Woodspan PLT panels, a cost-effective solution for intertenancy flooring Increasing urban density has sharpened the focus on noise within and between adjoining tenancies as well as the risk of fire spreading between buildings and tenancies. In respect of noise transmission this does not necessarily require compliance with building code clause G6 (Airborne and Impact Sound), but noise reduction still will improve the occupied experience. Designers understand that the primary structure of the floor does not contribute significantly to the noise reduction and fire resistance. These attributes are primarily provided through the installation of a suspended ceiling and acoustic flooring assemblies. It is the ease with which suspended ceiling assemblies and acoustic flooring assemblies can be fixed to a Woodspan Parallel Laminated Timber (PLT) flooring system that makes Woodspan PLT the cost effective, construction efficient, high-performance choice. Managing noise Noise within a space and between adjoining spaces can reduce the comfort and enjoyment of the spaces. Acoustic flooring acts in two ways. It can absorb noise and reduce the transmission of noise to adjoining spaces. Noise absorption is quantified by the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and, in NZ, reduction in transmission is quantified through the sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC). Woodspan engaged Acoustic Engineering Services to carry out acoustic modelling for PTK panels with thickness of 90 mm, 117mm and 140 mm. Within each thickness different acoustic flooring assemblies and a standardised 2 x 13 mm GIB suspended ceiling assembly was considered. Results were as follows PLT thickness (mm) Predicted STC (dB) Predicted IIC (dB) 90 50-61 37-58 117 51-62 41-63 140 52-63 43-64 These predicted values exceed the requirements (STC 55 and IIC 55) stated in building code clause G6 STC 55 and IIC 55. The modelling also demonstrated that Woodspan PLT panels may be used as an equivalent alternative to CLT. Fire Rating Performance The boundary of a fire cell must be fire rated to the applicable level. The boundary is given as the line of the suspended ceiling. GIB Fire Rated System provides well-used FRR assembly options. Where this boundary is penetrated, the penetrations need to provide the same level of FRR as the ceiling. Penetrations typically include services (electrical and plumbing). Woodspan offers tested Ryanfire penetration details which may be relied upon when specifying a Woodspan PLT flooring system. Build with Woodspan PLT Woodspan PLT provide general architectural details and information covering panel spans, fixings, FRR details as well as links to other systems such as suspended ceiling and acoustic flooring systems. Woodspan projects The performance of the Woodspan PLT flooring system has been proven in a number of significant projects. Thes projects included intertenancy floors. See these projects at woodspan.co.nz/projects. This article has been originally published on EBOSS.
