29th May 2023

Dry Wall Partition Insulation

Dry Partition walls are high performance lightweight interior wall system consisting of a GI steel frame, encased in gypsum or cement fiber boards on either side attached with self-drilling screws

Dry wall partitions are widely used as internal wall partitions or dry wall lining of the walls from inside of the building. Dry wall lining has gain popularity over conventional block work partition because of it’s light weight, easy and quick construction. High rise buildings prefer dry wall internal partition as it reduces the load on the building structure. To increase the fire resistant and acoustical properties dry wall partitions are being installed in combination with fibrous insulation, fire rated Gypsum board or cement fiber boards. Rockwool being fire resistant and acoustically absorbent material is default choice.

Fire and Acoustical Performance

Dry wall partition systems are not only constructed to separate the two adjacent spaces but their functionality is diversified to be Thermally & Acoustically Insulated and Fire prevention is also a major criteria.

Acoustical performance of the Dry wall partition system is measured in terms of STC or OITC or Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction – Singe number criteria for air born sound insulation)of the Wall construction assembly, while as RockWool help enhance the absorption of the sound with in the frame cavities. Rockwool can achieve a NRC of 1,0 to provide excellent acoustical properties. The NRC Value (Noise Reduction Co-efficient) is the index of measurement of sound absorption of the surface of the material, which is tested in accordance with ASTM C423.

Fire Performance of the Dry wall partition is an important aspect to ensure the safety of the occupants of the buildings. Fire performance of the Dry wall system is measured on the basic requirements of combustion performance and Fire resistance rating i.e. it’s ability to withstand for a time period in hours in case of Fire. The Fire rating of dry wall partitions is measured through a fire test conducted in accordance with ASTM E119/ BS 476, Part-22 /EN1363-1 or other equivalent. The Dry wall system in combination with Rockwool Insulation can achieve a fire rating requirement of 1 - 4 hrs. In a light steel frame wall system, Rockwool and other filling materials are necessary for meeting different Fire resistance requirements.

Dry wall Benefits

  • Light weight
  • Flexibility in Construction
  • Dry Construction
  • Less Construction Time
  • Fire Protection
  • Sound Insulation
  • Aesthetically Pleasing
  • Environmental Friendly
  • Easy Alteration / Modification
 

SRW Rockwool

SRW offers wide range of semi rigid/rigid Rockwool Boards Complying to the requirement of ASTM C612 as well flexible Rockwool insulation Batts complying to the requirement of ASTM C 665 & ASTM C 553. Rockwool Insulation is can be used in various types of Dry/internal wall partition designs.

SRW Rockwool Benefits

  • Acoustically Absorbent (NRC up to 1.0)
  • Fire Resistance up to 3-4 Hrs. as a Dry wall partition system
  • Water Repellant and Permeable
  • no corrosion on light steel frame or metal components
  • Non-Combustible
  • Euroclass Fire Classification – “A1”
  • Melting temperature above 1000 °C
  • “zero” Flame Spread Index
  • “zero” smoke Developed Index
  • Fungi / mold Resistance
  • No Capillary action
  • No Toxic smoke or Gases
  • Chemically inert
 

Technical Parameters

Parameters

Unit

Value

Compliance Standard

Thermal Conductivity

W/m.K

0.033 -0.038

ASTM C 177 / ASTM C 518

Density*

Kg/m3

35 - 100

ASTM C 303

Thickness

(mm)

50 - 150

 

Compressive Strength

KPa

2.5 - 12

ASTM C 165

Surface Burning Characteristics

•Flame Spread Index
•Smoke Developed Index
 

Zero

Zero

ASTM E 84 / UL 723

Moisture Absorption

%

<0.2

ASTM C 1104

Water Absorption

%

<1

BS EN 1609