Multi-Storey Acoustic Solutions for Apartment Buildings

Many people engaged in the design and construction of lightweight terrace homes will have seen the shift to central barrier type intertenancy walls over recent years. The advantages that the central barrier type walls bring to the table are undeniable.

These advantages include:

High levels of FRR and STC performance;
The ability to penetrate wall linings with electrical and plumbing services (within certain limitations) without the need to fire seal those penetrations;
Wall linings can terminate at ceiling level.

GIB Noise Control Systems include several central barrier type wall specifications that are suitable for lightweight terrace home designs.

But what about large-scale apartment buildings? These types of designs typically utilise a primary structure made from steel and/or reinforced concrete, which then have non-load-bearing partitions added to form the external and internal walls. Do the designers and builders of these large-scale apartment buildings have any viable central barrier type intertenancy wall options? The answer is yes, they do.

The traditional framing material utilised for non-load-bearing partitions in largescale apartment buildings is light gauge steel. This is driven by cost and framing depth considerations. A narrower partition wall results in more usable floor area. Common framing arrangements for intertenancy partition walls include double C-section steel frame and single GIB Rondo Quiet Stud steel frame. A relatively new option is the connected central barrier type wall constructed from a double C-section steel frame. They, along with numerous other specifications, all appear in the GIB Noise Control Systems Manual.

Whilst the FRR and STC performance of these three wall specifications are the same or similar, the construction of each one is very different. For example, there are inherent advantages that come with connected central barrier specification GBSAB 60e. Not only can it stretch to a maximum wall height of 4000mm when constructed from standard 64 x 34 x 0.50mm steel framing, but it can also accommodate unprotected electrical and plumbing penetrations through the wall linings (within certain limitations). This advantage over the other wall types can translate into a welcome reduction in the passive fire protection budget for the project. Having that uninterrupted central barrier also provides an additional level of confidence that the final installation will achieve the claimed levels of FRR and STC performance.

Article by Hamish Ewan, Senior Technical Support & Development Engineer at Winstone Wallboards. Click here to view the full version.

For further information go to gib.co.nz or call the GIB Helpline on 0800 100 442.

GIB® Intertenancy Barrier System

GIB

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The system consists of a double timber frame wall with a 25mm thick plasterboard barrier between the frames.

GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes have been designed to provide an improved NZBC compliant separating wall between attached dwellings.

GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes, if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of the attached Appraisal, will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4. GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes meet the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, imposed gravity loads arising from use, and impact [i.e. B1.3.3 (a), (b) and (j)]. See Paragraphs 8.1 - 8.5.
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (a) not less than 50 years, B2.3.1 (b) 15 years and B2.3.1 (c) 5 years. GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes meet these requirements. See Paragraphs 9.1 - 9.3.
Clause C3 FIRE AFFECTING AREAS BEYOND THE FIRE SOURCE: Performance C3.4 (a) and C3.6. GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes meet the requirements by providing passive fire and smoke protection. See Paragraphs 12.1 and 12.2.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes meet this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.
Clause G6 AIRBORNE AND IMPACT SOUND: Performance G6.3.1. GIB Intertenancy Barrier Systems for Terrace Homes meet this requirement. See Paragraphs 15.1 and 15.2.

GIB Noise Control Systems

GIB

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Winstone Wallboards Ltd offers a wide range of GIB wall and floor/ceiling noise control systems. GIB Noise Control Systems have been extensively independently tested and evaluated and can be depended on to perform.

Green Tag Certified

NZ Made

Noise control plays an important role in office comfort, productivity and privacy/confidentiality. Studies show that a positive environment has a positive effect on business. Attention needs to be given to noise control, room acoustics, and services. Open plan offices require a degree of privacy which is achieved to some extent by masking sounds. Senior managers expect more noise control and require it for confidentiality. Seminar and meeting rooms, and walls between tenants need to protect the amenity value of users. Wall penetrating ceilings will provide a higher level of performance, thus making GIB Noise Control Systems the perfect solution.

Other areas requiring attention are those that endure noise disturbance from neighbouring rooms (adjacent, above or below) in the form of airborne sound from TV and voices, impacts from footsteps along corridors and stairs, or services like showers and toilets. Noise from impacts travels horizontally along floors as well as up and down; impact through walls can be a concern where there are no buffers from wardrobes or bathrooms.

Noise from lobbies, entertainment and conference rooms can require special attention as well.

Protection from external noise is important near main roads and airports, while room acoustic treatment around receptions in large foyers can aid intelligibility.

GIB Noise Control Systems are ideal for use in such situations.

In the opinion of BRANZ , the GIB Noise Control systems, if designed, and used, installed and maintained in accordance with with the statements and conditions of Appraisal No.394 [2017], will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 Structure: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4.
Clause B2 Durability: Performance B2.3.1(a), B2.3.1(b), B2.3.1(c).
Clause C3 Spread of Fire: Performance C3.4(a) and C3.6
Clause F2 Hazardous Building Material: Performance F2.3.1
Clause G6 Airborne and Impact Sound: Performance G6.3.1 and G6.3.2.

All GIB unfinished plasterboard sheet materials achieve a Group 1-S interior fire rating to NZBC C/AS2-AS6, Table 4.1, following testing in accordance with ISO 5660.1 and ISO 5660.2.

Structure

Durability

Protection from Fire

Hazardous Building Materials

Airborne and Impact Sound

BRANZ Appraised

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