TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MODULAR AND LINEAR SUSPENDED CEILINGS

9.1. GENERAL. These Technical Specifications contain the technical data for the works execution of modular ceilings made of galvanized steel suspension and support systems with mineral fibre, particleboard, gypsum board or glass wool infill tiles, or of linear metal panels.

9.2. REFERENCE STANDARDS AND NORMATIVES EN ISO 140: Part 9 Laboratory measurement of room-to-room airborne sound insulation of a suspended ceiling with a plenum above it Sound absorption Acoustics Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements Part 3: Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of building elements Reaction to fire tests for building products Non-combustibility test Reaction to fire tests for building products Determination of the heat of combustion Assurance of Quality

BS EN 20-354 EN ISO 140: Part 3

EN ISO 1182:2002 EN ISO 1716:2002

EN ISO 9001:2000

Manufacturers manuals for suspended ceilings (See AMF, Hunter-Douglas, Armstrong, Knauf, Rigips or similar approved)

9.3. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED, QUALITY CONTROL, DELIVERY, HANDLING, STORAGE. 9.3.1. Lay-in Exposed-Grid Mineral Fibre Ceiling System Description a) This ceiling type shall comprise fully demountable suspended tiles consisting of mineral fibre, gypsum or particle board or glass wool ceiling tile, flush or tegular effect system. Ceiling tiles may have the following finishes: smooth; textured by finely granulated surface pattern; micro-perforated. The system is to be designed for support from a compatible recessed lay-in tee system or an aluminium threaded tee section.

b) Tiles shall have square or tegular edges on all sides and be available in the following module sizes: 600 x 600mm 600 x 1200mm For glass wool tiles the following additional sizes may also be used: 600 x 1600mm 600 x 1800mm 600 x 2000mm 600 x 2400mm 1200 x 1200mm c) The supporting exposed metal rails shall be electro-statically polyester powder-coated (RAL9010 white). d) Fixings and suspensions systems shall include all hangers, fixings, main runners, cross members, primary channels, perimeter trims, splines, noggins, clips, bracing, bridging, etc., which are necessary to complete the installation and achieve the performance specified. e) Ceiling tiles shall incorporate factory-formed penetrations to receive down-lighters, smoke detectors, PA speakers, air diffusers or other service penetrations required. All additional supports necessary at the location of penetrations to receive such fittings shall be allowed for. f) The thickness of ceiling panels and associated backing material shall be suitable for the performance requirements stipulated. g) There shall be no exposed cut ends. Sound absorption In case a higher sound absorption rate is required (mainly in classrooms, see Designers finishing schedules), textured and/or perforated particleboard or perforated gypsum board panels may be used. In this case the sound absorption coefficient s of the ceiling shall be in the following limits: at least 0.30 for very low and high frequencies (100Hz and 3000 Hz) and 0.75 for the critical frequency range of 150 to1000 Hz.

Fire rating
For specific fire-rated ceilings (F30) special measures must be taken. See the Designers plans and finishing schedules, the Fire Risk Report (if any) and the prescriptions in the Manufacturers installation handbooks. Application limits Modular ceilings made of non-metallic ceiling tiles shall not be used outdoors or in humid rooms, such as sanitary rooms, kitchens and laundries, as they tend to sag under the influence of vapour.

9.3.2. Suspended Linear Metal Ceilings Systems Description These systems, such as Hunter-Douglas, Armstrong or similar approved, consist of linear metal planks (colour-coated aluminium or steel panels), width of 100, 150 or 200mm, fixed to supporting rails, which are suspended by means of adjustable hangers or hanger wires. Standard colour is white, other colours to be defined by the Designer in his finishing schedules. In case a higher sound absorption rate is required (for instance in swimming pool buildings), the planks shall be perforated and covered by a layer of mineral wool, thickness approx. 3cm. Linear ceilings may have narrow joints (for instance Armstrong Connections Systems) or wide joints (for instance Armstrong Contrasts Systems), so-called staggered panel joints with black plastic reveals. Application limits This kind of ceiling shall be used outdoors or in humid rooms, where other types of ceilings are inappropriate. When metal ceiling systems are used outdoors, special measures against uplifting by wind (max. speed 160 km/h) shall be taken. 9.3.3. Materials Ceilings with modular support The main materials to be used for ceiling tiles with modular support are: Smooth mineral fibre, glass wool, particle or gypsum board panels without specific acoustic qualities; Mineral fibre, glass wool, particle or gypsum boards with fire rating F30; Textured mineral fibre, glass wool or particle boards with medium sound absorption rate; Micro-perforated mineral fibre or particle boards with high sound absorption rate; Other ceiling elements: Access panels or hatches; Vertical shutters for level changes or forming of fire compartments; In case of fire-rated ceilings: Gypsum board or special panels for boxing-in of any features (light fittings, air-diffusers etc.) integrated in the ceiling. Fire-resistant plasterboard tiles shall comprise gypsum plasterboard with glass fibre and additives in core to improve fire resistance in accordance with Romania norms The supporting structure of the ceiling is made of:

T-shape primary support profiles, white colour coated steel or aluminium; T-shape secondary infill profiles, white colour-coated steel or aluminium; Angle sections, white colour-coated steel or aluminium forming bulkheads; Adjustable hangers made of galvanized steel; Fixing and strutting elements at level changes and hatches; Metallic fittings; Screws and nuts with thread; Copies of relevant trade literature and technical specifications for the materials intended for use shall be provided in the annex to the tender. Linear Metal Ceiling Systems The main materials to be used for linear ceiling panels are: Non-perforated or perforated colour-coated aluminium or steel panels, width 100mm or 200mm; Non-perforated colour-coated aluminium or steel panels, width 100mm or 150mm, for use in ceilings with staggered panel joints; Other ceiling elements: access panels or hatches; vertical shutters for level changes or forming of fire compartments; in case of fire-rated or acoustic ceilings: Mineral wool layer of 1.5 to 5cm thickness, depending on the ratings specified in the design. The supporting structure of the ceiling is made of: Single or double carrier channels made of aluminium or steel with locking clips for panel fixing; Black plastic reveals (for staggered joint closing); Galvanized suspension hangers and hanger wire of 2.052mm thickness (12 gauge); pe perimeter mouldings and lock perimeter mouldings; Fixing and strutting elements at level changes and hatches; Metallic fittings; Screws and nuts with thread; Copies of relevant trade literature and technical specifications for the materials intended for use shall be provided in the annex to the tender. Linear metal ceilings shall have a certification for use in seismic areas.

9.3.4. Demountability All ceiling panels and support systems shall be demountable within the supporting framework for access to the services void above where required. 9.3.5. Fire Resistance Classification It shall be ensured that the suspended ceilings are classified as 'materials of limited combustibility' as defined in Romanian Building Regulations. Suspended ceilings shall have a Class A Surface Spread of Flame when according to Romanian standards. Where defined as 'fire resisting plasterboard' it shall be ensured that the plasterboard composition complies with the required specification for this type of product. Fire Resistance The suspended ceiling system shall be at least fire resistant according to Romanian Standards. Fire Spread Rating: Class 0 surface spread of flame when tested in accordance with Romanian Regulations. Cavity Barriers All concealed spaces above suspended ceilings shall have firebreaks in accordance with the building regulations to subdivide the ceiling void into areas not exceeding 20m2. Firebreaks shall be located on the line of the required compartments. Barriers shall be fixed securely at perimeters and joints as necessary to ensure permanent stability and continuity with no gaps, thus providing a complete barrier to smoke and flame. Fixing to suspended ceilings shall not impair free expansion of grid system or otherwise affect fire-resisting performance. Fire Stopping All gaps at junctions of the suspended ceilings with walls, cavity barriers, ducts, pipes, other penetrations etc. shall be sealed using tightly packed mineral wool, accepted intumescent sealant or other fireproof material to prevent penetration of smoke and flame as relevant Romanian Standards. Air Plenum Barriers Air plenum barriers (in case of ventilated ceiling voids for ductless ventilation systems) shall comprise rigid or semi-rigid non-porous sheets with smooth non-dusting surfaces having same fire spread rating as that required for membrane materials exposed within the void.

Where applicable, air plenum barriers shall be fixed securely at perimeters and joints, using methods recommended by the barrier manufacturer to ensure permanent stability. All edges and joints shall be effectively sealed to prevent air leakage. 9.3.7. Durability Lifespan of Primary Components It shall be ensured that primary components are all components with a predicted service lifespan no less that the warranty of the suspended ceilings without the need for maintenance, other than regular cleaning. The following components shall be considered primary components. a) Ceiling panels and boards. b) Suspension system. c) Access panels. Lifespan of Secondary Components Secondary components have a predicted service lifespan of less than the warranty of the suspended ceilings and include fixings, gaskets and accessories. The predicted service lifespan of all secondary components shall be stated and guidance provided on the required maintenance, replacement periods and methods of replacement. Secondary components shall be capable of easy replacement without compromising the structural or visual integrity of the suspended ceilings. Components shall be capable of replacement without progressive dismantling of the suspended ceilings. 9.3.8. Delivery and Storage All ceiling tiles shall be delivered in watertight plastic covers. Exposed T-sections shall be delivered in a way that scratching or deformation during transport, unloading and storage is excluded. The ceiling tiles may be stored in piles, in closed rooms and out of humidity or other external factors. They are stored according to their respective types and sizes. The ceiling tiles and metallic suspension profiles are carefully handled in order to avoid any scratching, distortion or breaking. 9.4. WORK EXECUTION, MOUNTING, INSTALLING, ASSEMBLING. Work stages: Mounting the metallic suspension structure; Installation execution (by other trades); Placing of the ceiling tiles and metallic planks; Mounting of all other integrated installation features (by other trades), 9.4.1. Suspended Ceilings with Modular Support Mounting the metallic suspension structure:

The hangers and primary T-sections are mounted and fixed using adjustable hangers suspended from the existent main structure. The secondary T-sections are mounted and fixed to the primary sections by clipping in. Perimeter angles provide support at the junction of ceiling and wall, or at vertical shutters between ceilings of different suspension heights. Installation execution (by other trades): Electrical works: Cabling, cable trays etc. Mechanical works: Piping and ducting for HVAC; Sanitary pipes: Water supply, hydrant water, sewerage etc. Placing of the ceiling tiles and metallic planks: A sufficient number of access points/hatches must be foreseen, in order to allow access of maintenance staff to the ceiling void, Mounting of all other installation features (by other trades): Electrician: Luminaires, smoke detectors, loudspeakers, panic lights etc.; Mechanic: Air diffusers, air intakes etc. Ceilings in rooms which do not match the module size may be adapted by a frieze of non-modular gypsum board ceiling, according to the instruction of the Designer. The setting-out shall be such that edge panels of less than half a standard size are avoided. Integrated light fittings in classrooms shall be placed according to the furnishing layout (i.e. taking into account the number of desk rows and aisles). The suspended ceilings system shall be installed in a manner which does not compromise the panels' integrity or appearance. Any movement joints shall be as required by the design. Holes shall be drilled and cut within the suspended ceilings to enable down-lighter luminaries to be fitted within the ceiling tiles, including allowing for all additional supports for light fittings as necessary. Necessary co-ordination shall be carried out with all other associated Contractors. Before commencement of works, all dimensions shall be checked on site. The design of the ceiling shall accommodate all specified tolerances and differences between actual site dimensions and design dimensions. 9.4.2. Linear Metallic Ceiling Systems Mounting the metallic suspension structure: Barrier channels are mounted and fixed using galvanized suspension clips and hanger wires fixed to the existent floor slab above. The carrier channels ends are connected to the C-shape perimeter mouldings.

Mounting the linear panels and plastic reveals: The linear panels are clipped onto the carrier channels. The cut ends are supported by the C-shape lock perimeter moulding; In the case of wide staggered joints: Plastic reveals are clipped on top of the joints, as the installation of the linear panels progresses; Installation execution: By other trades, see ceilings with modular support systems. 9.4.3. Specific Requirements for Metal Works in Ceilings Extrusions and material thickness, panel dimensions, support framework, etc,. shall be maintained and not be altered, in order to achieve the design intent requirements. All materials and components shall be durable and satisfy minimum standards set out in these Technical Specification, together with the relevant Romanian Building Standards, etc. For each material or component the total quality shall be obtained from the same Supplier or Manufacturer unless otherwise agreed. All inaccessible steel shall be properly protected against corrosion. All support systems shall be of adequate thickness and strength in order to comply with structural requirements, and to eliminate the risk of distortion in finished surfaces. Protection of the works shall remain until taking-over including access panels before, during and following commissioning and final inspection to avoid any blemishes on the finished elements.

9.5. QUALITY CONTROL, ADMISSIBLE DEVIATIONS 9.5.1. Verification before Commencement of Works Before executing the suspended ceiling works, they shall first be set out using a laser levelling device. The quality of the ceiling tiles and metal sections must be visually checked and approved by the Engineer. The following shall be verified: if the setting out is according to the design; preceding stage is finished (do the minutes concerning the taking-over of preceding works exist?); all piping, ducting and major cabling works below the raw ceiling must be completed before placing the hangers and supporting ceiling structure. component materials, boards, profiles etc. comply with the specified requirements (do the quality certificates, conformity declarations, technical approvals exist?); if the materials were adequately stored on site;

The suspended ceilings shall withstand the various loadings imposed by other fittings, which are fixed to, pass through or are connected to the suspended ceilings. Bracing and strengthening as required to support the following items which interfaces with the suspended ceiling shall be allowed for: Dampers and other mechanical and electrical services. General fittings: All general fittings shall have the required support framing included. The suspended ceilings own dead load shall be accommodated locally, without causing deflections or movement in support system or interfacing elements. The dead loads derived from permanent fixtures or services attached to or through the suspended ceilings shall be accommodated locally without causing deflection or movements. The construction of the suspended ceilings shall be such that they remain rigid, free from play and permanent deformation caused by the normal use to which they are subjected. The suspended ceilings shall be retained mechanically under all conditions (including seismic action and fire). Account shall be taken of the structural requirements of the various fixtures and fittings to be fitted into the suspended ceilings. Suitable bracketry and supports for use with the structure to which they are fixed shall be incorporated. Reflected ceiling plans and details of proposed fixings shall be submitted by the Contractor, if not supplied by the Employer or Designer, for review and approval by the Engineer. 9.5.2. Verification During Works Execution The following must be checked: If the intended technical execution procedure of the Contractor is met; If the detailed design is met; If the installation height of the suspended ceiling is correct and in the limits of the admissible deviations, particularly with respect to junctions with partition walls or other existing structures; If the suspended ceiling profiles are perfectly level and fixed with a sufficient number of hangers; The suspended ceilings shall be executed to withstand all vibrations or any other such shocks, strains, stresses and movements that may occur. These shall not cause fracture or deterioration of any element particularly to any moveable or openable element of the suspended ceilings. Suitable devices for absorbing or damping any such vibrations shall be included. All components, couplings and fixings shall be installed in such a manner as to be capable of accommodating deflection and tolerances without distortion, deformation or failure. Floor screed, wall plaster or any other wet working procedure shall be completed and dried before placing the infill panels for modular ceilings, in order to avoid sagging due to moisture. It is recommended to complete at least the first layers of wall painting works, and to let them dry before starting the installation of the infill panels.; It shall be ensured that the suspended ceilings withstand movement without permanent deformation (sagging) or any reduction in the specified performance indicated within the Technical Specifications, as a result of changes in the moisture

content of components resulting from variations in the moisture content of the air inside or outside the building. The Contractor must make sure that there are no infiltrations of rainwater possible and that there are no leakages anymore from the installed HVAC, water supply and sewerage systems. Moisture coming from final painting works shall not cause any sagging of infill panels. During works execution the Contractor must provide sufficient natural or mechanical ventilation, in order to keep the moisture content in the air low. The suspended ceilings systems shall form a complete acoustically sealed joint at junctions with interfacing elements (partition walls, load-bearing walls). It shall be ensured that ceilings are sealed at all edge conditions including around light fittings, access panels and other services to minimize transmittance of sound to areas unless shown otherwise. Airborne sound installation of complete ceiling assembly shall be in strict accordance with the design and shall be executed according to EN ISO 140: Part 4 and for: a) Room-to-room sound attenuation: To EN 20-140: Part 9. b) Sound absorption: To EN 20-354. c) Sound reduction: To EN ISO 140: Part 3 9.5.3. Verification after Completion The following shall be checked when the works are completed: if the suspended ceilings are level in the limits of the admissible deviations; if minutes for quality taking-over of the ceilings have been issued; The suspended ceilings shall withstand all static and dynamic design loads imposed, without causing permanent deformation of components or failure of components, and shall transmit such loads safely to the points of support. The suspended ceilings shall not deflect under loading in any way that is detrimental to any element of the works, adjacent structures, building elements or building services. The suspended ceilings shall prevent the transmission of drumming noise as a result of vibration, shock, stress etc., by the use of sound deadening material in all areas in or above the suspended ceilings where necessary. Suspended ceilings shall withstand loads imposed at access panel points (hatches) and the dead loads of those access panels themselves. Ceilings and access panels shall withstand prolonged periods of load imposed as part of cleaning the ceiling void above, and of specific loads associated with the temporary placing of cleaning equipment on or near these elements. Suspended ceilings shall be executed so that no condensation takes place on the surfaces under any environmental conditions prevailing. The suspended ceilings system shall not have "buzzing", "ringing" or other extraneous noise arising from fittings in the suspended ceiling construction caused by internal vibration or other movements. Extraneous noise arising from local response of the ceiling, loose fit resonant elements and scope for friction and noise shall be avoided by means of careful quality control in assembly and installation.

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9.5.4. Admissible Deviations Rigidity: Maximum permitted mid span deflection of suspension rails, under imposed loading, shall not exceed one span/400 where span is a maximum of 1,500mm (= max. spacing between hangers). Account shall be taken of the installation tolerance requirements of the suspended ceilings such that panels are accurately located, relative to grid lines. All suspended ceiling sections within grid lines shall be aligned to utilise the tolerances across the number of panels to satisfy the visual requirements stated herein. The suspended ceilings shall be erected in alignment in relation to the established lines and grids. Joints between panels: The actual width of any joint shall not deviate from the nominal width by more than: 1 mm or 10% of the normal width whichever is the lesser. Any variation shall be equally distributed with no sudden changes or steps The misalignment between joints shall not exceed 2mm. The maximum variation in plan location for given datum, of any part of the ceiling, shall not be less that 1:1000 over any length, subject to a maximum: 1.5mm. The maximum variation on level shall be 1:400 over any length for any component subject to a maximum of: 4mm. The maximum offset in plan level or section between any 2 adjacent panels shall be: 0.5mm. Cut-outs for interfacing works shall be to the dimensions given: 1mm. The grid creep across the system shall not exceed: 1.5mm in any total length

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