Drylining Knowledge Centre
Drylining Knowledge Centre
The National Drylining Knowledge Centre has been created to help contractors, architects, estimators, developers and procurement teams better understand modern drylining systems, fire rated partitions, acoustic wall systems, metal framing and technical design considerations.
What Is Drylining?
Drylining is a modern construction method used to create internal walls, ceilings and linings using lightweight steel framing, insulation and plasterboard systems.
Compared with traditional masonry construction, drylining systems provide improved flexibility, faster installation, reduced structural loading and enhanced fire and acoustic performance.
C Stud vs I Stud
| Feature | C Stud | I Stud |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | General Partitioning | High Performance Partitions |
| Wall Heights | Standard Heights | Higher Partitions |
| Acoustic Performance | Good | Enhanced |
| Rigidity | Standard | Increased |
| Common Applications | Commercial & Residential | Healthcare, Education, Hotels |
Common Stud Sizes
| Stud Size | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| 50mm | Internal partitions, wall linings and smaller commercial spaces. |
| 70mm | Commercial partitions and office fit outs. |
| 92mm | Acoustic walls and increased partition heights. |
| 146mm | High performance fire and acoustic wall systems. |
Typical Drylining Partition Build-Up
The final fire and acoustic performance depends upon the complete tested system including framing, board configuration, insulation and installation method.
Fire Rated Systems
| Fire Rating | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | Basic compartmentation requirements. |
| 60 Minutes | General commercial and residential projects. |
| 90 Minutes | Enhanced fire protection requirements. |
| 120 Minutes | Healthcare, education and specialist environments. |
Fire performance is achieved through tested system build-ups and should not be considered as a property of individual components in isolation.
Acoustic Performance Guide
| Performance | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 40dB | Standard office and internal walls. |
| 45dB | Residential internal walls. |
| 50dB | Improved residential performance. |
| 55dB | Hotels and educational facilities. |
| 60dB+ | Healthcare, studios and specialist environments. |
Deflection Heads & Structural Movement
Deflection heads are designed to accommodate movement in the supporting structure without transferring loads into the partition system.
Movement allowances should always be coordinated with structural design requirements and project-specific details.
System Design Considerations
- Fire resistance requirements
- Acoustic performance targets
- Structural movement allowances
- Partition heights
- Door and service openings
- Mechanical and electrical services
- Impact requirements
- Moisture and environmental conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a C Stud and an I Stud?
I Studs are typically used where greater rigidity, increased partition height and enhanced acoustic performance are required.
Can a drylining wall provide both fire and acoustic performance?
Yes. Many partition systems are designed to achieve both fire resistance and acoustic performance when constructed in accordance with tested system requirements.
When should a deflection head be used?
Deflection heads are generally required where movement in the supporting structure could affect the partition wall.
How do I choose the correct stud size?
Stud selection depends on wall height, fire performance, acoustic targets, opening sizes and project-specific requirements.
Need Technical Support?
Our team can assist with wall build-ups, fire rated systems, acoustic systems, material take-offs, stud selection and project-specific quotations.
Visit our Technical Centre or upload project information for review.