How to modify a tested fire-rated wall to improve its stc sound rating, while maintaining its official fire-rated qualification

Authors

  • Harold Forester Eng. Contrôles Forester/Forester Controls, 1434 Franklin, Laval, QC H7W 1K6, Canada

Keywords:

Building materials, Fire resistance, Fires, Gypsum, Slags, Studs (fasteners), Studs (structural members), Synthetic fibers, Thermal insulation, Walls (structural partitions), Fire rating, Gypsum board, Load bearing walls, Mechanical shafts, Steel studs, Thermal buildings, Underwriters laboratories

Abstract

Underwriters Laboratories Canada (ULC) has issued design guidelines for fire ratings that outline modifications that are permitted to a tested design that do not affect the tested fire rating. Under the guidelines the dimensions and gauge of steel studs are minimums and additional layers of gypsum board are permitted to be added to any design. It also state that Listed and labeled mineral fibre thermal building insulation processed from rock, slag and glass only may be used in ULC non load-bearing wall assembly designs consisting of wallboard and steel or wood studs with a fire-resistance rating not exceeding two hours when illustrated without insulation, without detracting from the rating assigned to the assembly. In a specific example of modifying a wall, a mechanical shaft within a condo needed a 2 hour fire rating as well as a high STC rating of 62.

Additional Files

Published

2012-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Forester H. How to modify a tested fire-rated wall to improve its stc sound rating, while maintaining its official fire-rated qualification. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2012 Sep. 1 [cited 2025 Feb. 13];40(3):94-5. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2556

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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