ceilings
steel stud drywall ceiling systems
Steel studs may be used as ceiling joists, especially in situations
where it is difficult to install a suspended ceiling.
Typical applications would be corridors, bathrooms or open roof
areas. The tables starting on page 75 set out the maximum
spans for Rondo steel studs.
They also show the minimum rows of bridging. Bridging in a
ceiling serves the same purpose as Noggings in a wall. CONTENTS:
The maximum ceiling span tables have been formulated using
INSTALLATION GUIDE 70
dead load plus 0.25kPa negative internal pressure.
Deflection has been checked to Span/480. The studs have been INSTALLATION DETAILS
checked for bending and shear over the supports. • MECHANICAL JOINTS 71
Where Access Panels are placed in the ceiling, the joists • FRICTION JOINTS 72
supporting the Access Panel must be strengthened to allow
for maintenance loads. BULKEADS 74
The ceiling span tables are applicable for internal non- SPAN TABLES 75
trafficable ceilings only.
Where ceilings are external or subject to wind loads they
should be checked by Rondo, or a structural engineer prior to
commencement of work.
1
Primary structure Bridging either stud or track section
by others (where ceiling lined one side)
Align ceiling joists with wall studs
Track fixings to be positioned
adjacent to ceiling joists
Wall studs need
to be checked for
carrying ceiling loads
CEILINGS: STEEL STUD
NOTE: Ceiling shown is a two-span
TYPICAL CEILING APPLICATION
installation guide
STEP ONE
Set out the track locations in accordance with the ceiling
levels, as shown on the architectural drawings.
STEP TWO
Secure the perimeter tracks in position using appropriate
fasteners at not more than 600mm centres.
The track fixings should be no more than 50mm from the
stud locations.
STEP THREE
Cut the studs to length – this will be 10mm shorter than
the span length.
NOTE: Heavier gauge studs can be cut using abrasive
wheels fitted to circular saws.
STEP FOUR
Fit the studs into the perimeter tracks, then with a twisting
action rotate the studs into position.
Ideally, the studs should be orientated in the same
direction to make fitting the lining board easier.
STEP FIVE
Fit the bridging members at the centres specified.
Ensure the stud spacing is maintained when fitting the
bridging members.
STEP SIX
Fit intermediate connections for multiple span ceiling
joists. Ensure the fixings are tight and any deflection of
the studs is taken up at this time.
STEP SEVEN
Fit the lining board to the studs. The lining board should
be fitted such that the board is screwed to the open side
of the stud first. This will prevent any misalignment of the
board along the ceiling.
STEP EIGHT
Set the joints in the lining board and fit the cornice.
70
installation details
Stud & Track Joints: Mechanical Joints
Mechanical joints are required where the
maximum spans of the ceiling exceeds
2
those allowable for friction joints, or Suitable
masonry 50mm max
where a more positive connection is anchors 1/#8–18 x 16mm wafer head
tek screw in 2 places
installed to
required (see Figure 2). manufacturer’s
specification
Mechanical joint Type 1 is suitable for
single span ceilings up to 3000mm or
two or three span ceilings up to 4000mm
span.
A fastener should be used to the top Stud size and spacing
in accordance
and bottom of the stud and track where with span tables
possible.
Mechanical joints Type 2 and 3 are used
where larger spans are necessary (see MECHANICAL JOINT TYPE 1
Figures 3 & 4).
Where doubt exists, we suggest your local 3
Minimum spacing in accordance
Rondo Technical Sales Representative be with manufacturer’s specification
consulted for further design advice.
60mm minimum
NOTES:
a) Where the ceiling intersects a stud
wall, the wall must be checked for the
2/#10–16
ceiling load. x 16mm
tek screws
b) The plasterboard manufacturers
recommend a continuous backing Stud size and spacing
in accordance
angle should be installed behind the with span tables
wall/ceiling joint.
MECHANICAL JOINT TYPE 2
4 3/#10–16 x 16mm
tek screws or equivalent
Fix to web
of stud only
Stud size and spacing
in accordance
with span tables
CEILINGS: STEEL STUD
Note: Wall must be checked for axial load
MECHANICAL JOINT TYPE 3
71
installation details (continued)
Stud & Track Joints: Friction Joints
Friction joints provide allowance for
movement of building elements. These
5
joints rely on the friction between the Suitable Stud size and spacing
masonry 50mm max in accordance
stud and track sections to secure the ceil- anchors with span tables
installed to
ing joists. manufacturer’s
specification
It is not recommended to use this type
of joint where vibration or mechanical
equipment is used in close proximity to
the ceiling. The maximum span for these
ceilings is 2000mm for single spans and
Leave 5mm either end
2800mm for two or more spans. for clearance, maximum
Studs supporting access panels and in
the local vicinity must be mechanically
fastened. FRICTION JOINT
72
Ceiling Support Details
When two span or three span continuous
studs are used it is necessary to provide
6 Roof purlin by others
Minimum 2/#8–18 x 16mm
additional fixing points within the span tek screws each side of purlin
and studs
of the studs (refer to Installation Details
on page 70).
30 x 0.8
SUSPENSION JOINTS hoop iron strap
wrapped under
ceiling joists
These fixing points may be constructed
using hoop iron strapping wrapped
around the underside of the stud and 300mm minimum
fixed to the web. This strap is then fixed
Note: 0.50/0.55/0.75BMT studs only will box.
to the web of the roof purlin as shown in 4/#8–18 x 16mm tek screws top and bottom either end of spline.
Figure 6, Suspension Joint Type 1. SUSPENSION JOINT TYPE 1
To be effective, the strapping must be
pulled tight before fixing off the loose 7 Roof purlin by others
end of the strap. 2/#8–18 x 16mm wafer head
tek screws in four places
Alternatively, Angle Brackets, typically
Rondo 553 Angle, may be used to
connect to the studs as shown in Figure 7,
Suspension Joint Type 2. Angle bracket from
Rondo 553
When connecting to concrete soffits, angle
connectors can be used to make the
stud connections as shown in Figure 8, Stud size and spacing in
Suspension Joint Type 3. accordance with span tables
SPLICE DETAILS
Studs should be spliced/joined over a
Note: Fixings should be made to web of purlins unless approved by
supporting member. Splicing of the the project engineer
studs should be over a minimum of
SUSPENSION JOINT TYPE 2
300mm for the 0.50. 0.55 and 0.75bmt
sections. The 1.15bmt studs cannot be
spliced in ceiling systems as the ceiling 8 Stud size and spacing
in accordance with span tables
setout changes. Suitable masonry anchor
installed to manufacturer’s
specifications
30mm max
CEILINGS: STEEL STUD
2/#8–18 x 16mm tek screws. Angle bracket: Rondo #247
SUSPENSION JOINT TYPE 3
73
bulkheads
Where the bulkhead drop exceeds
600mm it starts to become difficult
9 Roof purlin by others
Provide bracing to bulkhead to coincide with purlins
to use Furring Channels to form the Connect into
web of purlins
bulkheads, and when the drop exceeds
Connect 600mm max
1200mm steel studs are recommended. into web of
purlins
Bulkheads require independent sus-
pension to carry the additional plas-
terboard and framing members. This
may be achieved by fixing the framing 1500mm
max
members directly to the structural soffit
or alternatively, providing additional
Bracing may
suspension hangers to the bulkhead. require noggings
All bulkheads require bracing to provide Independent
suspension to
lateral stability to the framework during ceilings
incidental loading. This may be achieved
by providing stud bracing, fixed diagonally
between the bulkhead framework and Stud framing of bulkheads 600mm max
300mm max
is recommended where the
the structural soffit at regular intervals, drop exceeds 1200mm
Fit track to
or alternatively, by rigidly coupling the bottom of studs
ceiling to the bulkhead.
PROJECTION BULKHEAD
Where the ceiling is coupled to the
bulkhead, the termination points require
special detailing and the ceiling must be 10 Track fixings at
600mm centres max
checked for the horizontal load. Details Washers required
under the head
of this may be sought from Rondo. of fasteners
For the ‘box type’ bulkheads (refer
Figure 10), the stud size and spacing
depends on the span and drop. Details
of specific configurations may be sought
from Rondo.
DROP
Align
fixings
with stud
sections
SPAN
BOX-TYPE BULKHEAD
74
span tables: steel stud ceiling systems
Single Span
TABLE 10: SINGLE SPAN CEILING JOISTS
STUD WIDTH 51mm 64mm 76mm 92mm 150mm
BMT 0.50 0.75 0.50 0.75 1.15 0.55 0.75 1.15 0.55 0.75 1.15 0.75 1.15
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 600mm CENTRES / BOXED OR BACK TO BACK @ 1200mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 1835 2060 2145 2460 2775 2535 2820 3185 2935 3255 3680 4750 5380
1 x 13mm 1800 2020 2100 2530 2785 2580 3005 3125 2870 3290 3615 4660 5285
1 x 16mm 1740 1960 2095 2470 2705 2500 2945 3025 2780 3195 3495 4510 5120
2 x 13mm 1665 1880 1945 2335 2575 2365 2770 2900 2660 3030 3355 4325 4915
2 x 16mm 1580 1780 1860 2235 2450 2235 2650 2760 2525 2875 3190 4115 4675
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 450mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 2010 2260 2350 2695 3035 2780 3090 3480 3210 3565 4020 5190 5860
1 x 13mm 1975 2220 2305 2760 3045 2845 3265 3415 3165 3605 3975 5095 5760
1 x 16mm 1910 2150 2305 2690 2960 2760 3200 3310 3050 3505 3845 4935 5585
2 x 13mm 1830 2060 2140 2550 2820 2615 3015 3175 2920 3330 3680 4740 5370
2 x 16mm 1735 1950 2080 2440 2690 2480 2895 3020 2775 3170 3495 4505 5115
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 400mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 2090 2350 2445 2800 3145 2885 3205 3605 3335 3700 4165 5380 6065
1 x 13mm 2050 2300 2395 2855 3150 2955 3375 3540 3300 3740 4125 5285 5960
1 x 16mm 1985 2230 2395 2785 3065 2870 3310 3430 3185 3635 3995 5120 5785
2 x 13mm 1900 2140 2220 2645 2925 2720 3120 3295 3035 3460 3825 4915 5560
2 x 16mm 1805 2030 2160 2530 2790 2585 2995 3135 2880 3295 3630 4675 5300
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 300mm / BOXED OR BACK TO BACK @ 600mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 2290 2570 2675 3060 3430 3160 3505 3930 3650 4040 4535 5865 6580
1 x 13mm 2250 2520 2625 3105 3430 3230 3655 3860 3635 4075 4500 5760 6475
1 x 16mm 2175 2440 2620 3030 3340 3145 3585 3745 3520 3970 4370 5585 6285
2 x 13mm 2085 2340 2435 2880 3190 2980 3390 3600 3355 3780 4185 5370 6055
2 x 16mm 1980 2230 2375 2755 3045 2845 3255 3430 3175 3605 3985 5115 5775
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 1200mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 1460 1650 1695 1965 2225 2020 2255 2555 2310 2605 2955 3530 4335
1 x 13mm 1430 1610 1665 1925 2180 1980 2210 2505 2255 2555 2900 3480 4255
1 x 16mm 1385 1560 1615 1865 2110 1815 2135 2420 2160 2470 2805 3375 4115
2 x 13mm 1325 1490 1545 1785 2020 1755 2045 2320 1895 2365 2685 3240 3730
2 x 16mm 1255 1420 1450 1695 1915 1675 1935 2205 1820 2245 2550 3075 3590
MINIUM BRIDGING REQUIREMENTS
CEILING SPAN (m) LINING CONDITION NO. BRIDGING
0 – 2.0 0
2.0 – 4.0 1
Lined one side
4.0 – 6.0 2
CEILINGS: STEEL STUD
6.0 – 7.0 3
NOTES:
1. Strength check: 1.2G + Wu, using Wu = 0.375kPa
2. Serviceability check: G + Ws Limit L / 360 or 12mm, G Limit L/600
3. Support walls and connections to be independently checked.
4. The live load in accordance with AS/NZS1170.1:2002 Clause 3.5.2 has not been applied to the ceiling joists.
Accordingly, personnel are not permitted to traffic the ceiling joists.
5. Maximum span tables assume Noggings are equally spaced along studs.
75
span tables: steel stud ceiling systems (continued)
Continuous Span
TABLE 11: CONTINUOUS SPAN CEILING JOISTS
STUD WIDTH 51mm 64mm 76mm 92mm 150mm
BMT 0.50 0.75 0.50 0.75 1.15 0.55 0.75 1.15 0.55 0.75 1.15 0.75 1.15
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 600mm CENTRES / BOXED OR BACK TO BACK @ 1200mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 2380 2770 2480 3290 3710 2920 3780 4260 3240 4220 4930 5390 7200
1 x 13mm 2330 2710 2420 3240 3650 2850 3710 4180 3170 4120 4840 5260 7040
1 x 16mm 2230 2620 2310 3130 3530 2730 3550 4050 3030 3950 4690 5050 6760
2 x 13mm 2110 2510 2190 3000 3380 2590 3360 3890 2870 3730 4500 4780 6410
2 x 16mm 1960 2390 2040 2840 3210 2410 3140 3690 2680 3490 4270 4470 6000
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 450mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 2690 3030 2850 3610 4070 3360 4140 4670 3730 4770 5390 6170 7850
1 x 13mm 2640 2970 2780 3580 3990 3280 4150 4580 3640 4690 5290 6030 7710
1 x 16mm 2560 2880 2660 3460 3860 3140 4020 4430 3490 4530 5120 5730 7480
2 x 13mm 2420 2760 2520 3300 3710 2980 3820 4250 3300 4290 4920 5480 7190
2 x 16mm 2260 2620 2350 3120 3520 2780 3600 4050 3080 4010 4680 5130 6850
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 400mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 2800 3150 3020 3750 4210 3560 4290 4830 3950 4950 5580 6520 8120
1 x 13mm 2750 3090 2950 3720 4140 3470 4320 4740 3850 4860 5480 6370 7990
1 x 16mm 2650 2990 2820 3600 4010 3330 4180 4600 3690 4710 5310 6110 7750
2 x 13mm 2540 2870 2670 3440 3850 3150 3980 4410 3490 4520 5100 5740 7450
2 x 16mm 2400 2720 2490 3250 3660 2940 3760 4200 3260 4240 4850 5420 7100
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 300mm / BOXED OR BACK TO BACK @ 600mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 3070 3440 3470 4100 4590 4080 4700 5270 4520 5410 6070 7340 8770
1 x 13mm 3010 3380 3380 4080 4510 3990 4730 5170 4420 5310 5970 7200 8660
1 x 16mm 2910 3270 3240 3950 4370 3820 4600 5010 4240 5150 5790 6970 8480
2 x 13mm 2790 3140 3070 3780 4200 3620 4370 4820 4010 4940 5570 6620 8240
2 x 16mm 2650 2990 2870 3590 4000 3380 4160 4590 3750 4700 5300 6210 7910
PLASTERBOARD
SINGLE STUDS @ 1200mm CENTRES
LININGS (mm)
1 x 10mm 1690 2020 1760 2450 2980 2080 2710 3420 2310 3010 3910 3860 5200
1 x 13mm 1650 1980 1720 2390 2920 2030 2640 3350 2250 2940 3830 3770 5080
1 x 16mm 1580 1910 1640 2290 2820 1940 2530 3240 2160 2810 3700 3610 4860
2 x 13mm 1490 1830 1550 2160 2700 1840 2390 3110 2040 2660 3510 3380 4600
2 x 16mm 1390 1730 1450 2020 2570 1710 2230 2930 1890 2480 3280 3110 4300
MINIUM BRIDGING REQUIREMENTS
CEILING SPAN (m) LINING CONDITION NO. BRIDGING
0 – 2.0 0
2.0 – 4.0 1
Lined one side
4.0 – 6.0 2
6.0 – 7.0 3
NOTES:
1. Strength check: 1.2G + Wu, using Wu = 0.375kPa
2. Serviceability check: G + Ws Limit L / 360 or 12mm, G Limit L/600
3. Support walls and connections to be independently checked.
4. The live load in accordance with AS/NZS1170.1:2002 Clause 3.5.2 has not been applied to the ceiling joists.
Accordingly, personnel are not permitted to traffic the ceiling joists.
5. Refer to Rondo for splice details where multiple span length exceeds single stud length. The above table assumes continuity.
6. Maximum span tables assume Noggings are equally spaced along studs.
76
