Durox and Toplite aircrete - new acoustic solutions for flats

Further testing under the Robust Details programme confirms that Durox and Toplite aircrete blocks can be used in the construction of flats without any need to undertake acoustic testing to the wall or floor.

 

Since the introduction of the Robust Detail scheme in 2004, a number of aircrete separating wall specifications have been established and can be used without the need to undertake pre-completion acoustic testing to satisfy Part E of the Building Regulations..

The most common aircrete construction is Robust Detail E-WM-6, which can be built using:

Two leaves of minimum100mm Durox Supabloc 4 or 7 (or Toplite equivalent), separated by a minimum 75mm cavity and finish with 8mm parging and plasterboard.

Progress has been made via the Robust Details to programme test separating floors in conjunction with aircrete separating and flanking walls. The result of these tests have confirmed that Durox or Toplite may be used in conjunction with Robust Detail separating floor E-FC-4 (concrete planks and floating screed) without the need for pre-completion testing to the wall or floor.

These results confirm that when Durox or Toplite aircrete is used in conjunction with an appropriate separating floor construction its performance is comparable to any other type of block, or any type of other construction.

So what does this mean for builders and specifiers?

Colin Marshall, Topblock's Technical Manager, comments;
''We can now firmly add sound insulation to the list of advantages that Durox and Toplite aircrete possess for the construction of flats'.

These products are light and easy to use, they have good thermal properties and a loadbearing capability of 7.3N/mm2 and beyond. However, a major advantage is the simplicity in construction that is created by being able to use Durox or Toplite to external walls, separating walls and internal partitions."

Tarmac can also provide the concrete floor planks, through Tarmac Topfloor.

Confirmation of the aircrete separating wall and floor combination is given in the latest amendments to the Robust Detail Handbook.

6 February 2008

Please Contact Us for further information.