BS/EN 13964-2014 pdf download.Suspended ceilings Requirements and test methods.
Timber suspension components shall either have a minimum cross section of 1 000 mm2 and a minimum thickness of 20 mm, provided that a sufficiently secure connection (i.e. the timber cross section has to be enlarged when the force to be transmitted is larger than the minimum cross section allows) can be achieved by using nails or screws, or their strength shall be calculated according to EN 1995-1-1
The admissible load shall be declared.
4.3.4 Resistance to fixings
Where and as far as relevant, manufacturers shall ensure that products withstand the loads that may be expected load, in accordance with 5.3.
4.3.5 Wind load resistance
Where the suspended ceiling is expected to be subject to interior wind load (e.g. in case of opening windows, doors), all necessary design measures shall be taken to enable the membrane components and the substructure to resist upward and/or downward load.
Under interior wind loading conditions, the ceiling membrane and substructure shall retain their stability and integrity and although some deformations could be acceptable, suspended ceilings or their parts shall be designed not to fail nor to collapse under this action.
In all other cases (circumstances) particularly buildings with large or permanent (e.g. parking houses) openings or in colonnades and open access ways the acceptance of wind loads (pressure/suction) by the suspended ceiling shall be proved, e.g. by calculation according to EN 1991-1-4.
NOTE For further information, see Annex C.
4.3.6 Impact resistance
Where the suspended ceiling is required to resist impact (e.g. In sports halls caused by ball throwing), the nature of the activity shall be ascertained and the required performance specified (e.g. dassification of ball throwing resistance). The suspended ceiling shall be designed accordingly.
Where required, the impact resistance shall be tested according to Annex 0.
The class of impact velocity under which the test ceiling withstands the impact without adversely affecting the strength, the function and safety of the suspended ceiling and which does not lead to a significant change in appearance shall be declared.
4.3.7 Seismic resistance
Where the suspended ceiling is exposed to seismic shocks, EN 1998-1 shall be taken into consideration. The suspended ceiling shall be designed such that the vertical and horizontal actions caused by seismic impacts do not cause damage or collapse.
4.4.1.2 Test specimen preparation
The suspended ceiling to be tested shall be representative of the complete ceiling system (suspension, substructure, membrane, etc.) for which the fire resistance rating is required.
In addition, the specific provisions of the test standard(s) called up by EN 13501-2 shall be followed.
4.4.1.3 Testing and classification
Suspended ceilings shall be tested in end use conditions and classified in accordance with EN 13501-2. Suspended ceilings having fire resistant performance shall be classified in one of the following three ways:
Ceilings with fire resistance in conjunction with the element (e.g. floor or roof) above. Such ceilings shall be tested in conjunction with the roof/floor assembly above and fire resistance classification shall be related to the whole assembly,
Ceilings which possess a fire resistant property independent of any element. The classification shall separately cover those ceilings that have a fire resistance performance from above and/or below independent of any element above the ceiling.
As horizontal protective membranes.
4.4.2 Reaction to fire
4.4.2.1 General
Where use of suspended ceilings is subject to regulatory reaction to fire requirements, reaction to fire testing and classification shall be based on the performance of each component making up the ceiling (i.e. material- based testing approach), which shall be stated separately in the results. Where a substructure kit. substructure component or membrane component are sold separately, these are also subject to testing and dassification.
For suspended ceilings placed on markets of some countries outside European Economic Area, where a full- scale testing approach is required, the suspended ceiling may be tested according to the provisions valid therein.
Where regulatory requirements exist, ceiling membrane components and substructure components shall be tested and classified in accordance with EN 13501-1 and the conditions described below.BS/EN 13964-2014 pdf download.