Specification For Plasterboard - Ceiling System

JKR20601-0181-09
Specification For Plasterboard Ceiling System

JABATAN KERJA RAYA MALAYSIA
CAWANGAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM, STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN
2009

SPECIFICATION
FOR
PLASTERBOARD CEILING SYSTEM

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COMMITTEE

1. Prof Ir. Dr. Ismail Bin Mohamed Taib - Pengarah, CKASJ (Chairman)
2. Ir. Abdul Hadi bin J usuh - Cawangan Penyelidikan Dan Pembangunan
3. Ir.Zurkarnine Bin Mohd Yaacob - Cawangan Penyelidikan Dan Pembangunan
4. Cik Maslina Binti Abu Bakar - Cawangan Penyelidikan Dan Pembangunan
5. Ir.Razdwan Bin Kasim - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Mekanikal
6. Pn.Sabariah Bt. Hussin - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Elektrik
7. En. Mohamad Fauzi Bin Abas - Cawangan Arkitek
8. Ir. Muhammad Azman Bin J amrus - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
9. Ir. Sukhaimi Bin Marob - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
10. En. J amaluddin Md Yusof - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
11. Ir. Che Mimi Suriyani Bt. Ismail - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
12. Pn.Nurrul Hudha Haryati Amzah - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
13. En. Norfaizal Bin Mohamed Salleh - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
14. Cik Nur Aisyah Boon Siew Ping - Cawangan Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur Dan J ambatan
15. En.Leow Yuen Fooi - Boral Plasterboard(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
16. En. Sik Eng Hou - Boral Plasterboard(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
17. Pn. Mazni Bt J aafar - Boral Plasterboard(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
18. Pn. Haliza Bt. Mohd Yusof - Boral Plasterboard (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

Specification For Plasterboard Ceiling System - 1 -

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C O N T E N T S
Page
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 Scope . 4
1.2 Definitions .. 4

SECTION 2 MATERIALS
2.1 General .. 8
2.2 Zinc-Coated Aluminium/Zinc-Coated Steel . 8
2.3 Steel Sections . 8
2.4 Concealed Ceiling System . 9
2.5 Exposed Grid Ceiling System 10

SECTION 3 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Design 12
3.2 Loads . 13
3.3 Fire Reaction And Resistance 14
3.4 Acoustic Requirements 14

SECTION 4 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
4.1 Design 16
4.2 Site Conditions And Installation . 16
4.3 Setting Out 16
4.4 Top Fixings 17
4.5 Hangers . 18
4.6 Ceiling Systems 19
4.7 Bulkhead 27
4.8 Partitions 28
4.9 Services . 28
4.10 Protection Of Installed Ceiling................................................... 28
4.11 Inspection Of Installed Ceiling.................................................. 28
4.12 Testing...................................................................... 28
4.13 Maintenance............................................................. 29
4.12 Cutting & Changes Of Installed Plasterboard Ceiling 29

REFERENCES 30


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S E C T I O N 1 : S C O P E A N D G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE

This document sets out the standard specifications for plasterboard ceiling systems and an installation
details as guidelines in the appendix. The ceiling systems covered in this specification shall include
concealed and exposed grid which is suspended from the main building structure. These systems are
commonly used in commercial, industrial, residential and institutional buildings. The performance
specification shall include design criteria and safety factor to comply service and accidental loading
conditions. The material specification for board and metals is to conform to the relevant standards.

Installation details appear in the appendix is to provide contractor and supervising officer guidelines in all
building works.

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.2.1 Access hatch - a hinged or removable cover to allow access, from below the ceiling soffit, to
services within the ceiling plenum. It is not intended for human access on to the grid.

NOTE : Access hatch should be taken into consideration in the design requirement.

1.2.2 Approved - approved by the S.O.

1.2.3 S.O. - means the Superintending Officer who shall be responsible for the overall supervision
and direction of the Works.

1.2.4 Building board - a dry ceiling lining product supplied in rigid or semi-rigid sheet or panel form in
a variety of materials for the lining of ceiling grid systems.

1.2.5 Ceiling hanger - a ceiling suspension component that is used to connect a main runner or
primary channel to the supporting structure above.

1.2.6 Ceiling suspension system - an assembly of ceiling components for suspending ceiling
systems.

1.2.7 Ceiling system - the components that together form a basis of a ceiling, including the grid
members and suspension system. A ceiling system may be direct fixed or suspended.

1.2.7.1 Concealed ceiling system
A ceiling lined with building board where the joints between the boards is flush
finished such that the supporting suspension system is not visible.

1.2.7.2 Exposed grid ceiling system
A ceiling with the soffit supporting grid members system is visible in two directions.
Any purpose of access by personnel to the ceiling system is strictly prohibited.

1.2.8 Ceiling tile - an infill unit that is fitted within or to the ceiling grid system to form a soffit in
exposed grid ceiling system.

1.2.9 Cross runner - a secondary member that is connected to the main runner to form a two-way
exposed grid ceiling (see Figure 2).


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1.2.10 Fire resistance level (FRL) - a measure of the ability of a construction or component to resist,
for a stated test time, the spread and effects of a fire as required by BOMBA.

1.2.11 Furring channel - ceiling suspension members in a concealed ceiling system to which the
building board is mechanically fixed.

1.2.12 Main runner - a primary member in an exposed grid ceiling system, i.e. the suspension is fixed
directly to the member.

1.2.13 Perimeter trim - any component fitted around the outer edges of the ceiling to provide an
aesthetic finish, particularly at the ceiling-to-wall join. It may also provide structural support to
the outer edges of ceiling.

1.2.14 Soffit

1.2.14.1 Ceiling
The surface of a ceiling system exposed to general view.

1.2.14.2 Structural soffit (roof or floor)
The underside of the structure from which the ceiling system is suspended.

1.2.15 Suspended ceiling - a ceiling system hung at a distance from the structural floor soffit or roof
above.

1.2.16 Top fixing - a means or device by which suspension hangers are secured to the building
structure above.

1.2.17 Wall angle - the edge angle or channel of a ceiling system that is attached to a wall (see Figure
1). The wall angle may also provide support for the infill unit or ceiling components that are
located at the periphery of the ceiling.

1.2.18 Approved manufacturer - Plasterboard producer with approved manufacturing license by
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) including all necessary product tests and certification by
SIRIM or other accredited testing authorities and in compliance with ISO certification.

1.2.19 PE Professional Engineer registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia.

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S E C T I O N 2 : M A T E R I A L S

2.1 GENERAL

The requirements specified in this Section is based on reliable industry practices over several years in
Malaysia and is deemed to have considered materials with adequate mechanical properties, resistance to
atmospheric attack, surface-finishing characteristics and properties of compound for joint-forming method
in the construction of a safe and serviceable ceiling system.. The material specification will cover
components or parts used in Suspended Concealed and Exposed Grid Ceiling Systems.

2.2 ZINC-COATED AND ALUMINIUM/ZINC-COATED STEEL

Zinc-coated and aluminum/zinc-coated steel used for the construction of suspended ceiling components
shall comply with BS 1230-1 or other equivalent Standards, as appropriate. The Contractor shall provide
proof of compliance to the approval of the S.O.

NOTE: Where sections have been cut from zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc-coated sheets, the cut edges
may be left untreated.

2.3 STEEL SECTIONS

All steel sections used for the construction of suspended ceiling components shall comply with the
suspension system, and to the approval of the S.O. Cold drawn wire shall not be allowed.

2.4 CONCEALED CEILING SYSTEM

2.4.1 Suspension system

2.4.1.1 Hangers shall not be taken as less than 5mm diameter galvanized mild steel suspension
rods.
2.4.1.2 Suspension clips - adjustable galvanized suspension clip, and shall not be less than 0.5mm
thick.

2.4.1.3 Primary member - top cross rail 38mm deep x 0.55mm thick with minimum linear density of
0.66kg/m, and having a characteristic strength of at least 250N/mm.

2.4.1.4 Secondary member - furring channel 28mm deep x 0.5mm thick with minimum linear density
of 0.468kg/m, and having a characteristic strength of at least 250 N/mm.

2.4.1.5 Locking clip shall not be less than 0.8mm thick, galvanized.

2.4.1.6 Anchors - A minimum of 3.8mm diameter with steel disc and 32mm penetration into a
minimum of Grade 20 concrete base, and a minimum of 3.8mm diameter x 18mm length
Steel Pin into a minimum of 5mm thick steel plate.


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2.4.2 Building board

2.4.2.1 Plasterboard / gypsum board

The types of board and test requirements shall be in accordance with Table 1 and Clause 5.0
of BS 1230 Part 1: 1985, respectively, and to the approval of the S.O. The board shall carry
class O approval from BOMBA.

2.4.2.2 Wet area plasterboard / Moisture resistance gypsum board

The types of moisture resistance board to receive paint finish shall be in accordance with
Table 1 and Clause 5.0 of BS 1230 Part 1: 1985, respectively, and to the approval of the S.O.
The board shall carry class O approval from BOMBA.

2.4.2.3 Fire stop plasterboard / Fire resistance gypsum board

The type of board and test requirements shall be in accordance with Type 5 of Table 1 and
Clause 5.0 of BS 1230 Part 1: 1985, respectively, and to the approval of the S.O. The board
shall carry class O approval from BOMBA.

2.4.3 Finishing

2.4.3.1 Reinforcing tape shall not be less than 50mm wide perforated paper tape from an approved
manufacturer, and to the approval of the S.O.

2.4.3.2 Jointing compound shall be pre-mixed multi-purpose gypsum based air drying type
compound, in accordance with BS 8212: 1995 and to the approval of the S.O.

2.4.4 Accessories

2.4.4.1 Fasteners all mechanical fixing devices, including, but not limited to, plasterboard nails,
drywall screws, and framing screws shall be in accordance with Clause 2.2.3 Mechanical
fixing devices of BS 8212: 1995, and to the approval of the S.O.

2.4.4.2 Sealants - fire sealant for fire rated plasterboard and wet area sealant for wet area
plasterboard/moisture resistance gypsum board shall be in accordance with Clause 2.2.6, BS
8212: 1995, and to the approval of the S.O.

2.4.4.3 Insulation (thermal/acoustical) - semi rigid insulation/acoustic slab, with minimum thickness of
50mm, with density as indicated as supplied by approved manufacturer.

2.4.4.4 Control joint required in a long continuous runs of ceiling, spaced at not more than 9mm in
continuous plasterboard ceiling.

2.5 EXPOSED GRID CEILING SYSTEM

2.5.1 Suspension system

2.5.1.1 Hangers - shall not be less than 3mm diameter galvanized mild steel suspension rods.

2.5.1.2 Suspension clips - adjustable butterfly galvanized suspension clip shall not be less than
0.5mm thick.

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2.5.1.3 Main runners - shall have a minimum of 24 gauge galvanized steel, not exceeding 3600 mm
long, and not less than 25mm width.

2.5.1.4 Cross runners - shall be having a minimum of 24 gauge galvanized steel and not exceeding
1200 mm long.

2.5.1.5 Wall angle - shall be either L-Angle or W-Angle with a minimum of 24 gauge galvanized
steel, not exceeding 3000mm long and finished on exposed surfaces with off-white enamel to
the approval of the S.O.

2.5.2 Ceiling tile

2.5.2.1 Plasterboard ceiling tile

Non-directional pattern square edge, 600mm x 600mm x 9.5mm thick or 600mm x 1200mm x
9.5mm thick shall be approved by the S.O. The ceiling tiles shall comply in accordance with
the following:-

Non-combustibility : to BS 476 Part 4: 1970 (1984)
Fire propagation : to BS 476 Part 6: 1989
Surface spread of flame : to BS 476 Part 7: 1997
Sag performance : to ASTM C367-95
Whiteness index : to ASTM E313-73
Noise reduction co-efficient : to ASTM E1414-91a
Anti fungus : to ASTM D3273 00/ASTM D3274 95
Moisture absorption : to BS 1230; Part 1: Clause 5.1.4 (Type 3 only)

2.5.2.2 Vinyl laminated ceiling tile

Vinyl ceiling tiles is made from standard plasterboard finish with a high quality PVC lining that
provides a durable and easy to clean face. However, prior approval by the S.O has to be
obtained.


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S E C T I O N 3: P E R F O R M A N C E S P E C I F I C A T I O N T O
ME E T D E S I G N R E Q U I R E M E N T S

3.1 DESIGN

3.1.1 Aim

The aim of design is to provide a safe ceiling system that has adequate strength and serviceability, is
stable and durable, and satisfies other objectives such as economy and ease of construction.

3.1.2 Requirements

The ceiling suspension system and its connections to the structure shall satisfy the design requirements
for strength, serviceability, stability and durability in accordance with the procedures specified in this
Specification, where appropriate. In the absence of such procedures, the Contractors responsibilities in
satisfying the design requirements of the ceiling suspension system are not relinquished, in any manner.

Ceiling systems shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the suspension and frame will
remain structurally sound, without the need for any maintenance.

Ceiling systems that provide structural stability to the building shall have a design life not less than that of
the building.

3.1.3 Submission

The Contractor shall submit shop drawings and design calculations of the ceiling suspension system
showing compliance to all design requirements and duly certified by a P.E. No work shall commence until
approval is given in writing by the S.O.
Manufactures of suspended ceiling systems must submit calculation showing compliance to all design
requirements and certified by PE and the SO for approval prior to acceptance.

3.2 LOADS

3.2.1 General

The design of a ceiling for ultimate and serviceability limit states shall take into account the action effects
arising from the following and the load requirements specified in Clause 3.2.2 herein after.

(a) Air pressure fluctuation.

(b) Other loads that may occur (for example, any specific requirement such as large and heavy
lighting, mechanical facilities, earthquake etc.).

3.2.2 Requirements

The following design parameters shall apply:

(a) Dead, live, wind and earthquake.

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(b) Allowance should be made for a distributed service load (U) of not less than 0.03 kN/m
2.
The
mass of insulation or other materials supported directly by the plasterboard ceiling must not
exceed 0.02 kN/m
2
. Unless fastened directly to the ceiling frame, designers must provide for
extra framework above the ceiling to support heavy items such as large light fittings, hanging
TV monitors etc. No M&E fittings and facilities shall be allowed to be supported by the ceiling
frame system.

(c) All ceiling hangers shall be designed for a minimum design action effect (Su) of 0.5 kN (50 kg)
for non-trafficable ceiling systems.

(d) At access hatches, a service point load (U) equals 0.3 kN (30 kg) shall be applied in addition
to the other loads. Access hatches shall not be used for personnel to enter the ceiling plenum
space. Maintenance and other personnel shall be supported independently of the ceiling
system.

Plasterboards are not designed for and shall not be regarded as structural elements. Therefore, surface
mounted fixtures such as light fittings, air-condition diffusers, sprinkler points, etc. shall need independent
support framing hidden above or exposed below the ceiling line to provide adequate and appropriate
support.

3.2.3 Air pressure fluctuation

Provision shall be made for the restraining of the suspension system and for the anchoring of the panels,
tiles or other materials of the ceiling proper against the effects of any air pressure fluctuations that are
likely to be encountered (for example wind pressure for external ceiling, airport areas etc.)

3.2.4 Deflection limit

The deflection of ceiling grid system under service condition shall be controlled by a limit for the calculated
deflection of the element chosen to the structure and its intended use. The value shall not less than
L/360.

3.3 FIRE REACTION AND RESISTANCE

3.3.1 General

Suspended ceiling systems, roof-ceiling or floor-ceiling assemblies incorporating suspended ceiling
systems are required to provide fire resistance between floors or between the compartment below the
ceiling and the ceiling void. In addition, the surface finish of a ceiling system shall meet the performance
requirements for reaction to fire.

3.3.2 Method

3.3.2.1 Reaction to fire (early fire hazard properties)

Where a suspended ceiling system is required to have specific early fire hazard properties,
such properties shall be tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1530.3,

3.3.2.2 Resistance to fire


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Where a suspended ceiling forms part of a roof-ceiling or floor-ceiling system, which is
required to have a fire resistance rating, such rating shall be tested in accordance with AS
1530.4.

3.4 ACOUSTIC REQUIREMENTS

3.4.1 General

Roof-ceiling or floor-ceiling assemblies incorporating suspended ceiling systems are often required to
provide acoustic performance or noise control between adjacent rooms and other areas.

3.4.2 Method

3.4.2.1 Sound absorption

Ceilings specified to have a sound absorption performance shall be tested in accordance
with AS 1045, ASTM C 423 or BS EN 20354.
The commonly used rating term is Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC).

3.4.2.2 Airborne sound insulation

Suspended ceilings specified to contribute to the airborne sound insulation between adjacent
separated rooms with a common plenum, shall be tested in accordance with AS/NZS 2499,
ASTM E 1414 or ISO 140-9 (two room methods)
The commonly used rating term is Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC).

Ceiling specified to contribute to airborne sound insulation vertically between separated
rooms shall be tested in accordance with ISO 140-3. The field performance may be verified
using ISO 140-4.
The commonly used rating terms for vertical spaces is Sound Transmission Class (STC).

3.4.2.3 Impact sound insulation

Ceilings specified to contribute to impact sound insulation vertically between separated
spaced shall be tested in accordance with ISO 140-6. Site performance may be verified
using the method described in ISO 140-7.
The commonly used rating terms is Impact Insulation Class (IIC).

3.4.2.4 Testing method statement

A full test report shall be submitted to the S.O as proof of compliance. It shall relate to the
entire specified system. Any variations shall be endorsed by formal opinion from the test
laboratory or field testing. Test reports, opinions and the testing authority shall be stated in
the suppliers trade literature or be made available on request, or both.

NOTE:

1. Attention is drawn to the fact that the acoustic performance and sound transmission is a
property of the complete system, including penetrations.

2. Alteration, addition or deletion of any component of the system may alter the sound
transmission.


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S E C T I O N 4 : I N S T A L L A T I O N G U I D E L I N ES

4.1 DESIGN

The design process shall consider all aspects of the ceiling systems, including the capacity of the primary
structure to provide the necessary support to the ceiling and the function of the building.

4.2 SITE CONDITIONS

Internal ceiling installation shall not proceed until the building is effectively weather tight and the work area
of wet trades has been completed and dried, unless specifically designed for this situation. External
ceilings shall be installed when construction above the ceiling is completed.

Prior to commencing work, the Contractor shall be provided with the approved shop drawings to allow the
installation to proceed.

4.3 SETTING OUT

The shop drawings used for the ceiling installation shall contain sufficient information to allow the installer
to set out the ceiling grid. The finished height of the ceiling shall be included on the drawings.

Sufficient information should be clearly indicated on the hop drawings to enable the ceiling module and
setting out points in each ceiling area applicable to all relevant trades to be established early. All trades
shall work to the same setting out points and data.

The ceiling height in each area shall be marked in relation to the elevation benchmarks and then
transferred by means of a water level, or rotating laser or other devices.

Setting out lines should be in both directions and squared accurately at the outset.

NOTE: Building tolerances are such that it may be difficult in large ceiling areas to maintain a strict
alignment with modular elements, such as structural columns or window mullions.

4.4 TOP FIXINGS

The top fixing to all ceiling hangers should be made to the primary structural framing element, unless
specifically designed otherwise.

Screw fasteners used for tension connections shall consider pullout, pull through and over torqueing.

The Contractor shall ensure the fixings are of a corrosion-resistant material suitable for the intended
application, and fixings are compatible with the material of the structure to which they are to be fitted.

In the case of refurbishment, prior to commencing work, the primary structure form which the ceiling is to
be suspended shall be verified as being structurally adequate, duly certified by a P.E.


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4.4.1 Purlin fixings

The top fixing to purlin shall be as follows:

(a) Fixings shall be made of steel plate straps. No connections requiring drillings to the web/lip of
the purlins are allowed, unless specifically designed otherwise.

(b) Where flange connections are necessary, they should be made as close as possible to the
web of the purlin, and design calculations shall be provided to ensure the structural capacity
of the purlin is not compromised.

(c) Fixings should be selected and installed in accordance with the manufacturers specification
and approved by the S.O.

4.4.2 Concrete fixings

The top fixing to concrete shall be as follows:

(a) Shot-fired fasteners are to be approved by S.O for the individual site. The type of fasteners
shall be referred to Section 2 Materials 2.4.4.1 Fasteners.

(b) When using concrete anchors, they should be installed in accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations taking due care to maintain minimum edge distances, spacing and
embedment depth.

(c) No fasteners, either shot-fired or drilled into are allowed to be installed directly to the flat roof
slab. Separate structural framing element shall be specifically designed, and approved by the
S.O.

4.4.3 Aerated/lightweight concrete fixings

Fixing to aerated/lightweight concrete requires special attention and shall only be made in accordance
with the manufacturers recommendations.

4.4.4 Structural steel

The top fixing to structural steel framing element, unless specifically designed otherwise, shall be as
follows:

(a) Self-drilling screws are not allowed for structural steel, unless specifically designed otherwise.
These screws are not to be placed in tension unless specifically designed for that purpose.

(b) All holes drill to the structural steel by drilling shall be duly approved by the S.O.

(c) Shot-fired anchors shall be approved by the S.O.

(d) Clips are available, but the specific application needs to be checked and installation should be
strictly in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.


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4.4.5 Cold formed steel truss / timber truss

The top fixing to trusses shall be as follows:

(a) Fixings shall be made of steel plate straps. Self-drilling screws are not allowed unless
specifically designed, otherwise. For the case of proprietary truss system, the Contractor
shall obtain written approval from the vendor and the S.O.

The top fixing to timber shall be as follows:

(a) Fixing to timber joist shall be made into the side of the timber, with five times the diameter of
the fastener clear edge distances.

4.5 HANGERS

The materials used for hangers shall be in accordance with Clause 2.3, above and installed in accordance
with the ceiling system manufacturers specification. Bends as a means of levelling the ceiling or to avoid
plenum services, shall not be made in the hangers.

Where hangers cannot be fitted at the specified spacing, secondary members shall be installed. The
secondary framing members shall satisfy the design requirements specified in Clause 3.2.2. The ceiling
system shall not be suspended from, and shall be kept clear of, any building services such as
ducts. Ancillary services such as electrical cables and air-conditioning duct works shall not be
suspended from the ceiling hangers.

4.6 CEILING SYSTEMS

4.6.1 Concealed ceiling system

4.6.1.1 Set-out

When setting out a concealed ceiling system, a number of procedures must be
considered. If suspending from timber joists or metal purlins, the primary member (top
cross rail) must run at a right angle. Plasterboard is fixed at a right angle to the furring
channel, i.e. plasterboard sheets run in the same direction as the top cross rail. When
setting out a suspended concealed ceiling system, allow for the least amount of butt joints
and recessed joints.

The suspension points shall carry the suspended ceiling only. For additional ceiling
fixtures, extra suspension points should be installed.

4.6.1.2 Installation procedures

(a) This suspended ceiling system is to be installed using wall angle.

(b) Establish a finished ceiling height from a given mark or plan provided.


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(c) Measure the depth of the wall angle to be used and place this mark above the finished
ceiling height.

(d) Transfer the new mark around the room, using a water level, laser level, etc and a chalk
line.

(e) Fix the top of the wall angle to the chalk line mark. Wall angle is to be fixed at 600mm
maximum centres. The first fixing should be 50mm from the edges.


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(f) Suspension brackets are fixed into place. The first line of suspension brackets must be
200mm from the wall face.

(g) The first suspension bracket on the first top cross rail must also be 200mm from the wall
face, with intermediate suspension brackets spaced at 1200mm maximum centres along
the top cross rail.

(h) Top cross rails are spaced at 1200mm maximum centres (with a minimum of two
suspension points per top cross rail). When joining top cross rail, joins must be
staggered and a top cross rail joiner used to join the two together.


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(i) Furring channels are fixed at right angles to the top cross rail. A furring channel to top
cross rail clip is used to join them together.

(j) Furring channel spacing depends upon the type and thickness of plasterboard used.

Plasterboard type Furring channel spacing
9.5mm Standard core 450mm ctrs max.
9.5mm Unispan 600mm ctrs max.
12.5mm Standard core 600mm ctrs max.

(k) If furring channel must be joined, then furring channel joiners must be used. Furring
channel joins must also be staggered.

(l) Once the entire concealed ceiling system has been installed, level the ceiling grid using a
spirit, laser or water level then install plasterboard sheets.


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Fixing procedures of plasterboard to a concealed ceiling system.

The following procedures are important when fixing plasterboard to a concealed ceiling system:

(a) Plasterboard must be fixed at right angle to the furring channel/

(b) Butt joints must be kept to a minimum.

(c) Butt joints must be centred on furring channel.

(d) Butt joints must be staggered.

(e) Plasterboard is to be fixed using 25mm bugle head needle point type S screws

(f) Screw spacing for butt joints are at 200mm max. Centres.

(g) Screw spacing in the middle of the board are at 300mm max. Centres.

4.6.2 Exposed grid ceiling system

4.6.2.1 Set-out

Allowing for the largest possible margin tile
An exposed grid ceiling system should be installed allowing for the largest cut margin tiles
possible. By following this method, the system will be aesthetically pleasing and cost
effective. An appropriate guide for working out the size of a margin tile is that the margin
tile should be more than half of the tiles length or width.


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Working out even margins

4.6.2.2 Installation procedures

(d) From a given plan or datum line, establish a finished ceiling height. Measure the depth of
the wall angle to be used, then place this distance above the finished ceiling line. This
mark will represent where the top of the wall angle will sit.

(e) Transfer this mark around the room using a water leveller, laser leveller etc.


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(f) Fix wall angle in place with fixing centres at 600mm max.

(g) Position two string lines to represent the margin tiles (install string lines using the builder
square method)

(h) Set out main runners, with the first main runner from the wall in line with the margin tile
string line. The cross tee slot must line up with the second margin tile string line.

NOTE: Main runners are to run in the direction shown on the plan. Under a concrete
slab, main runners are to run to the rooms width. If suspended from C-purlin, main
runners are to run at right angle from them.


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(i) The main runners are to be suspended at 1200mm maximum centres, with the first
suspension point 200mm from the wall. Extra suspension points must be installed to
carry any type of additional ceiling fixing.


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(j) The top of the suspension rod or hangers that connects with the suspension bracket
should be folded to a 30 angle and 40mm in length.

(k) Install cross tee, taking care to ensure that they are fixed and clipped together tightly.

(l) Once the entire grid has been installed, level the area.

(m) Place full tiles into the grid.

(n) Cut and install all margin tiles.

NOTE: Take care not to leave any finger marks on the ceiling tile face use gloves
wherever possible.

4.7 BULKHEADS

All bulkheads shall be attached to the structural soffit, independent of the ceiling unless the ceiling system
has been designed otherwise.

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4.8 PARTITIONS

Partition shall be fixed to the primary framing members of the grid and not to the tiles or infill panels.
Where the partition is face loaded, the top track of the partition shall be braced within the ceiling plenum
or the partition shall be continuous through to the structural soffit.

4.9 SERVICES

The ceiling layout shall be planned prior to installation to determine the grid configuration, direction and
the like, to ensure that all fixing points are compatible with the structural members or other services, or
both.

Mechanical and electrical services shall be completed before installation of the suspension systems.
Down-lights or other services shall not rely on the ceiling panel for support. The load shall be transferred
back to the ceiling structural components.

NOTE: Suspension rods or hangers can be installed before or during installation of services.

4.10 PROTECTION OF INSTALLED CEILING

All practical steps shall be taken to protect the ceiling from damage.

NOTE: It is generally impracticable for finished ceiling or partly finished ceilings to be fully protected from
damage by other trades. To minimize damage to the finished ceilings, program the ceiling installation as
late as possible within the time schedule and control access to the finished areas.

4.11 INSPECTION OF INSTALLED CEILING

The ceiling shall be inspected and approved in accordance with the contract documents.
4.12 TESTING

The Contractor shall carry out in-situ Pull-out Tests for the top fixings of ceiling hangers. A minimum of
10% of the total quantity of the top fixings shall be tested at random to twice the design load. However, the
design load shall not be taken as less than 3kN.

4.13 MAINTENANCE

All maintenance of the ceiling system shall be carried out in accordance with the ceiling system
manufacturers specification.

NOTE: The manufacturer should provide advice on the care and maintenance of the ceiling system.


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4.14 CUTTING AND CHANGES OF INSTALLED PLASTERBOARD CEILING

To make openings for electrical wiring and plumbing etc. measure and mark the location of the
penetration on the plasterboard sheet and cut a small hole using a keyhole saw.

For any light fittings that is are heavier than the allowable load, the Contractor shall obtain written
approval from plasterboard manufacturer and submitted to the S.O

R E F E R E N C E S :

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD

AS 1045 Acoustics Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room.

AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND STANDARD

AS/NZS 2499 Acoustics Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of Building elements
Laboratory measurement of room-to-room airborne sound insulation of a suspended
ceiling with a plenum above it.

AMERICAN STANDARD OF TESTING MATERIALS

ASTM C 423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the
Reverberation Room Method.

ASTM E 1414 Standard Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms sharing a
Common Ceiling Plenum

BRITISH STANDARD

BS 476 Fire tests on building materials and structures

BS 476 Part 4: Non-combustibility test for materials

BS 476 Part 6: Method of tests for fire propagation for products

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BS 476 Part 7: Method for classification of the surface spread of flame of products.

BS 1230 Part 1: Specification for plasterboard excluding materials submitted to secondary
operations

BS 1230 Part 1: Clause 5.1.4 Water absorption (type 3 only)

BS 8212 1985: Code of practice for Dry Wall Lining and Partition Using gypsum plasterboard.

BRITISH/EUROPEAN STANDARD

BS EN 20354 Acoustics Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

ISO 140-3 Part 3: Laboratory measurements or airborne sound insulation of building
Elements.

ISO 140-4 Part 4: Field measurements or airborne sound insulation between rooms.

ISO 140-6 Part 6: Laboratory measurements of impact sound insulation of floors.

ISO 140-7 Part 7: Field measurements of impact sound insulation of floors.

ISO 140-9 Part 9: Laboratory measurement of room-to-room airborne sound insulation of a
suspended ceiling with a plenum above it.

Specification For Plasterboard - Ceiling System

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JKR20601-0181-09

Specification For Plasterboard Ceiling System

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