GTEK manufactures top fire-rated products for construction needs. GTEK products are proudly Australian made, servicing the Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria markets. The updated fire and acoustic guide contains the latest fire ratings and acoustics information.

Updates and changes to the new GTEK Fire & Acoustic Guide:

Boundary & exterior walls

Fire-rated boundaries and exterior walls are paramount to contain and prevent the spread of fires. Adhering to the National Construction Code (NCC), GTEK Plasterboard and BGC Fibre Cement products can achieve the required fire ratings.

Columns & beams

GTEK Fire is a fire-rated plasterboard, which enhances optimal performance for columns and beams. A typical beam consists of the following:

Wall furring track at the back tongue of the clip
Steel angle fixed to the wall junction or soffit
Noggings at the end of each column or beam and behind plasterboard butt joins (for single-layer systems)

The suitable fire ratings for columns and beams depend on the lining’s thickness and system number. For instance, 30/-/- FRL is ideal for the system no. GTEK – CB01 with linings of 1×13mm GTEK Fire.

GECA approved products

The GECA ecolabel is an independently approved ‘tick’ certifying ethically-made, environment-friendly products with a lower impact on human health. GECA’s stringent assessment protocols meeting industry standards imply GECA’s certification is trusted and robust.

Furthermore, the Green Building Council of Australia recognises the GECA certification. By using products with the GECA tick of approval, it is possible to receive up to three Green Star points using GECA-certified products.

Bushfire information (BAL)

Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) include BAL-FZ, BAL-40, BAL-29, BAL-19, BAL-12.5, or BAL-Low. BGC Fibre Cement GTEK products are available to protect against each BAL category.

Buildings can only achieve the required fire protection upon correctly installing the products. So, contractors and builders should use suitable materials for external plasterboard walls, eaves lining, fascias, roofs, etc.

Cinema wall zones

GTEK Sound provides sound insulation, with the ideal value of at least Rw70. For airborne noise, the value can range from Rw10 to Rw70 plus. A higher rating translates to a better partition for sound insulation.

Other specifications for GTEK Sound include:

Girts fixed on a vertical steel column with proprietary isolation mounts
A top hat vertical section with tracks supporting the head and base
Single or continuous span — for the top hat — for internal wind pressure
Plasterboard fixings from the top hat to the layers beneath the top hat

Mid-rise partitioning wall systems

GTEK offers various high-performance plasterboard solutions for mid-rise buildings. The fire-rated Australian plasterboard product range is tested and proven for quality. GTEK plasterboard also reduces sound transmission to provide a quiet environment.

GTEK plasterboard for walls is lightweight and easy to install. GTEK plasterboard provides flat, smooth, and flawless wall installation. In addition to installing plasterboard, builders, trades and contractors can use GTEK’s cornice to add to the wall’s decor.

New inclusions in the updated GTEK Fire & Acoustic Guide

The updated version now includes the following elements:

System updates

The updated GTEK Fire & Acoustic Guide is the latest version using updated construction codes. The updated fire and acoustic standards ensure projects have adequate protection against fire as per new product advancements and building codes and regulations.

Exterior wall systems

GTEK updates to exterior walls help contractors maintain the integrity of their projects. The updated information provides building occupants with the latest protection and maximum safety from fire and smoke.

GTEK Protect systems

The GTEK Protect system consists of a double wall with fire-resistant 25mm plasterboard panels within the wall cavity. Unlike conventional fire-rated walls, the fire barrier in the GTEK Protect system is within the wall cavity. So, the fire-rated plasterboard protects the structure opposite to the fire.

The GTEK Protect system meets a fire resistance level of 60/60/60 and delivers outstanding acoustic performance. The GTEK Protect system is quick and easy to construct.

Who does the GTEK Fire & Acoustic Guide help?

The updated fire and acoustic guide helps decision-makers ensure fire safety and acoustic performance in buildings by making up-to-date, informed specifications. This fire and acoustic guide is useful for anyone in the following categories:

Architects: Assists architects to design safe buildings that meet regulatory requirements. In doing so, occupants are provided with the necessary level of fire protection and acoustic performance.
Engineers: Allows engineers to specify materials that comply with fire safety and acoustic regulations.
Building owners: Explains the benefits of fire safety measures and acoustic performance.
Project managers: Provides up-to-date information to ensure compliance with applicable fire safety and acoustic regulations.

Overall, the updated fire and acoustic guide is essential for anyone involved in the design, construction, and management of fire safety and acoustic installations in a building.

Positioning GTEK as a market leader in plasterboard products

GTEK is a leading provider of plasterboard products and fire-resistant systems. GTEK is well-positioned to meet customer needs with its many solutions. GTEK plasterboard production in state-of-the-art facilities ensure GTEK provides top-notch aesthetics, acoustic performance, safety, and cost-efficiency.

GTEK has built a reputation on superior quality products and outstanding customer service. GTEK is continuously innovating and expanding the product range to meet the latest trends, offering market satisfaction. It is paramount for BGC Plasterboard to provide customers with access to the most up-to-date information and better building solutions.

Contact our technical team for help

GTEK products offer superior acoustic performance and are suitable for various applications. Plasterboard products can be used in homes, schools, offices, apartments, and other commercial projects. The experts at GTEK also offer guidance and customise project systems.

Contact us today to start the journey to specifying and building by always ensuring that Building Code standards are met and using high-quality plasterboard and fibre cement products.

Architecture & Design Team

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BGC Plasterboard

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