.5 – Service installations.
Partition to structural steelwork junctions
When designing the layout of rooms requiring separation by sound insulating walls abutting structural steelwork, consideration should be given to the potential loss of sound insulation performance through the steelwork. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.2.2 – Principles of building acoustics.
Cavity fire barriers
Minimum 12.5mm Gyproc plasterboard screw-fixed into the web of perimeter channels or vertical studs will provide a satisfactory closure to flame or smoke. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 10 – Cavity fire barriers.
Independent support
When designing for the installation of services such as fire dampers and associated ductwork through a GypWall partition, consideration should be given to the size and weight of the damper - this will determine whether it can be supported directly from the partition or needs to be independently supported from the structure. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.5 – Service installations.
Electrical
The installation of electrical services should be carried out in accordance with BS 7671. The cut-outs in the studs can be used for routing electrical and other small services (see GypWall CLASSIC Construction details – 1). Switch boxes and socket outlets can be supported from Gypframe 99 FC 50 Fixing Channel fixed horizontally between studs, or a high performance socket box detail where higher acoustic performance is required.
Where Gypframe AcouStuds are used, services are routed through 50mm x 28mm ‘H’ shaped push-outs, at the same centres as shown in GypWall CLASSIC Construction details – 1a for conventional cut-outs. Cables should be protected by conduit, or other suitable precautions taken to prevent abrasion when they pass through the metal frame. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.5 – Service installations.
Fixing floor and ceiling channels
Gypframe Floor & Ceiling Channels must be securely fixed with a row of fixings at 600mm maximum centres. For 94mm channels and above, two rows of staggered fixings are required, each row at 600mm centres and each fixing 25mm in from the flange. If the floor is uneven, a 38mm thick timber sole plate equal to the width of the channel should be used.
If the concrete or screeded floor is new, consideration should be given to the installation of a damp-proof membrane between the floor surface and the channel or sole plate.
Door openings
The designer should consider the thickness tolerances of the partition types in relation to the proposed door frame detail. To satisfy BS 5234 requirements for Heavy and Severe Duty partitions, door framing should be specified as shown in WHITE BOOK Construction details – 6 - 7. The door manufacturer should also be consulted in relation to the door detail.
Control joints
Control joints may be required in the partition to relieve stresses induced by expansion and contraction of the structure. They should coincide with movement joints within the surrounding structure.
Deflection heads
Partition head deflection designs may be necessary to accommodate deflections in the supporting floor. Deflection heads may also be required to the underside of roof structures subjected to positive and negative pressures.
For special detailing that minimises the loss of acoustic performance: Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.2.2 – Principles of building acoustics.
For deflection head design: Refer to WHITE BOOK section 6 – Partition and wall systems, GypWall CLASSIC Construction details.
Access for maintenance
Gyproc Profilex Access Panels are available to provide access for maintenance. Access panels must be fully compatible with drywall construction and match the fire rating of the partition.
Fixtures
Due to the inherent strength of Rigidur H, some fixtures can be made directly to the board – please see the Rigidur H for commercial applications Product Data Sheet and the British Gypsum SITE BOOK for more information, available to download from www.british-gypsum.com. Refer to section 3.5.2 – Service penetrations and fixing into drywall systems.
Board finishing
For increased resistance to accidental damage, refer to the Rigidur H for commercial applications Product Data Sheet.