Plasterboard to Universal Columns

Ray Dow

Hi all,

I have seen drawings where plasterboard is shown encasing an "I" column to protect against fire.

Some show the plasterboard attached directly to the column and others show the plasterboard attached to steel channels which are then fixed to the column.

Can anyone advise on the advantages/disadvantages of each fixing method?

I'm a bit confused as to why you would specify additional steel channels if fixing directly to the column would achieve the same result.

Thanks in advance

sydthebeat

It can be possible to build a plasterboard 'box' around a free standing I beam, simply by strengthening the external corners.
I essence in this detail the plasterboard isn't fixed to the I beam.

You can fix plasterboard to a I beam that is being used as, say, a lintel, by fixing channels to the i beam first. Sometimes these can be clipped on, bolted on or welded on.

I have mostly seen wood being used as its easier to work with. Pieces are simply wedged into place with an adhesive.

mfceiling

You can buy special clips that snap on to the lip of the steel and then metal channels slip on to them...its very quick...you could be ready to board a column in less than 5 minutes.

I've seen a new system now where you can buy the plasterboard pre-made to fold around the steel...its done on a large table with a computer guided router...the plasterboard comes flat and then is folded to take the shape of the square. Glass fibre rods can be inserted down the corners for strength...its very impressive.

North West

Hi Ray do
Attached see encasement details.
NW

Ray Dow

Thanks for the feedback guys.