Module 5: Fireproofing & Acoustic Insulation 

5.1 Fire-Resistant Insulation Materials

A) Mineral Wool Insulation

• Composition: Basalt rock or slag fibers

• Fire Performance:

• Withstands temperatures exceeding 1000°C

• Non-combustible (Euroclass A1 rating)

• Melting point: ~1177°C

• Applications:

• Fire-rated walls and partitions

• Ductwork fire protection

• Structural steel protection

B) Calcium Silicate Boards

• Properties:

• 95% non-combustible content

• 2-hour fire rating at 50mm thickness

• Compressive strength: ≥1.2 N/mm²

• Installation:

• Mechanical fixing required

• Joints must be fire-stopped

• Compatible with most finishing systems

C) Vermiculite Coatings

• Characteristics:

• Expands when heated (intumescent properties)

• Spray-applied (3-25mm thickness)

• Density: 300-600 kg/m³

• Usage:

• Structural steel protection

• Concrete floor separation

• Fireproofing service penetrations

Material Comparison Table

5.2 Intumescent Coatings & Fire Barriers

A) Intumescent Paints

• Activation Mechanism:

• Swells at 120-200°C

• Expands 50x original thickness

• Forms insulating char layer

• Application Standards:

• Dry film thickness: 300-2000μm

• Requires primer and topcoat

• 60-120 minute protection achievable

B) Fire-Resistant Mortars

• Composition:

• Cement-based with vermiculite

• Additives for enhanced adhesion

• Performance:

• 4-hour fire rating possible

• Used for fireproofing structural elements

• Compressive strength: 5-15 N/mm²

C) Fire Stopping Systems

1. Pipe Collars:

• Graphite-based expansion

• 30-240 minute ratings

2. Fire Sleeves:

• Ceramic fiber construction

• For plastic pipe penetrations

3. Composite Sheets:

• Multi-layer mineral wool

• Flexible edge detailing

5.3 Soundproofing Techniques for Walls, Floors & Ceilings

A) Wall Soundproofing

• Decoupled Systems:

• Resilient channels (RC-1)

• Double stud walls (50mm gap)

• Clip and channel systems

• Mass-Loaded Barriers:

• 5kg/m² vinyl sheets

• Sand-filled cavity walls

• 15mm acoustic plasterboard

B) Floor Soundproofing

• Floating Floors:

• 25mm acoustic underlay

• 70mm screed with isolation

• Rubber crumb separation layer

• Impact Noise Reduction:

• Cork underlay (STC 55+)

• Rubber matting (6mm min)

• Suspended ceiling below

C) Ceiling Soundproofing

• Multi-Layer Approach:

• 2x layers 15mm plasterboard

• 100mm mineral wool infill

• Green glue damping compound

• Suspended Ceilings:

• 50mm air gap minimum

• Acoustic tile selection (NRC 0.7+)

• Perimeter isolation strips

5.4 Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) & STC Ratings

A) NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient)

• Definition:

• Average sound absorption (0-1 scale)

• Measured at 250-2000Hz

• Higher = better absorption

• Material Examples:

• Acoustic foam: NRC 0.7-0.9

• Heavy curtains: NRC 0.4-0.6

• Concrete: NRC 0.05

B) STC (Sound Transmission Class)

• Measurement:

• Airborne sound reduction (dB)

• 125-4000Hz frequency range

• Higher = better isolation

• Performance Standards:

• Basic wall: STC 35

• Office partition: STC 45

• Recording studio: STC 60+

C) IIC (Impact Insulation Class)

• Floor Rating System:

• Measures structure-borne noise

• 100-3150Hz impact sounds

• Residential requirement: IIC 50+

Acoustic Performance Table

Integrated Fire & Acoustic Design

1. Early Planning: Coordinate with MEP systems

2. Material Selection: Dual-purpose products

3. Detail Design: Fire stops with acoustic seals

4. Testing: Verify both fire and sound ratings

5. Maintenance: Regular inspection of seals

Common Installation Errors

• Compressing fire-resistant materials

• Inadequate sealing around penetrations

• Thermal bridging in acoustic systems

• Incorrect product substitutions

• Ignoring manufacturer's installation guidelines

This module provides professionals with the technical knowledge to specify and install integrated fireproofing and acoustic insulation systems that meet both safety and comfort requirements in modern buildings.