The challenge
NBS Source is a library of hundreds of thousands of systems and products from construction product manufacturers. Within this library, there are over 1000 different Gypsum board partition systems from many different manufacturers.
Partitions are amongst the most specified items of any building. We therefore recognize that it is not easy for designers to quickly and accurately find specific partitions that meet their performance requirements.
Whether the architect has design responsibilities and is specifying a specific brand, or the contractor’s team is proposing a solution to meet an architect’s performance specification, getting the specification right is a challenge.
Research
The challenge was to take the specification performance guidance, authored and maintained in NBS Chorus, and re-author this in a form that allowed standardized filtering based on digital data. Senior Technical Author James Smith, who led the work, commented: “In our NBS Chorus specification platform, we can provide guidance notes that support specifiers in their decision-making. However, when building a set of rules for software functionality in NBS Source, a level of precision is required that must apply across thousands of different real-world solutions. By looking at gypsum board partitions in detail, and working with technical experts from some of our most specified manufacturers, we have been able to create something that will, hopefully, be valued by those working in the UK construction industry.”
With respect to the research, we worked with technical experts at British Gypsum, Knauf and Siniat to agree on a set of standardized properties that would enable digital filtering. Some of these properties were straightforward to define, whereas others had subtleties that specifiers need to be aware of.
Sound insulation
Two options for sound insulation are provided. The first is a Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw) value for partitions intended for general internal purposes. In addition, an alternative option is provided for partitions that require a correction factor for low-frequency noise (Rw + Ctr). Specifiers should be aware of the application, prior to selecting the most appropriate filter for sound insulation.
Fire resistance
A decision was made not to include an option for fire resistance, as defined in the BS 476 series. Instead, a single, combined value to BS EN 1364-1 (the method for determining the fire resistance of non-loadbearing walls) was chosen. Specifiers may therefore select from values such as EI 30, EI 60, EI 90 or EI 120, which combine both integrity and insulation. Specifiers should note that these are fire classifications which can only be confirmed where the test or system has also been formally classified to BS EN 13501-2.
Dimensions
Following consultation, two values for maximum height have been provided: one for the ‘cold state’ and a separate value for the ‘fire state’.
If fire resistance is required for a partition, it is required to be tested to an EN standard, and as such is deemed the fire state. This is typically limited to the furnace height, but if certain criteria are met then they can be officially extended through the BS EN 13501-2 classification process. If fire resistance is not required, the cold state height may be determined by a structural calculation based upon the maximum mid-height deflection and required duty rating. Specifiers should be aware of the application prior to selecting a system based upon the maximum height.
Third-party certification
A review of third-party certification was also undertaken, with standardized terminology used for Sound insulation to BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN ISO 140-3, and for Fire resistance to BS EN 1364-1. This is in addition to other standardized items such as Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) system certification and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
A summary of all system properties is available in the NBS Source filters; a selection of example values is given below:
| Property | Example values |
|---|---|
| Sound insulation, Rw (minimum) to BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN ISO 140-3 | 30 Rw (dB) 40 Rw (dB) 50 Rw (dB) |
| Sound insulation, Rw + Ctr (minimum) to BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN ISO 140-3 | 30 Rw (dB) 40 Rw (dB) 50 Rw (dB) |
| Fire resistance to BS EN 1364-1 | EI 30 EI 60 EI 90 |
| Duty rating to BS 5234-2 | Light duty (LD) Medium duty (MD) Heavy duty (HD) Severe duty (SD) |
| Maximum height – cold state | 4000 mm 5000 mm 6000 mm |
| Maximum height – fire state | 3000 mm 4000 mm 5000 mm |
| Thickness | 100 mm 200 mm 300 mm |
| Product (system) certification | Sound insulation to BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN ISO 140-3 Fire resistance to BS EN 1364-1 Acoustic certification (and classification to BS EN 13501-2). |
It should be noted that Source and the filters provided are only tools to assist in selection. Certification and documentation provided by manufacturers should be checked to make sure that they are suitable for location, use, etc. and do not conflict with other performance requirements.
The solution
Partner Platform
Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, demonstrates the data management platform that manufacturers use to structure their data.
NBS Source
A further demonstration showing how the new system property filters can be used in NBS Source.
NBS Chorus
A final demonstration showing how a selected system can be then easily added to the specification or office master.
By supporting NBS in enhancing NBS Source, we’ve helped create a powerful digital platform for specifiers. The combination of detailed technical data and intuitive performance filters means project teams can now identify the right partition system faster, with greater confidence, and in full alignment with their design requirements.
Mark Enderby – Specification Market Manager, Knauf UK
More information
Visit NBS Source now to try the partition filter functionality.
Note: Harmonized standards are prefixed 'EN', 'BS EN', 'IS EN' etc. with the 'EN' prefix confirming that the standard has been adopted by a regional European standardising body i.e. IS EN is designated for use in Ireland. As NBS is used across Europe we have included these standards accordingly where provided by the manufacturer.