I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

Fire and Sound Rated Wall and

Floor/Ceiling Systems Summary

Information regarding method of construction, fixing,

Introduction lining order and frame configurations is found in literature
The following summary tables list the most common provided by the lining manufacturers. Some wall systems
fire rated systems used in Multi Residential Timber have restrictions, such as the order of linings to be fixed to the
Framed Construction (MRTFC). They include walls, studs or minimum thickness of studs. Where this occurs,
floor/ceiling systems, incipient spread of fire ceilings and installations must be in accordance with these requirements.
fire protection to beams and columns.

The purpose of this information bulletin is to aid in the

Sound Insulation Performance
selection of systems for inclusion in MRTFC projects and In some cases, a range of Rw values is given for
for that purpose only general information is contained internal walls listed. The range is due to the different
within this bulletin. Full details on each system including insulation materials available and variations between
fixings and limitations, is found in literature from the opinions from opinion providers. Generally, the lowest Rw
various lining manufacturers listed. Where systems have value refers to polyester batts while the highest is for
more than one lining manufacture, literature can be found Rockwool batts. Additionally, for the purpose of
from each. comparing various wall systems, an assumed stud size of
90 x 35mm has been made. Other Rw ratings may apply
Due to the ever-changing nature of MRTFC for smaller or larger stud sizes or plate widths. Information
construction, new and improved systems frequently is also given to indicate whether the wall system is
become available. Always check with lining deemed to satisfy the Impact Sound Resistance
manufacturers for the most up to date systems available requirements of the Building Code of Australia,
and the requirements for its use. Specification C1.8, Vol 1.

Wall Summary Tables Sizing of Timber Members

The table gives the Fire Resistant Level (FRL), Generally, the height and size of the studs are
Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw) and Impact Sound determined by the normal structural loads applied to the
Resistance for common wall systems used in MRTFC. wall, not due to the fire load conditions. Refer to each
lining manufacturers literature for information on
maximum wall heights or limitations on stud sizes.

Additional Information
Each system listed in this bulletin references appropriate lining manufacturers, and where available, lining
manufacturers’ system identification. Further information on the systems detailed can be found from lining manufacturers’
literature. Contact details are listed below.
Product Company or Phone Publication Web Site
Suppliers Organisation Number
Boral Boral Plasterboard 1800 811 222 Plasterboard Building www.plasterboard.boral.com.au
Systems - Construction
Selector
CSR CSR Building Products 1800 621 117 The Red Book - CSR www.csr.com.au
Gyprock Fire & Acoustic
Design Guide
James James Hardie 1800 021 321 Fire & Acoustically Rated www.jameshardie.com.au
Hardie Timber Framed Fire Walls
for Residential Buildings
Pioneer Pioneer Plasterboard 1800 810 018 Fire & Acoustic System www.plastamasta.com.au
Guide
Timber National Timber See back page MRTFC Design & www.timber.org.au
Association Development Council Construction Manuals 1
 I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

Resistance
Insulation
Wall Linings Wall System Nº

Impact
Sound
System
FRL Rw (each side of wall Thickness or Test/Opinion
Configuration unless otherwise stated) (mm) Sponsor

DOUBLE STUD WALL SYSTEMS

30/30/30 45 Nil
or ✓ 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 226 CSR550
- /60/60 51 to 53 Yes

45 to 47 Nil Boral TS20

✓ 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 232 CSR555
60/60/60 53 to 55 Yes Pioneer PS180
or
53 Nil 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR680 & 681
- /60/60
✓ 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet 238 Refer to James
58 to 61 Yes (Linings fixed in any order) Hardie

53 to 54 Nil Boral TS18

90/90/90 ✓ 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 252 CSR575
58 to 61 Yes
or
- /90/90 54 Nil 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR681
✓ 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet 244 Refer to James
58 to 62 Yes (Fibre Cement sheet must be against studs) Hardie

43 Nil 1 x 10mm Plasterboard

60/60/60 (each side of wall)
or ✓ + 265 Boral TS17
1 x 25mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
- /60/60 (600mm wide vertical panels supported by H
48 to 51 Yes section studs centre of wall frame)

STAGGERED STUD WALL SYSTEMS

30/30/30 41 Nil
✓ CSR450
or 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 146 Pioneer PS191
- /60/60 47 to 50 Yes

42 to 43 Nil Boral STS5

✓ 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 152 CSR455
60/60/60 47 to 51 Yes Pioneer PS193
or
49 to 50 Nil 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR670
- /60/60
✓ 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet 158 Refer to James
55 to 56 Yes (Linings fixed in any order) Hardie

49 to 51 Nil Boral STS6

90/90/90 ✓ 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 172 CSR475
53 to 59 Yes Pioneer PS195
or
- /90/90 50 Nil 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR671
✓ 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet 164 Refer to James
56 to 58 Yes (Fibre Cement sheet must be against studs) Hardie

SINGLE STUD RESILIENT FURRING OR RESILIENT MOUNT WALL SYSTEMS

30/30/30 40 to 41 Nil
or ✓ 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 128 to 136 CSR405 & 407
- /60/60 44 to 48 Yes
60/60/60 39 to 49 Nil Boral TS4
OR
or ✓ 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 134 to 142 CSR409 & 411
Pioneer RM1 &
- /60/60 45 to 51 Yes MRT140
90/90/90 48 to 49 Nil
✓ Boral TS12
or 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 154 to 162 CSR413 & 415
- /90/90 52 to 56 Yes
NOTE: FRL ratings of – /60/60 and – /90/90 refer to NON-LOADBEARING walls.

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 I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

Resistance
Insulation
Wall Linings Wall System Nº

Impact
Sound
System
FRL Rw (each side of wall Thickness or Test/Opinion
Configuration unless otherwise stated) (mm) Sponsor

SINGLE STUD WALL SYSTEMS

30/30/30 38 Nil
or No 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 116 CSR350
- /60/60 40 to 42 Yes
Boral TS3
34 to 40 Nil CSR355
No 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 122 Pioneer MRT90
60/60/60 38 to 47 Yes & PS130
or
47 to 49 Nil 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR660
- /60/60
No 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet 128 Refer to James
48 to 50 Yes (Linings fixed in any order) Hardie
Boral TS15
41 to 47 Nil CSR375
90/90/90 No 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard 142 Pioneer MRT100
46 to 51 Yes & PS150
or
- /90/90 47 Nil 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR665
No 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet 134 Refer to James
49 to 51 Yes (Fibre Cement sheet must be against studs) Hardie

System Nº
Frame Wall Linings Wall Linings
FRL Rw or Test/Opinion
Configuration (External Side of Wall) (Internal Side of Wall)
Sponsor

EXTERNAL LIGHTWEIGHT CLAD WALL SYSTEMS

60/60/60 Any external cladding on battens
or (self ignition temperature Boral TS24
N/A above 200°C) ① 1 x 10mm Standard Plasterboard
- /60/60 + 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Moisture Refer to CSR
(from outside only) Resistant Plasterboard against studs
Any external cladding on battens
(self ignition temperature CSR350
- /60/60 N/A above 200°C) ① 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
+ 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Moisture Pioneer PS120
Resistant Plasterboard against studs
Any external cladding on battens
(self ignition temperature Boral TS3
N/A above 200°C) ① 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
+ 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Moisture CSR355
60/60/60 Resistant Plasterboard against studs
or
- /60/60
1 x 7.5mm Fibre Cement sheet 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR660
N/A + 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Moisture 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet Refer to James
Resistant Plasterboard against studs (Linings fixed in any order) Hardie

1 x 7.5mm Fibre Cement sheet

90/90/90 + 1 x 16mm Fire Grade 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard CSR665
or N/A Plasterboard 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement sheet Refer to James
- /90/90 + 1 x 6mm Fibre Cement (Fibre (Fibre Cement sheet must be against studs) Hardie
Cement sheet must be against studs)

NOTES:
1. ① Timber cladding has a self ignition temperature greater than 200°C.
2. FRL ratings of – /60/60 and – /90/90 refer to NON-LOADBEARING walls.

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 I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

System Nº
System Wall Linings Wall Linings
FRL Rw or Test/Opinion
Configuration (External Side of Wall) (Internal Side of Wall)
Sponsor

EXTERNAL LIGHTWEIGHT CLAD + ROCKWOOL WALL SYSTEMS

1 x 7.5mm Fibre Cement sheet

+ 1 x 16mm Fire grade & moisture Timber
N/A 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
resistant plasterboard (against studs) Associations
90/90/90 + 100mm Rockwool insulation
or
- /90/90 1 x 12mm Plywood sheet
+ 1 x 16mm Fire grade & moisture Timber
N/A 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
resistant plasterboard (against studs) Associations
+ 100mm Rockwool insulation

EXTERNAL LIGHTWEIGHT CLAD WALL SYSTEMS (NAIL LAMINATED POST)

1 x 7.5mm Fibre Cement sheet

90/90/90 + 1 x 16mm Fire grade & moisture Timber
or N/A resistant plasterboard (against studs) 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
+ Nail Laminated posts (studs back- Associations
- /90/90
to-back to provide double thickness)

BRICK VENEER WALL SYSTEMS

60/60/60 BCA DTS
or Boral TS11
54 90mm Masonry wall 1 x 10mm Standard Plasterboard
- /60/60 Refer to CSR
(from outside only) Pioneer MRT160

Refer to Boral
- /60/60 55 110mm Masonry wall 1 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard
Refer to CSR

Boral TS10
60/60/60 55 110mm Masonry wall 1 x 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard Refer to CSR
Pioneer MRT170

90/90/90 Boral TS16

or N/A 110mm Masonry wall 2 x 13mm Fire Grade Plasterboard Refer to CSR
- /90/90 Pioneer MRT180

NOTES:
1. BCA DTS refers to a ‘deemed-to-satisfy’ system in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.
2. FRL ratings of – /60/60 and – /90/90 refer to NON-LOADBEARING walls.

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 I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

Rw ratings for floor/ceiling systems contained in the

Floor/Ceiling Systems table are much better than the BCA minimum
The following table contains general information to requirement of Rw 45. For adequate sound performance
assist in the selection of a floor/ceiling systems. Fire of floor/ceiling systems, the selection should be based on
Resistance Level (FRL), Weighted Sound Reduction Index the Impact Isolation Class (IIC). The Impact Isolation Class
(Rw), Impact Isolation Class (IIC) and appropriate ceiling is not regulated by the Building Code of Australia, but it is
lining materials are provided for each system listed. recommended that it is used to select floor/ceiling
systems. Refer to MRTFC Information Bulletin Nº3 for a
Information regarding method of construction, fixing
discussion on Impact Isolation Class.
and lining configuration are found in literature provided by
the lining manufacturers. Sizing of Member
Generally, the span and size of the joist are determined
Sound Insulation Performance
by the structural load applied. Any joists, being either solid,
A range of Rw values is given for each floor/ceiling
nail plated, floor truss or I-beam can be used. Refer to
system due to the variation in floor covering and the
each lining manufacturer’s literature for further information
differences between opinions from opinion providers.
on determining joist size or limitations.
Impact Isolation
Rw Class

Insulation
(a) (b) (c) (a) (b) (c) System Nº
System
Fibre Cement

Fibre Cement
FRL Ceiling Linings or Test/Opinion
Configuration
Bare Floor

Bare Floor

Sponsor
Carpet &

Carpet &
Underlay

Underlay
Tiles on

Tiles on

FLOOR/CEILING SYSTEMS
(b) (c)
(a)

Fire 1 x 13 mm Fire Grade BCA DTS Clause

Protective Plasterboard supported A1
Covering 53 56 54 48 52 67 Yes on resilient channels or Boral CS19
or resilient mounted CSR825
30/30/30 channels Pioneer PS610

(b) (c)
(a)

2 x 13 mm Fire Grade
Plasterboard supported
60/60/60 55 58 56 49 53 68 Yes on resilient channels or Refer to Boral
resilient mounted
channels

(b) (c)
(a)

1 x 13 + 1 x 16mm
Fire Grade Plasterboard Refer to Boral
60/60/60 – – 56 – – – Yes supported on resilient Refer to CSR
channels or resilient Pioneer PS620
mounted channels

(b) (c)
(a)

2 x 16 mm Fire Grade
Plasterboard supported Refer to Boral
90/90/90 57 57 57 51 55 70 Yes on resilient channels or
resilient mounted CSR827
channels

NOTES:
1. Fire protective covering is defined in Clause A1-1 of the Building Code of Australia.
2. BCA DTS refers to a ‘deemed-to-satisfy’ system in accordance with the Building Code of Australia. 5
 I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

Impact Isolation
Rw Class

Insulation
(a) (b) (c) (a) (b) (c) System Nº
System

Fibre Cement

Fibre Cement
FRL Ceiling Linings or Test/Opinion
Configuration

Bare Floor

Bare Floor
Sponsor

Carpet &

Carpet &
Underlay

Underlay
Tiles on

Tiles on
FLOATING FLOOR/CEILING SYSTEMS (Caneite™ and 12mm Plywood on Structural Floor)
(b) (c)
(a)

Fire 1 x 13 mm Fire Grade

Protective Plasterboard supported Refer to Timber
Covering 55 58 56 49 53 68 Yes on resilient channels or
resilient mounted Associations
or
30/30/30 channels

(b) (c)
(a)

2 x 13 mm Fire Grade
Plasterboard supported Refer to Timber
60/60/60 57 60 58 50 54 69 Yes on resilient channels or
resilient mounted Associations
channels

(b) (c)
(a)

2 x 16mm Fire Grade

Plasterboard supported Refer to Timber
90/90/90 57 60 58 51 55 70 Yes on resilient channels or
resilient mounted Associations
channels

NOTE: 1. Fire protective covering is defined in Clause A1-1 of the Building Code of Australia.

Ceilings with Resistance to the Incipient Spread of Fire

Resistance to
Insulation

the Incipient Impact System Nº

System
Spread of Rw Isolation Ceiling Linings or Test/Opinion
Configuration Fire Class Sponsor
(minutes)

ROOF/CEILING SYSTEMS WITH RESISTANCE TO THE INCIPIENT SPREAD OF FIRE

1 x 13 + 1 x 16mm
Fire Grade Plasterboard Refer to Boral
direct fixed to ceiling CSR 870 & 875
60 – – – – – – No joists or supported on
resilient channels or Pioneer PS620
resilient mounted
channels

2x 16mm Fire Grade Boral CS15

Plasterboard direct fixed CSR 871 & 876
to ceiling joists or
60 – – – – – – No Pioneer PS630,
supported on resilient
channels or resilient PS631 & PS632
mounted channels

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Beam and Column Protection Systems

Where beams and columns are required to be fire the beam or column. For example, the top edge of a beam
resistant, they can be protected either by applying fire supporting a fire rated floor would require no protection.
grade plasterboard or by including sufficient sacrificial
Sacrificial timber solutions detailed here are based on
timber. The number of layers of plasterboard or thickness
an average dry timber density of 550kg/m3 for softwood
of sacrificial timber is dependent on the fire resistance
or 850kg/m3 for hardwood. Where the actual timber
required. Sacrificial timber depth is additional to the
density is known, alternative sacrificial char depths can be
structural requirements of the beam or column.
determined from AS1720.4 ‘Fire Resistance of Structural
The protection is only required to the exposed faces of Timber Members’.

Sacrificial Timber
System (additional to structural System Nº
Configuration FRL Fire Grade Linings requirements) or Test/Opinion
(mm)
Sponsor
Beam Column Softwood Hardwood

CSR
1 x 13mm
Nil Nil Boral CP8 &
Fire Grade Plasterboard
BP12

30 / – / –

Nil 28 23 AS1720.4

CSR Table G8
2 x 13mm
Nil Nil Boral CP6 &
Fire Grade Plasterboard
BP10

1 x 25mm
60 / – / – Nil Nil CSR Table G8
Fire Grade Plasterboard

Nil 47 38 AS1720.4

3 x 13mm CSR Table G8

Nil Nil
Fire Grade Plasterboard Boral CP5 & BP8

1 x 13 + 1 x 25mm
90 / – / – Nil Nil CSR Table G8
Fire Grade Plasterboard

Nil 67 54 AS1720.4

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 I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N N º 5

Reference Material
1. Building Code of Australia – Australian Building Codes 5. MRTFC Design and Construction Manual Class 1
Board. Buildings – National Timber Development Council.
2. Construction Selector – Plasterboard Building Systems 6. MRTFC Design and Construction Manual – Class 2 &
– Boral Plasterboard. 3 Buildings – National Timber Development Council.
3. Fire & Acoustically Rated Timber Framed Fire Walls for 7. The Red Book – CSR Gyprock® Fire & Acoustic Design
Residential Buildings – James Hardie. Guide – CSR Gyprock®.
4. Fire & Acoustic System Guide – Pioneer Building 8. AS1720.4 Fire Resistance of Structural Timber
Products. Members – Standards Australia.

Technical Advice
Further technical information and assistance is available from the following Timber Advisory Services.
NEW SOUTH WALES WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Timber Development Association NSW Ltd. Timber Advisory Centre.
13 - 29 Nichols Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010. Cnr Salvado Road & Harborne Street,
Tel: (02) 9360 3088. Fax: (02) 9360 3464. Wembly WA 6014.
Tel: (08) 9380 4411. Fax: (08) 9380 4477.
QUEENSLAND
Timber Research and Development Advisory Council TASMANIA
of Queensland. Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board.
500 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006. c/- University of Tasmania.
Tel (07) 3358 1400. Fax: (07) 3358 1411. PO Box 1214, Launceston, TAS 7250.
Tel/Fax: (03) 6324 3688.
VICTORIA
Timber Advisory Centre. PINE AUSTRALIA
180 Whitehorse Road Blackburn VIC 3130. 830 High Street, Kew East, Vic 3102.
Tel: (03) 9877 2011. Fax: (03) 9877 6663. Tel: 1800 00 PINE. (1800 00 7463).
Fax: (03) 9859 2466.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Timber Development Association of SA Inc. PLYWOOD ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
113 Anzac Highway, Ashford, SA 5035. 3 Dunlop Street, Newstead, Old 4006.
Tel: (08) 8297 0044. Fax: (08) 8297 2772. Tel: (07) 3854 1228. Fax: (07) 3252 4769.

Members of the National Timber Development Council

• Forest and Wood Product Research and Development • Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board.
Corporation. • National Association of Forest Industries.
• Australian Timber Importers Federation. • Timber Research and Development Advisory Council.
• Timber Development Association (NSW) Ltd. • Queensland Timber Board.
• Forest Products Association. • Timber Development Association (SA).
• Victoria Association of Forest Industries. • Pine Australia.
• Timber Promotion Council of Victoria. • Forest Industries Federation (WA).
• Plywood Association of Australia. • Timber Promotion Council (WA).
• Forest Industries Association of Tasmania.

Important Notice
The information and advice provided in the publication is intended as a guide Whilst all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information
only. contained in this publication, the Forest and Wood Product Research and
Development Corporation disclaims, to the full extent permitted by law, all and any
As successful design and construction depends upon numerous factors
liability for any damage or loss, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential,
outside the scope of this publication, the Forest and Wood Product Research
arising directly or indirectly out of use of or reliance on this guide, whether as a
Corporation accepts no responsibility for specifications in, nor work done or omitted
result of the Forest and Wood Product Research and Development Corporation
to be done in reliance on this information sheet.
negligence or otherwise.

Published by the National Timber Development Council with support from the
Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation.
© Copyright – FWPRDC – March 2000 – MRTFC IB5.BMS6916.0300.