Applications
A wide range of separating wall applications, for example between apartments.
Planning - key factors
The position of services and heavy fixtures should be pre-determined and their installation planned into the frame erection stage. Timber sole plates should be considered where the floor is uneven. All penetrations will need to be adequately fire-stopped. 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 barriers
Stone mineral wool cut neatly to fit across the cavity forms a suitable closure.
Acoustic performance
The partition achieves high levels of sound insulation by virtue of the separation between the board and the stud framing afforded by the Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bars. It is important that, when screw-fixing boards, the screws do not contact the stud framing and also that services, fixtures, etc, do not form a bridge between the lining boards on each side of the partition.
For optimum performance all air paths should be sealed. Gyproc Sealant should be applied to the perimeter of the inner layer immediately prior to fitting the face layer board on the side(s) of the partition where resilient bars are located.
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.
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.
The partitions can incorporate head deflection designs with only a slight reduction in sound insulation performance. See Construction details – 3. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.2.2 – Principles of building acoustics.
Services
Penetrations
Penetrations within the constructions for services need careful consideration to ensure that the sound insulation and fire integrity of the element are not impaired and also that the services themselves do not act as the mechanism of fire spread. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.5 – Service installations.
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.
Cables should be protected by conduit, or other suitable precautions taken to prevent abrasion when they pass through the metal frame.
Door openings
Any openings will require very careful detailing if the acoustic performance of the partition is to be maintained. Specialist heavy acoustic doorsets may require additional support.
Fixtures
Lightweight fixtures can be made directly to the partitions. Medium weight fixtures can be made to Gypframe 99 FC 50 Fixing Channel. In all instances the Fixing Channel is fixed to the side without Resilient Bar.
Medium and heavy weight fixings can only be made when the lining boards are fixed directly to the stud framing. The installation of fixings may downgrade the acoustic performance of the wall - see also ‘Acoustic performance’ earlier. Refer to WHITE BOOK section 3.5.2 – Service penetrations and fixing into drywall systems.
Board finishing
Refer to WHITE BOOK 13 – Finishing systems and decorative effects.
For more information refer to the British Gypsum SITE BOOK.