ALLTEX^® & VERMIDUCT^®

Separating Construction
(Interior & Exterior applications)

Product Description

The LAF Separating construction system comprises two components: Trimesh^® panel and the spray applied materials Vermiduct^® & Alltex^®. The system has been tested in accordance with AS 1530.4 as well as AS 4072 to incorporate services penetrations and Fire Dampers as well as Doors.

Trimesh^® reinforcement panel

The Trimesh^® Panel is an industrially manufactured lightweight panel that has been designed for a variety of uses within the Building and Construction Industry. This innovative three-dimensional space-frame in welded steel wire can, if required be partially filled with a polystyrene layer so as to leave the steel mesh exposed on each face of the panel. The panel is then, covered on site with one of LAF’s tested and approved spray-applied products.

The panels are erected on site and are easy to transport and handle given their lightweight properties. The panels can be re-dimensioned with conventional hand or portable electrical tools. After plumbing, electrical and/or other utilities are installed, the entire structure is ready for finishing with spray-applied mortars.

The Trimesh^® structure is a composite panel that combines the strength of steel, the Thermal insulation properties of Polystyrene (when included) and the Fire endurance capabilities of our monolithic spray applied mortars. The panel is basically conceived to be used as a total construction system, but it is can be readily included in other construction systems such as curtain walls, partition walls or as a core in pre-cast elements

Recommended Uses

The most beneficial attribute offered by our LAF Separating Construction System is the low weight and reduced thickness in achieving the maximum required FRL period of four (4) hours. The system may be easily suspended from superimposed structures, or supported from other fire rated elements with minimal structural prerequisites.

With most types of Bulkheads and Ceiling systems it is imperative that the Fire Source be ascertained before a pertinent system can be designed. In the case of superimposed ceilings over fire isolated passageways and stairs, the Ceiling and/or Bulkhead will ideally need to prevent Fire from spreading into the passageway/stair rather than contain a fire within the compartment. The LAF Separating Construction System offers a ‘two way’ Fire Rating as is required over Fire Isolated Paths and/or Stairs.

LAF Separating Construction Systems can also provide air-tight enclosures for High Pressure Return Air Shafts. The System is self-supporting and will provide protection from Fire in either direction. This is a most convenient system when confronted with difficult access situations, such as upgrading walls with restricted access from both sides.

The Slenderness Ratio for vertical elements of construction (walls) and the appropriate method for ‘restraining’ the wall into the building framework are factors often neglected. These two factors can have serious consequences for the stability of the wall during a fire. The 3.5 m high LAF Separating Construction System has been tested to AS 1530.4.

Services required to be attached/suspended from the LAF Separating Construction System, should be independently supported without reliance on the System itself. Support details should be carefully planned to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

LAF Separating Construction System is ideal for very high partitions where additional structural members can be installed at the necessary centres to break-up the overall height. In many instances the system has been approved for use in providing separation for Fire Lift shafts where the available space to install such fire barriers is often scarce.

Product Characteristics

Tested Properties

Trimesh^® Construction System

The Trimesh^® panels can be installed in both a horizontal and vertical plane for the construction of walls, floors, ceilings and plenum. The standard panel consists of two layers of mesh having a square pattern of 6.3 cm. The layers of mesh are held apart at the required distance by means of welded cross-wires positioned at 18º angles and alternately rotated. The space frame is made of steel wire and can be supplied as follows:

1) Plain three-dimensional wire frame panel for use in upgrading of walls (one sided), to reinforce sprayed concrete and horizontal enclosures to stairs and fire tunnels;

2) Variable Trimesh^® thickness with a Polyurethane core (thickness may vary) which serves as Thermal Insulation and backing surface for the spray mortar to follow

3) With Aluminium Foil (Light, Medium & Heavy duty) adhered on one side only, to provide a reflective thermal insulation and vapour barrier. This non-erodable and smooth surface finish is ideal in plenum construction.

Note: Trimesh^® panels must always be installed in accordance with L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd's Construction Standards. Deviations from these Standards should not be made without previous written approval from LAF.

Services and Utilities installation

Where required these should be noted on the specifiers drawings and should identify the required services and fixing methodology. Installation of hydraulic and electrical utilities should be carried out by the relevant contractor, before mortar spraying operations commence.

The Trimesh^® Test incorporated services such as, PVC, Steel & Copper Pipe Penetrations, Fire Dampers, Electrical Cable Trays and Air Handling Ductwork. This provides a total solution package for all Passive Fire Protection needs. The Tested assembly achieved from 2 hours up to and including 4 hours Fire Resistance Level to AS 1530.4. (2)

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.

The products supplied by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing P/L, for exclusive use with Trimesh^® include:

• VERMIDUCT^® - A gypsum based mixture, which has been used to protect Air Handling, Sheet metal and PVC Ductwork for many years, and has an excellent proven track record.
  
• ALLTEX^® - A Portland Cement based mixture which has been specially developed to provide a low cost and relatively hard wearing surface for use in plant rooms and other areas usually accessible to maintenance personnel.

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, as well as 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 levelling ‘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’.

Vermiduct^® and Alltex^® are mill-mixed compounds which can be sprayed over the Trimesh^® at the corresponding thickness stipulated by the Manufacturer (refer Thickness Tables).

Once the mechanical reinforcement has been secured the whole thickness can be sprayed in one coat, by experienced applicator Teams. 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. Depending on the scope of work, our Applicators can offer a variety of Finishes to suit the requirements. When ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is unavoidable the applicator should not ‘overwork’ or ‘polish’ the sprayed material.

Vermiduct^® & Alltex^® when applied in ventilated areas to a thickness of 50 mm, will dry in 3-4 weeks. Both materials are prone to frost damage and temperatures surrounding the areas being sprayed should not be allowed to fall below 4°C for a week, after installation.

Vermiduct^® & Alltex^® can be painted however suitable sealers and paints must be used (2).

Vermiduct^® can only be used for interior applications. Although Trimesh^® is galvanised and Alltex^® is resistant to water, it is advisable that in exterior applications and wet areas, Alltex^® be top coated with a water-repellent membrane to provide additional protection to the trimmed edges of the Trimesh^® wire panel.

Vermiduct^® as well as Alltex^® should also be protected from chemicals, which have an impact on cement or plaster.

Alltex^® may react with Aluminium and Aluminium alloys and a suitable primer is recommended.

Bond Coat, Primer Compatibility and Corrosion prevention

When applying Vermiduct^® as well as Alltex^® no ‘Bond Coat’ is required, and primer compatibility issues do not normally arise.

In certain applications, ® and Alltex^® may be applied directly onto the bare steel without the need for a steel primer (Refer to LAF for further detailed advice). If a concern exists about the passage of water or moisture, any underlying substrate should be primed and the surface of the spray material top-coated with a water-repellent membrane. (2)

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^® or Alltex^® will cover approximately 1m² at a nominal thickness of 50 mm (without wastage considerations).

Trimesh^® Specification (Broad Form)

Before commencing the Vermiduct^® or Alltex^® application, any 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 from 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 Fire Resistance Level of ..xx.. mm to provide a Fire Resistance Level of ..aaa / bbb / ccc ..(insert required thickness and FRL).. .

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.

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 cement and plaster products apply: dust mask, eye protection and covering of sensitive skin.

NOTES:
1. Refer to LAF for mesh requirement details or for other Vermitex^® applications
2. Refer to LAF for further detailed information

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

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

Email:sales@lafgroup.com