ALLTEX^® & VERMIDUCT^®

Sound Transmission Loss

Product Description

Vermiduct^® & Alltex^® are respectively a gypsum-vermiculite, polymer beads and trace chemical additives mix and cement and polymer beads plus trace chemical additives, which have been formulated to provide passive fire protection as well as Acoustic Barriers. The materials do not contain asbestos or other forms of fibre.

Alltex^® was developed to take full advantage of the Trimesh^® system, and thus was engineered to remain light, be more resilient than plaster based mortars and sufficiently dense to be used in sound barriers construction. Primarily, the Trimesh^® & Alltex^® solution is used for sound barriers where reduced thickness, simplified and speedy erection is demanded in complex bulkheads and plenum. Given its use on fan enclosures the acoustic properties of Vermiduct^® have also been investigated, the results achieved by this material are included in this trade literature.

To achieve the superior Fire and Acoustic levels outlined in our test data, the Trimesh^® base must be sprayed with LAF Group products such as: Vermiduct^® and Alltex^® (2). The final product is a panel with two layers of mesh connected by diagonal stiffeners, all sprayed with a variable thickness. The adopted final thickness will depend on either the Fire Resistance Level (FRL), the Sound Transmission Class (STC) Rating or Loading that required.

Alltex^® has good hard-wearing properties. It is water-resistant and can be top-coated with an acrylic base to achieve an architectural texture finish.

Recommended Uses

The Trimesh^® System is a lightweight construction system which can be used for erecting non-loadbearing elements such as mono or multilayered horizontal and vertical barriers as well as complementary structures such as Riser dividing walls, Internal curtain walls, Thermal Insulation walls and floors.

The Trimesh^® panel is a spatial framework manufactured from an electrically welded high tensile steel wire of 2 mm diameter. The base panel therefore has a rigid three-dimensional structure that can be sprayed on site or factory precast to provide a monolithic base. The Trimesh^® panel can also be lined on one side with a layer of aluminium foil which acts as ‘formwork’ to compliment the spray application.

Application of the materials may be carried out by mechanical means to interior or exterior building elements in conjunction with the Trimesh^® three-dimensional Electro-welded mesh system (1). Furthermore the Alltex^® material may be spray applied to a multitude of backgrounds to enhance the Fire Resistance Level (FRL) and acoustic performance of building and construction elements and at the same time provide a durable finish. This Data Sheet addresses application to both interior as well as exterior elements used for Acoustic Barriers.

Product Characteristics

Tested Properties

Application Instructions

Once the fixing of the Trimesh^® has been completed spray operations may commence.

This operation is carried out by approved applicators making use of products supplied by LAF. Under normal conditions mortars do not require the use of additives, however in some instances (wind, direct sunlight) precautions may have to be taken to prevent "drying out" of the mortar during, and after application.

First layer or ‘scratch coat’ shall be uniformly applied to leave mesh exposed. Finish must be uniform and textured rough to provide a good bond for subsequent coatings.

Position leveling ‘grounds or screeds’ ready for application of the ‘second coat’ or ‘brown coat’. Once the ‘scratch coat’ has set and partially dried the ‘brown coat’ application should proceed. The ‘brown coat’ shall be left smooth or lightly roughened depending on whether a further ‘finishing coat’ is to be applied. Once the ‘brown coat’ has set and partially cured apply the ‘finishing coat’.

The following products, are supplied by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing P/L for exclusive use with TRIMESH^®:

Vermiduct^® is a lightweight mix comprising of vermiculite, gypsum and polystyrene. It does not exhibit the same hard-wearing properties of Alltex^® but can be topcoated with an acrylic base to achieve architectural texture finishes that will provide additional protection in trafficable areas. Please note, that Vermiduct ^® is recommended for internal use only.

Alltex^® is a Portland Cement based mixture which has been developed to provide a low cost and relatively hard wearing surface for use in plant rooms and other areas usually accessible to maintenance personnel.

When constructing special structures, that fall outside of the LAF tested prototype and spans, it is important that reference be made to the applicable Standards and guidelines. Alternatively, a practising Structural Engineer may review the design parameters and provide conforming certification. (For more information on both Alltex^® and Vermiduct^® applications, please refer to LAF).

Both Vermiduct^® and Alltex^®, when applied in ventilated areas to a thickness of 50 mm, will dry in 3-4 weeks. Note that Vermiduct^® and Alltex^®, are prone to frost damage and temperatures surrounding the areas being sprayed should not be allowed to fall below 4° C for up to a week, after installation. Multiple coatings will achieve a smooth and even textured finish, however a new coating should only be applied over one that has partially set. Where this is not possible, the last coating surface should be left with a ‘deep & rough texture’ or purposefully scratched. When ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is unavoidable the applicator should not ‘overwork’ or ‘polish’ the sprayed material.

Vermiduct^® and Alltex^®, may be painted however suitable sealers and paints are required. (2)

Bond Coat, Primer Compatibility and Corrosion prevention

When using Vermiduct^® and Alltex^® with Trimesh^® no Bond Coat is required, and Primer compatibility issues are not likely to arise.

In relation to Corrosion Protection and as mentioned in Application Instructions Vermiduct^® as well as Alltex^® cannot be relied upon as water barriers or rust preventative coatings as they are porous and will allow the passage of moisture through to the substrate. If a concern exists about the passage of water or moisture, any underlying substrate should be primed and the surface of the spray material topcoated with a water-repellent membrane.

Only stainless steel protective ‘Angle Corner Beads’ should be used for exterior applications. Vermiduct^® as well as Alltex^® may react with Aluminium and Aluminium alloys and a suitable primer is recommended.

Coverage

One 50 litre bag of Vermiduct^® and Alltex^® will cover 1 m² at a nominal thickness of 50 mm without waste allowances.

Vermitex^® Specification (Broad Form)

Before commencing the Vermiduct^® or Alltex^® application, all structural supports as well as the Trimesh^® substrate shall be inspected by the Main Contractor to ensure all elements to be sprayed are securely fixed and free of any substance which might impair proper adhesion of the spray material.

All adjacent areas not requiring treatment shall be suitably protected against droppings and overspray.

Mechanical reinforcement equal in all respects to LAF’s Trimesh^® shall be installed in accordance with the Manufacturers instructions and any relevant Code and Standards.

..Vermiduct^®.. or ..Alltex^®.. ..(insert required material).. as manufactured by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd shall be installed by an approved Specialist Contractor to the thickness of ..xx.. mm to provide a Sound Transmission Class of ..yy.. ..(insert required thickness & STC).. .

The Specialist Contractor shall provide all materials, accessories, spray equipment, tools, inspection services and labour to satisfactorily carry out the works in best trade practice. All workmanship and installation techniques shall comply with the Manufacturers ‘Application Instructions’, relevant Building Code Statutory requirements and applicable ASTM, BS or AS Standards.

Test Data & Assessments

Tests have been carried out in accordance with AS 1191 and AS 1276-1979. (2)

TEST TL 368 - Wall Type & Construction

Type 1: 30 mm Trimesh^® & Vermiduct^® 40-45 mm thick;

Type 2: Type 1 + Plasterboard Sheet adhered on one side;

Type 3: Type 2 + 2 x 10 mm P/B sheets on 51 mm Stud fixed on other side;

Type 4: Type 3 + Type 5 + 250 Purlin + Trimesh^® R225 sandwiched in Thermofoil;

Type 5: Type 7 + 10 mm Plasterboard Sheet adhered on one side;

Type 6: Type 7 + 2 x 10 mm P/B sheets on 51 mm Stud fixed on other side;

Type 7: 50 mm Trimesh^® & Alltex^® 60-65 mm thick;

NOTE: Steel channels & Purlins mass not included in Wall Density.

TEST TL 387 - Wall Type & Construction

Type 8: Single Panel of 30 mm Trimesh^® & Alltex^® 80-90 mm thick;

Type 9: Double wall of Type 8 + Type 10 incorporating a 250 mm void

NOTE: Steel channels & Trimesh^® mass not included in Wall Density.

Refer to Test Data for more information

Health Statement

Vermiduct^® and Alltex^® contain no asbestos and present no known health hazard before, during or after application. Normal precautions relevant to the handling of gypsum and cement products apply: dust mask, eye protection and covering of sensitive skin.

Notes:

1. Refer to LAF for Mesh requirement details or for other Alltex^® applications
2. Refer to LAF for further detail and information.

For more information or MSDS on Vermiduct^® or Alltex^® or any other products,

please see the technical data page, or contact: L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd

Email:sales@lafgroup.com