CSR Hebel is 100% owned by CSR Building Products Limited, one of Australia’s leading building products companies. CSR Hebel manufactures and markets a range of lightweight Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) products. The current product range includes blocks, reinforced panels, cladding panels and lintels for use in the residential and commercial construction industry. CSR Hebel also sells complimentary mortars, tools and accessories.

In 1989, CSR became involved with Hebel and established the Australian operation. Since then CSR Hebel has manufactured products that have won wide acceptance as innovative and environmentally friendly building materials. This is due to their lightweight yet solid nature, excellent thermal, fire and acoustic properties and design versatility. The inherent properties of CSR Hebel products help achieve quick and cost efficient construction practices as well as providing for comfortable operating environments inside the buildings all year round.

Design Overview

As environmental consciousness and social responsibility increases, CSR Hebel is striving to exceed these ideals and set new standards in building materials and residential living.

Designed for inner comfort

With CSR Hebel wall and floor solutions, clients can enjoy a comfortable interior in their home, and be comfortable with the choice for the environment. Manufacture of CSR Hebel materials uses a fraction of the energy and natural resources used in manufacturing conventional masonry, producing almost no waste or by-products. And CSR Hebel AAC’s highly efficient insulation saves power in heating or cooling the home.

Designed for inner peace

CSR Hebel wall and floor solutions help create a tranquil inner space. We have worked closely with acoustic experts and testing authorities to engineer inherently superior acoustics from our wall and floor systems. They create a sound barrier to external noise and from other rooms within the home.

Designed for peace of mind

Although it’s remarkably lightweight, CSR Hebel AAC is solid and durable. CSR Hebel panels are reinforced with steel for extra strength. CSR Hebel is also extremely fire-resistant and is not a food source for termites.

Designed to save

As they’re lightweight, CSR Hebel materials are quick to assemble, saving building time and costs. They also minimise the need for supporting materials, saving budget resources and energy.

Use CSR Hebel for Better Sound Insulation

With advances in technology (particularly the home theatre system) and consumer’s demand for home listening pleasure the need for wall and floor systems offering excellent sound insulation has developed.

Recognising the unique properties of AAC, CSR Hebel was one of the first building products manufacturers to respond to this growing need by developing a range of acoustic wall systems. Since then the peace and amenity of thousands of multiunit households and commercial developments have benefited from Hebel PartyWall.

As of the 1st May 2004 the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) announced that the minimum Building Code of Australia (BCA) sound insulation requirements have been increased. CSR Hebel’s acoustic performance will help you reach the new standard, while also benefiting from the unique lightweight yet solid feel of CSR Hebel products.

Hebel Low Rise Multi-Residential Party Walls

Hebel Low Rise Multi-Residential Party Walls have been developed to provide an effective fire barrier and to satisfy the ever-growing demand for noise abatement in multi-residential framed dwellings. The systems provide cost effective, slender wall sections, with acoustic and fire performance conforming to and exceeding the BCA requirements. Hebel PartyWall systems can achieve R_w+ C_tr ratings of 50dB or better.

These PartyWall systems consist of specific combinations of Hebel PowerPanel, CSR Bradford insulation and CSR Gyprock plasterboard or CSR Cemintel fibre cement sheet. These are used to create a symmetrical wall system, which have minimal components and are relatively compact. The resulting walls exhibit high acoustic insulation and fire resistance performance, which have been proven through registered test facilities.

The primary component of the wall is the Hebel PowerPanel, which is a 75mm thick, steel reinforced panel, manufactured from CSR Hebel AAC. The AAC in CSR Hebel products is manufactured from sand, lime and cement, to which a gas-forming agent is added. The liberated gas expands the mixture, forming extremely small, finely dispersed air pockets, resulting in lightweight aerated concrete.

As with other CSR Hebel products, Hebel PowerPanel exhibits excellent thermal and fire resistance properties. Hebel PowerPanel is lightweight and easily handled, typically by only two people.

• Acoustic Performance: Significantly reduced sound transmission between units and rooms.
• Good Impact Noise Resistance: 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 has discontinuous construction and can be selected to reduce the transfer of impact noise.
• Fire Protection: Tested systems have very good fire rating properties.
• Lightweight: Lighter loads on structures compared to masonry block, for equivalent R_w + C_tr rating.
• Slender Walls: Wall thicknesses range from 275 to 325mm.
• Cost Effective: Cost savings compared to traditional masonry construction.
• No Wet Trades: Less mess and a cleaner, safer work area.
• Less Wastage: Greatly reduced waste, as panels are available in a range of standard lengths. This allows for best suited panel length selection, which eliminates or reduces off-cut waste.
• Speed of Construction: Fast installation and assembly speeds with smaller construction crew requirements.
• Security: Steel reinforced AAC panels provide a high degree of security between units.
• Thermal Resistance: Excellent thermal resistance.
• Technical Support: Competent technical staff can assist with systems information

The following images show a typical two storey Hebel Party Wall installation.

 Image 2.1: PowerPanel installed in ground floor PartyWall.

 Image 2.2: Awaiting installation of base track and panels for second storey.

Image 2.3: Second storey panel installation

A distinct difference between the systems is the PowerPanel to framing connection methods and the resulting acoustic performance qualities.

75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 utilises an aluminium bracket system. The bracket system provides the wall with a ‘Discontinuous Construction’ rating.

75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002 offers a top hat connection where the panel is secured to the framing with horizontal steel top hats.

Detail 3.1: 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001

Detail 3.2: 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002

Where it is proposed to construct single dwellings side-by-side on a single allotment the internal wall between dwellings is a fire separating wall as defined in the BCA. The fire separating wall must start from the ground level (top of concrete footings or top of floor slab) and achieve a 60/60/60 FRL if load bearing, or –/60/60 FRL if nonload bearing. The wall must go to the underside of a non-combustible roof covering and any gaps be filled with fire resisting material as described in Detail 3.7.1.11 of Volume Two of the BCA.

Dwellings Constructed Side-By-Side on Separate Allotments

Where it is proposed to construct single dwellings side-by-side on separate allotments, or if subsequent subdivision is proposed, the wall might also be considered an external wall and each dwelling may be required to have its own wall starting from the ground level (top of concrete footings or top of floor slab) and each achieving a 60/60/60 FRL if load bearing, or –/60/60 FRL if non-load bearing. Contact your local authorities, as there may also be applicable legislation or discretionary powers available to vary these provisions.

Dwellings Constructed Side-By-Side on a Single Allotment Where Subdivision May Subsequently Occur.

Where it is proposed to construct single dwellings side by side on a single allotment and it is known that subsequent subdivision will occur, or that subdivision might occur (and this will probably apply to most multi-dwelling developments) then, after subdivision, the internal fire separation wall might also be considered an external wall and each dwelling may be required to have its own wall starting from the ground level (top of concrete footings or top of floor slab) and achieving a 60/60/60 FRL if load bearing, or –/60/60 FRL if non-load bearing. Contact your local authorities, as there may also be applicable legislation or discretionary powers available to vary these provisions.

Hebel PartyWall Solutions in tiered applications

Where the internal fire separation wall extends beyond the roof line on one side only and becomes an external wall, contact CSR Hebel Engineering Services for advice on PowerWall external wall solutions.

Compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA)

All building solutions, such as walls, floors, ceilings, etc. must comply with the regulations outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) or other authority.

The BCA is a performance based document, and is available in two volumes which align with two groups of ’Class of Building’: Volume 1 – Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings; and Volume 2 – Class 1 & Class 10 Buildings – Housing Provisions. Each volume presents regulatory Performance Requirements for different Building Solutions for various classes of buildings and performance provisions.

These Performance Provisions include:

• Structure
• Fire Resistance
• Damp & Weatherproofing
• Sound Transmission & Insulation
• Energy Efficiency

This design guide presents tables and information necessary to design a Hebel PartyWall installation that complies with the Performance Requirements of the BCA. The designer must check the adequacy of the building solution for Performance Requirements outlined by the appropriate authority.

Detail 4.1: Typical Applications.

Table 5.1: System Selection for Hebel Low Rise Party Walls

Wall System	System Characteristics
75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001	Bracket system Discontinuous construction Maximum building height no more than 12m Low cost solution Simple construction and easy installation Installed at framing stage Satisfies strata construction
75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002	Top hat system Not discontinuous construction Maximum building height no more than 12m Low cost solution Simple construction and easy installation Installed at framing stage dlasaSatisfies strata construction

• 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 has been assessed to comply with the BCA requirements for ‘Discontinuous Construction’.
• This table must be read in conjunction with all the information provided in this Design Guide, NºHBLA228 LRPW January 2008, and acoustic opinion (PKA – A034) provided by PKA Acoustic Consulting P/L and fire assessment (WFRA – 45771.3) provided by Warrington Fire Research (Aust) Pty Ltd.
• Selection of a Hebel PartyWall from Table 6.1 should be taken with specialist consultant’s advice.

75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001
Typical Layout	Wall Description	Acoustic
	Lining material as per system table Timber framing in accordance with AS1684 or AS1720.1* Cavity insulation as per system table 10-20mm separation between frame and Hebel PowerPanel + aluminium bracket connection 75mm thick Hebel PowerPanel (3m max. length) 10-20mm separation between frame and Hebel PowerPanel + aluminium bracket connection Cavity insulation as per system table Timber framing in accordance with AS1684 or AS1720.1* Lining material as per system table	PKA-A034Deemed Discontinuous Construction by BCA Vol. 2 Clause 3.8.6.2 and Clause 1.2.2(vi)

Note: * Timber framing requires studs at 450mm maximum spacings and mid-height nogging (refer PKA – A034), and for steel framing, frames to be designed in accordance with AS3623 or AS4600.

Table 6.2: 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002

• This table must be read in conjunction with all the information provided in this Design Guide, NºHBLA228 LRPW January 2008, and acoustic opinion (PKA – A044) provided by PKA Acoustic Consulting P/L., and Fire assessment (WFRA – 45772.1) provided by Warrington Fire Research (Aust) Pty Ltd.
• Selection of a Hebel PartyWall from Table 6.2 should be taken with specialist consultant’s advice.

• 75MM HEBEL INTERTENANCY 002 CAN NOT BE USEDWITH STEEL FRAMING.

75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002
Typical Layout	Wall Description	Acoustic
	Lining material as per system table Timber framing in accordance with AS1684 or AS1720.1* Cavity insulation as per system table 20-25mm separation between frame and Hebel PowerPanel + steel top hat connection 75mm thick Hebel PowerPanel (3m max. length) 20-25mm separation between frame and Hebel PowerPanel + steel top hat connection Cavity insulation as per system table Timber framing in accordance with AS1684 or AS1720.1* Lining material as per system table	PKA-A044NOT Discontinuous Construction by BCA Vol. 2 Clause 3.8.6.2

Note: * Timber framing requires studs at 450mm maximum spacings and mid-height nogging (refer PKA – A044).

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) presents the Performance Requirements for sound insulation ratings. The sound insulation ratings set minimum values to consider two types of sound: airborne sound and impact generated sound. The Performance Requirements for airborne sound insulation and impact sound insulation ratings are dependent upon the form of construction (i.e., walls or floors), Class of Building, and the type of areas being separated. The airborne sound performance requirement is a value that could be the weighted sound reduction index (R_w) or weighted reduction index with spectrum adaptation term (R_w+C_tr). The impact sound performance requirement is a value called the weighted normalised impact sound pressure level with spectrum adaptation term (L_n,w+ C₁). The BCA does provide Performance Requirements for the airborne sound and impact generated sound insulation ratings for a party wall. Refer to Tables 6.1 and 6.2 for sound insulation resistance level of the Hebel PartyWall systems.

7.2 Impact Sound Performance

Impact sound is caused by vibrations, which are transferred directly through the wall and re-radiated as sound in the adjacent room. These sound vibrations can be generated by actions such as closing of a cupboard door.

The transfer of impact sound can be minimised by ensuring no mechanical connection exists between the two sides of the wall. For impact rated walls the new BCA requires walls to be of ‘discontinuous construction’. This refers to a wall maintaining a minimum 20mm cavity between two separate leaves except at the periphery.

Note: For gap widths ≤ 20mm, CSR Hebel has obtained expert opinion that discontinuous construction performance will not be compromised.

7.3 Acoustic Performance Design Recommendations

1. CSR Hebel recommends engaging a specialist acoustic consultant on a project-by-project basis to provide design advice, confirmation of anticipated field performance, detailing and installation inspections.
2. When selecting the appropriate Hebel PartyWall, the designer or specifier must be aware that the laboratory R_w values are almost always higher than the field measured values. Therefore, allowances should be made for the lower expected field values during the selection of the system.
3. Separate advice from a specialist acoustic consultant should be sought to determine the effect on acoustic performance due to any changes to the Hebel PartyWall systems, and any required modification of the installation details pertaining to the systems.
4. Increasing of cavity widths, using higher density or thicker insulation or plasterboard, will generally maintain or increase the acoustic performance of the Hebel PartyWall.
5. The acoustic performance values of the Hebel PartyWall systems shown in Tables 6.1 and 6.2 are a guide only as to consistently achievable field performance. They do not constitute a field performance guarantee as factors such as the presence of flanking paths, quality of installation of the system, on-site detailing of junctions, room shapes and size, etc can significantly affect field performance. Maximising the field performance depends on the following factors:

• The systems are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard installation details.
• Good quality installation practices including the sealing of all junctions and joints and maintaining specified clearances.
• The systems are installed with all junctions acoustically sealed so that negligible sound transmission occurs at these points.
• Flanking paths are eliminated and the structures into which the systems are installed are apable of allowing the nominated rating to be achieved.
• Site testing conditions.
• To minimise the transfer of sound through the Hebel PartyWall system into the adjacent unit, it is suggested that a control joint be provided to break the mechanical path for the transmission of impact sound and other vibration

The fire resistance level (FRL) rating performance of the Hebel PartyWall system detailed in this guide have been derived from Warrington Fire Research assessment WFRA – 45771.3, WFRA – 45772.1 and Warrington Fire Research, fire resistance test report, WFRA – 41154.2. Refer to Tables 6.1 and 6.2 for the fire resistance levels of the wall systems.

This design guide has no recommendations for penetrations through the PartyWall system. CSR Hebel recommends contacting the appropriate consultant for design and detailing advice.

8.2 System Variations

Certain variations to the Hebel PartyWall installation will not affect the fire-resistance levels listed in Tables 6.1 and 6.2. However these variations need to be approved by the project fire consultant or project certifier. The possible variations to the systems include:

1) Changing the type of insulation between polyester, glasswool and rockwool;

2) Putting the insulation on both sides of the PowerPanel;

3) The reduction of a cavity between the wall frame and the Hebel PowerPanel/plasterboard down  to 10mm for 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001.

The Hebel PartyWall system can be either a loadbearing or non-loadbearing wall. The Hebel PowerPanel within the wall system is non-loadbearing with the exception of self weight.

9.2 Construction Loadings

During construction, the Hebel PowerPanel could be subject to wind loading. The builder shall provide the necessary temporary bracing of the panel until both structural frames are installed.

Note: The screw connections may not be adequate to stabilise the panel against construction loadings.

9.3 Cutting of Hebel PowerPanel

The standard Hebel PowerPanel can be reduced in length by cutting 150mm maximum from each end, and to a minimum width of 270mm. All exposed steel reinforcement shall be liberally coated with the Fentak anti-corrosion coating available through CSR Hebel.

9.4 Wall Frame

The wall framing presented in this Design Guide for various wall systems are nominated for the acoustic and fire performance values. It is the designer’s responsibility to determine an appropriate wall framing system to satisfy structural adequacy. Several items the designer must allow for are:

• lateral loadings
• wall height
• deflection limits
• offset distance (gap) from the panel
• building movement
• control joint locations

9.5 Wall Height

The overall wall height limit is 12m for both 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 and 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002. The wall shall be constructed of Hebel PowerPanel of 3000mm maximum length. Walls constructed with panel lengths exceeding 3000mm are outside the scope of this guide.

9.6 Earthquake Loading

Earthquake loading has not been considered in this design guide. It is the designer’s responsibility to ensure the connection system has adequate capacity to resist any imposed earthquake loading.

9.7 Fixings

Fasteners & Fixings

Most screw fixings are timber type, which is sufficient for penetrating the metal thicknesses outlined in this design guide. Connections that have larger metal thicknesses may require a metal type screw and will need to be designed and approved by the project engineer.

Fixings – Deflection head track to substrate

The fixing to secure the angles and tracks to the concrete slab shall be capable of withstanding a shear load of 0.75kN. For high wind pressures during construction, the designer shall determine if mechanical fasteners are required:

• Drive pins and concrete nails (check size and suitability for fire rated situations with the manufacturer);
• 8mm diameter mechanical fasteners.

Table 9.1 outlines the connection type and requirements for constructing 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 and 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002 detailed in this design guide.

table 9.1:Fixings

Control joints must be provided at a maximum of 6m spacing. Recommended control joint widths should be 10mm minimum between Hebel PowerPanel and another building component. Control joints must also be provided to coincide with any control joint in the main structure. Larger joint width maybe required to accommodate building movements, and these values shall be nominated by the designer. The top hat and back to back track must be discontinuous at a structural control joint.

10.2 Wet Area Wall Construction

Wet area wall construction requires a system that enables services to be installed in a cavity. All plumbing should be acoustically treated as required by the BCA. All wet area walls shall be lined and waterproofed in accordance with Australian standards and to BCA requirements. Gyprock Aquachek or Cemintel Fibre Cement Wallboard are suitable lining materials for wet area applications.

10.3 Non-Hebel Components Used in Party Wall

Components, which are not manufactured by CSR Hebel, such as CSR Gyprock plasterboard, timber and steel stud wall frames, CSR Bradford insulation and others must be designed, installed and handled in accordance with their manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.

CSR Building Products Limited, guarantees only the products that are manufactured by CSR Building Products Limited, not the components, products or services supplied by others.