What does the thickness of a plasterboard partition mean, requirements and calculation rules

Plasterboard partition thickness is an important consideration when building a new space or renovating an old one. Because of its adaptability and simplicity of installation, plasterboard, sometimes referred to as drywall or gypsum board, is widely used in modern construction.

The dimensions of the board itself, which can change based on the intended use and structural requirements, are referred to as the plasterboard partition’s thickness. While thinner boards are appropriate for simpler partitions where weight and space are less important, thicker boards typically offer better sound insulation and can support heavier loads.

Plasterboard thickness requirements are impacted by a number of variables, such as building codes, the partition’s intended use, and external factors. For instance, the thickness requirements for partitions in residential settings might differ from those in commercial or industrial buildings.

A number of considerations, including the required degree of soundproofing, structural integrity, and fire resistance, must be taken into account when determining the right thickness. It is imperative to adhere to suggested protocols and benchmarks in order to guarantee that the partition satisfies safety and functionality criteria.

What does the concept mean??

An enclosed wall structure inside a home made of wood or metal profiles is called a frame partition. To prevent noise and heat loss, the interior space is fully lined with insulating material, and the entire structure is covered in one or more layers of plasterboard on both sides.

The space between the top sheets on both sides of gypsum plasterboard partitions determines their thickness. It is dependent upon the thickness and number of drywall layers as well as the width of the frame metal profile. Domestic standards classify wall structures composed of gypsum plasterboard into three basic groups based on thickness:

• Thin, 75-150 mm, single-layer C111 with a metal profile width of 50 mm and gypsum plasterboard – 12.5 mm, overall size – 75 mm and two-layer C112, with a metal profile 50 mm and two gypsum board sheets of 12.5 mm on both sides, total – 50+12.5×4=100mm.
• Medium, 150-175 mm, medium modifications, these include a three-layer partition C113 made of metal profile PN-100, with a total thickness of 100+3x2x12.5=175 mm.
• Wide, 175-250 mm, wide reinforced modifications, these include partitions with double metal frames C115 and C116, can be used, like PN-75 and PN-100. In the first option with 2 layers of gypsum plasterboard, the final thickness will be 75+75+12.5×4=200 mm, in the second -100+100+12.5×4= 250 mm.

The thickness of the thermal insulation will increase in proportion to the partition thickness when installing the PN-100 profile rather than the PN-75 profile.

Installing wooden beams that are 80 mm wide is permitted for wooden frames. In this instance, the minimum thickness of the partitions for a single-layer partition (C121) is 80+12.5×2 = 105 mm, and for a two-layer partition, it is 80+12.5×4 = 130 mm.

Influence of parameter on characteristics

The developer needs to be aware of the production characteristics of the wall that are impacted by the thickness of the internal gypsum board wall in order to appropriately accept it.

The impact of the gypsum plasterboard structure’s thickness on the overall properties of wall fencing:

1. The stability of the structure, the ability to bear horizontal loads, is important for rooms characterized by high traffic, for example, hallways, in rooms with suspended ceilings made of PVC film, which acts with a force of 70 kgf / 1 p.m.
2. Rigidity, when installing the door.
3. Durability of the structure to withstand shock loads, for example, in children"s or sports facilities.
4. The level of sound insulation and thermal protection is not lower than the established SNIP standard.
5. The need for visual protection of engineering intra-house networks.

What indicators need to be taken into account when choosing?

Consider whether the gypsum board wall will be decorative or functional before deciding on its thickness:

1. In the first option, it does not need a reinforced frame and thick gypsum board; a frame of 50 mm and gypsum board of 9.5 mm are sufficient.
2. In the second option, it is a solid partition made of gypsum plasterboard of at least 12.0 mm, which divides the room into different zones. It must have characteristics not lower than the standard ones in terms of strength, thermal and sound protection. Sometimes functional partitions have standard or sliding doors.

Basic indicators that show the structure’s overall thickness are as follows:

1. Thickness of the main internal walls located in the apartment. For example, if they are 10 cm, then they are guided by this indicator. Next, select the profile and thickness of the gypsum plasterboard sheets in order to ensure this indicator, for example, for a 75 mm profile, the calculation is 75.0+2×12.5= 100.0 mm.
2. Load on walls: with a load of up to 50 kg/m2, the permissible thickness of plasterboard is 12.5 mm; up to 70 kg – 16 mm, that is, installation of double drywall; over 70 kg -19 mm, also 2 layers of gypsum plasterboard and reinforcement with additional frame racks.
3. Conditions for sound protection of the room, a layer of ISOVER basalt wool 50 mm can protect against sound of 56 dB.

Minimum and maximum parameters

The contractor can use regulatory recommendations to determine the minimum and maximum partition size once he has decided under what conditions it will be used.

Depending on operating conditions, the thickest and thinnest gypsum board partition measured in millimeters:

1. Internal shingling with low characteristics in terms of strength, sound protection and fire resistance, type C111, specific weight 28 kg/m 3, height up to 8.0 m, metal frame thickness – 50/75 mm, single gypsum board – 6.5/9 mm, mineral wool – no, total minimum and maximum -63/93 mm.
2. Internal solid wall for redevelopment of premises with sound protection index RW 50 dB, fire resistance 1.25 hours, type C112, specific gravity 54 kg/m 3, height 5-9 m, metal frame – 75/100 mm, double gypsum board – 9/12.5 mm, mineral wool -50 mm, final thickness -111/150 mm.
3. Waterproof, fireproof, soundproof structure in 3 layers, type C113, specific gravity 78 kg/m 3, height 9.5 m, frame – 100 mm, triple plasterboard – 9/12.5 mm, mineral wool -50, total thickness – 127/137.5 mm.
4. Robust double frame construction with double-layer cardboard, type C115.1., specific gravity 58 kg/m 3, height 6.5 m, frame – 70/100 mm, double-layer plasterboard – 9/12.5 mm, basalt -50 mm, total -186/250 mm.
5. Robust design with spaced metal frames, an additional sheet of gypsum plasterboard is installed between the 2 frames, two-layer coating, type C115.2, specific gravity 69 kg/m 3, height 9.0 m, frame – 75/100 mm, double gypsum board – 9/12.5 mm, mineral wool -50mm, total thickness -195/162.5 mm.
6. Robust design for utilities with high sound insulation RW 50 dB, double frame, fire resistance 1.25 hours, mineral wool – 50 mm, type C116, specific weight 61 kg/m 3, height 4.5-6.5 m, frame – 100 mm, double gypsum board – 9/12.5 mm, mineral wool – 50 mm, total – 236/250 mm.

Plasterboard partitions are important to understand because of their thickness, which affects both structural integrity and soundproofing effectiveness. This article examines the meaning of a plasterboard partition’s thickness, the fundamental specifications it must fulfill, and useful guidelines for determining the appropriate thickness in accordance with building codes and the intended use. Homeowners and builders alike can make educated decisions when designing or remodeling interior spaces if these factors are explained in simple terms.

The optimal indicator of a plasterboard interior wall

After determining the range of both minimum and maximum widths, the performer needs to select the best indicator. This is the value at which the operation will have the biggest impact at the lowest cost. This indicator was computed using the cost of a 1 m 2 plasterboard partition and the operating conditions.

For instance, the partition type C115 is chosen for a sturdy, solid partition between rooms, one of which needs to have hanging equipment and noise abatement.1. 1 x 1 m in size.

One method for figuring out the ideal 9 mm plasterboard partition width is:

• double frame – 75×2 mm;
• double plasterboard – 9 mm x4;
• basalt wool – 50 mm;
• total thickness – 186/250 mm;
• calculation area – 1 m 2 ;
• KNAUF plasterboard 2500x1200x9mm – 4 m 2 x100 = 400 rubles./m 2 ;
• primer – 0.21 kg x 98 rubles./kg = 20 rubles.;
• profile PN 75, 3m — 4x2x110 rub. — 880 rub.;
• guide profile, 4x2x98 rub. — 784 rub.;
• reinforcing tape, 350 rub.;
• sealing tape, 280 rub.;
• self-tapping screws 30 pcs.,196 rub.;
• insulation 1000x600x50mm — 440 rub./m2;
• total: 3350.6 rub.;
• total thickness -186 mm.

There are two ways to determine the ideal width of a 12.5 mm gypsum board partition using the same size metal profile:

• double frame – 75×2 mm;
• Double plasterboard – 12.5 mm x 4 mm;
• mineral wool – 50 mm;
• total thickness -186/250 mm;
• design area – 1 m2;
• GKL KNAUF 2500*1200*12.5mm -4 m 2 x140=560rub./m 2 ;
• KNAUF primer – 0.20 kg x 99 rub./kg=19.6 rub.;
• rack profile PN 75, 4m – 4x2x110=880 RUR.;
• guide profile, 4 mx2x120=960 rub.;
• reinforcing tape, RUR 347.;
• sealing tape, 290 RUR.;
• self-tapping screws 30 pcs., 190 rub.;
• thermal insulation 1000*600*50mm, 440 rub./m 2 ;
• total: cost – 3686.6 rub.;
• total thickness – 200 mm.

200 mm is the ideal partition thickness for these operating conditions, with a double frame and double gypsum board sheathing on two sides, for a cost increase of 336 rubles. The strength of the structure will increase by 20–40% per 1 m2, from 40 kg/m2 to 70 kg/m2, enabling the wall mounting of household attachments.

Allowable load on plasterboard based on the thickness of the layer:

• 15 mm up to 40 kg/m2;
• 18 mm up to 70 kg/m2;
• 25 mm over 70 kg/m 2 .

Calculation rules

The first step in calculating a gypsum plasterboard partition is choosing a profile. The 50 mm profile is only suitable for light-weight and ornamental structures. Should the creation of a functional partition be required, 75 mm thick racks are selected. Select a 100 mm profile for reinforced partitions to ensure they truly meet the necessary strength. Benefits of the 100 mm metal profile:

• Possibility of creating soundproof partitions;
• increased rigidity and endurance of the frame, the partition is equal in rigidity to a wall made of foam blocks;
• the ability to use gypsum board in one layer;
• the door in such a partition works functionally and does not deform the structure.

Next, the thickness of the one- and two-layer gypsum plasterboard partition is calculated from the table based on the approved profile size:

• UW/СW 50, 75 -100 mm;
• UW/СW 75, 100-175 mm;
• UW/СW 100,150-200 mm.

The strength of the metal profile section is then examined in light of the load on the rack, the design diagram type, and its geometric dimensions. Knowing the wall’s height, the profile’s parameters, and the loads can be done online.

As an illustration:

• cross -section height h, 100 mm;
• The thickness of the wall of the metal profile t = 0.5 mm;
• the thickness of the metal profile shelf is 0.5 mm;
• width of the shelf b, 50 mm;
• RASK LEASE L, 2.8 m;
• load n, 10 kN;
• Scheme: sealing-dinker.

Following the computation, we obtain the following indications:

• The strength of the racks -ensure, the supply of -113%;
• General stability, for such a load is provided – 0.73 < 1;
• wall stability – not provided, 6.48> 1.57, the stiffener ribs are installed additional after 297 mm;
• The stability of the shelf is not provided. 3.24> 0.66, additional stiffener ribs with a step of 297 mm will be required;
• Flexibility – secured, 87.17 < 136.2.

The next step is to calculate the amount of material needed to install a plasterboard partition; to do this, particular standards are used, which are supplied by gypsum board manufacturers for various design schemes.

Particular material consumption rates per 1 m 2 for GKL KNAUF S 111:

• sheet KNAUF GKL/GKLV/GKLO, 2.1 m2;
• metal profile guide 100/40, 0.7 p.m.;
• metal profile stand 100/50, 2 p.m.;
• self-tapping screws TN25, 34 pcs.;
• putty "Fugenfüller" ("Uniflot"), 0.9 kg;
• armor tape, 2.2 p.m.;
• dowel “K” 6/40, 2 pcs.;
• tape seal, 1.2 p.m.;
• universal deep primer, 0.2 l;
• mineral wool, 1 m2;
• putty Multi-finish, 1.2 kg;
• corner metal profile, 1 m.

Particular material consumption rates for GKL KNAUF S 112 partition:

• gypsum board sheet, 4.05 m2;
• guide profile 100/40, 0.7 p.m.;
• rack profile 100/50.2 p.m.;
• self-tapping screws TN25, 14 pcs.;
• self-tapping screws TN35, 30 pcs.;
• putty "Fugenfüller"/"Uniflot", 1.5 kg;
• reinforcement tape, 2.2 p.m.;
• dowel “K” 6/40, 2 pcs.;
• tape seal, 1.2 p.m.;
• universal deep primer KNAUF-Tiefengrund, 0.2 l;
• basalt, 1 m2;
• putty Multi-finish, 1.2 kg;
• corner profile, 1 m.

Other important parameters

Important features, with the exception of width, for the plasterboard partition to satisfy all technical specifications and last for at least 25 years are:

1. height;
2. length;
3. moisture resistance and noise protection.

In order to prevent moisture absorption and the creation of a breeding ground for insects and rodents, it should not have any gaps on the sheathing surfaces or in the vicinity of other structures.

Gypsum plasterboard partitions in residential buildings must ensure a minimum of 43 dB of sound insulation. A large structure will absorb sound better than a thin one with the same airborne noise protection indices. Simultaneously, it’s critical to stop any openings and indirect sound transmission along nearby walls. Furthermore, the use of acoustic mineral wool enhances the effectiveness of protection, which is contingent upon the multi-layer structure.

Height

Defined maximum height for structures made of gypsum plasterboard:

1. customer requirements;
2. criteria object;
3. installation method;
4. specifics of the frame;
5. quality characteristics of the installed building material.

When this structure’s design is being developed, its height is decided.

Simultaneously, you must consider a crucial factor like the partition’s overall weight when determining the maximum height for the structure. This indicator, which has a maximum value of 6.5 meters, is directly influenced by the particular characteristics of the building materials.

The best course of action would be to select a structure height of no more than 4.5 meters, as leading manufacturers like Knauf advise metal profiles to weigh no more than 50 kg per square meter.

Length

Since the gypsum plasterboard partition’s frame is transversely joined and firmly fastened to the floor and ceiling, the length of these structures can be any length, as long as it is at least 50 meters.

In this scenario, a very long wall may overload it, so you will also need to account for the dead load on the floor, attachments, and permanent loads from the floor structure.

It is not hard to calculate such loads from a gypsum board partition, since, for the Knauf series, the weight of a 1 m 2 partition with a single skin is approximately 50 kg. This value is then divided by the slab’s area and multiplied by the structure’s height and length. There will be a load per 1 m 2 slab as the outcome.

Useful video

More details regarding the parameter in the video:

It’s important to know plasterboard partition thickness when working on building and remodeling projects. It has an immediate effect on the fire resistance, soundproofing, and strength of the partition. In general, thicker plasterboards perform better in these areas than thinner ones.

Plasterboard thickness requirements are determined by the particular requirements of the room. For example, thicker plasterboards are preferred to minimize sound transmission between rooms in areas where sound insulation is important. Similar to this, thicker plasterboards with fire-resistant qualities offer superior protection in areas that need to increase fire safety.

Many factors must be taken into account when calculating the necessary thickness. These consist of the partition’s intended use, building codes, and particular performance standards like fire safety or sound insulation needs. The right thickness for your project can be determined by speaking with a construction expert or consulting building codes.

In conclusion, obtaining desired results like soundproofing, fire resistance, and structural integrity depends greatly on the thickness of the plasterboard partitions. In order to guarantee that the partitions in any building or renovation project meet the necessary standards for safety, functionality, and comfort, builders and renovators must have a thorough understanding of the requirements and calculation rules.

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