The Kwikloc seismic ceiling system from Studform was specified for the New Royal Adelaide Hospital (NRAH) as it met the stringent seismic and health requirements of the design brief.
The engineers on the NRAH project sought a ceiling system that would not only allow simple installation but also meet the strict seismic and health requirements as well as provide extensive accessibility not possible with conventional grid and tile systems. Bracing typically needed by other ceiling systems was eliminated from the NRAH application, thereby maximising the ceiling void space to accommodate the multitude of services found in hospital ceilings.
The stringent health requirements of this landmark facility were also effectively met with the Kwikloc seismic ceiling system offering seismic movement, resisting loads at the highest benchmarks and providing a high hygiene function through the maintenance of a flat, even plane to ensure accurate and precise grid to tile interfacing.
Seismic requirements
The Kwikloc aluminium seismic ceiling grid systems have the structural capacity to meet and exceed the loading requirements of both AS1170.4 and NZS 4203 with respect to the horizontal and vertical earthquake forces. The Kwikloc system is available in specific design standards for various areas and activity levels throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Performance levels
The Kwikloc seismic ceiling system brings to the industry new levels of seismic ceiling performance, having sustained up to 3G tested forces with 100% vertical uplift. This represents 25-30% increased performance when compared to other ceiling systems available on the market today.
A representative of the testing facility in New York State, USA commented, “This system was tested to the limits of our equipment.”
The Engineering Reporter/Photographer also commented, “This is a very good system. Best we’ve seen. Normally systems fail at 2.0 to 2.25.” (Note that standard testing requirements include 67% vertical uplift.)
Solution
The Kwikloc system delivers unique advantages in seismic ceiling design. The wall bracket system facilitates fixing on one side and floating on the opposite side of both plane directions in a ceiling installation, as required by engineers. A patented two-part wall angle system and sliding bracket assembly help maintain a flat, even plane for accurate tile nesting throughout the entire installation. This is particularly important in health projects, e.g. hospitals, medical centres and laboratories, where hygiene standards are critical.
Kwikloc has been used on several seismic focused projects since the success of the NRAH installation, helping save thousands in labour costs due to the minimal bracing requirements in comparison to other systems on the market.
