Fire, acoustic, and thermal resistant construction

Abstract

A structure having an area separation wall including: a first building unit; a second building unit; and an area separation wall having only outer membranes. Preferably, the area separation wall is fire resistance rated. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation without adversely affecting the fire resistance of the area separation wall. The area separation wall provides improved thermal resistance. In one embodiment, the area separation wall includes: an interior support structure and at least one outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation. Between the outer membranes is a substantially organic material barrier. The structure may also include a tying structure connecting the area separation wall to the first unit and the second unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001](1) Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to a structure having a fire resistance rated, area separation wall and, more particularly, to a fire resistance rated, area separation wall for a structure which also provides acoustic attenuation and thermal resistance without adversely affecting the fire resistance of the area separation wall.[0003](2) Description of the Prior Art[0004]Multi-family residential constructions typically include a separation wall constructed of wood members and having a material barrier between the units. These wood members may include dual two-by-four framing with a drywall surface on both sides of the framing. In most cases, this type of construction requires that the drywall be attached to the interior surface of the framing before the framing is placed upright to serve as a wall. After the framing is placed upright, insulation material may be positioned in the framing, and later an additional ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is directed to a structure having an area separation wall including: a first building unit; a second building unit; and an area separation wall having only outer membranes. The area separation wall provides improved fire, thermal, and sound resistance. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation without adversely affecting the fire resistance of the area separation wall.

[0015]Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a structure having an area separation wall. The structure may include: a first building unit; a second building unit; and an area separation wall having only outer membranes, the outer membranes also providing acoustic attenuation. The area separation wall provides improved fire, thermal and sound resistance and combinations thereof.

[0016]Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an area separation wall for a structure. The area separation wall may include: an interior support structure; and at least one outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation; and a substantially organic material barrier between the outer membranes. The area separation wall also provides improved fire, thermal and sound resistance and combinations thereof.

[0017]Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a structure having an area separation wall. The structure may include: a first building unit; a second building unit; and an area separation wall. The area separation wall may include: (i) an interior support structure; (ii) at least one outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure, and (iii) a substantially organic material barrier between the outer membranes; and a tying structure connecting the fire resistance rated, area separation wall to the first unit and the second unit. The outer membranes may provide acoustic attenuation. The area separation wall also provides improved fire, thermal and sound resistance and combinations thereof.

Problems solved by technology

This process is expensive, labor-intensive and time consuming.

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