AU2018100892B4

AU2018100892B4 - Wall structure and method

Info

Publication number: AU2018100892B4
Application number: AU2018100892A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chad Bax
Original assignee: CSR Building Products Ltd
Current assignee: CSR Building Products Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2018-06-28
Publication date: 2019-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2022-04-08
Also published as: AU2014201979B2; AU2014201979A1; AU2014100051A4; AU2014201979C1; AU2014100051B4; AU2018100892A4; AU2020207846A1; NZ623581A; AU2014100051C4; AU2020207846B2; AU2018204722A1

Abstract

A multi component or multi layered wall structure is provided to attenuate noise transmission through the wall structure which is typically used as a dividing wall or 5 party wall between two adjacent rooms. The wall structure has two internal wall components, one of which is typically a steel stud wall and the other a building panel, typically, an autoclaved aerated concrete panel arranged to extend from floor to ceiling in approximate alignment with each other. A first lining in the form of a board, such as one or more sheets of fire rated plasterboard, is attached to the outer surface of the stud 10 wall to form one outer surface covering of the wall structure facing into one room. The first lining need not extend from floor to ceiling but may terminate near to the ceiling so that the stud wall has a covered part and an uncovered part. A similar second lining of plasterboard is attached to the outer surface of the building panel to form the other outer surface of the wall structure facing into the other room. Again, the lining may 15 terminate short of the ceiling. Even though the two linings on either side of the wall structure may not extend entirely from floor to ceiling, the wall structure is compliant with the relevant building codes with respect to sound transmission therethrough. The wall structure has optional other components such as one or more gaps or spaces, and additional layers of the same or different materials. The advantage of the wall structure 20 is that it is less costly and time consuming to build. 104187211 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4 28/06/18

Description

ABSTRACT

A multi component or multi layered wall structure is provided to attenuate noise transmission through the wall structure which is typically used as a dividing wall or party wall between two adjacent rooms. The wall structure has two internal wall components, one of which is typically a steel stud wall and the other a building panel, typically, an autoclaved aerated concrete panel arranged to extend from floor to ceiling in approximate alignment with each other. A first lining in the form of a board, such as one or more sheets of fire rated plasterboard, is attached to the outer surface of the stud wall to form one outer surface covering of the wall structure facing into one room. The first lining need not extend from floor to ceiling but may terminate near to the ceiling so that the stud wall has a covered part and an uncovered part. A similar second lining of plasterboard is attached to the outer surface of the building panel to form the other outer surface of the wall structure facing into the other room. Again, the lining may terminate short of the ceiling. Even though the two linings on either side of the wall structure may not extend entirely from floor to ceiling, the wall structure is compliant with the relevant building codes with respect to sound transmission therethrough. The wall structure has optional other components such as one or more gaps or spaces, and additional layers of the same or different materials. The advantage of the wall structure

0 is that it is less costly and time consuming to build.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

WALL STRUCTURE AND METHOD

The present application is a divisional application of AU 2014201979, the relevant contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Disclosed herein are wall structures for buildings, the wall structures for forming a noise attenuating structure in which the wall structure comprises more than a single component.

BACKGROUND ART

With the increased sophistication of modern living, increasingly larger numbers of machines, appliances and other devices are in use, each of which produces a sound in the form of noise collectively. Therefore, there are increasing sources of unwelcome noise in a home.

Simultaneously, with the increase in noise pollution, there is an increase in awareness of the harm caused by noise and a greater desire to have a substantially noise-free environment. One example of the environment in which unwanted noise occurs is the transmission of noise through dividing walls of multi occupant dwellings, such as blocks of flats, apartments, units, including high rise apartment blocks and similar.

Also, the populations of cities are increasing so that higher density housing is required to provide homes for the population. This has resulted in a proliferation of apartments and other high-density housing units where the separation between neighbouring dwellings is decreased. Thus, there is an increase in the number of residential buildings having separate individual apartments separated by internal dividing walls, which o places greater demand on the internal walls with respect to the reduction of sound transmission through the walls.

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In attempts to provide a quieter environment, different materials and construction methods have been used to reduce the transmission of noise, particularly through party walls or internal dividing walls. The quest for further reduction in noise transmission levels has resulted in the use of new or different materials as sound deadening materials and the use of new methods of construction, including the use of new materials, including materials often referred to as exotic high technology materials. However, whilst the use of high tech materials has reduced the transmission of noise, they have not been widely adopted due to the added expense of using such materials due to their increased costs, and the relative difficulty in installing such materials which further o adds to the cost of using the materials.

In the past, it was believed that currently available materials which were used to form walls, were required to extend the entire height of the wall from floor to ceiling or from slab to slab in high rise buildings in order to produce an acceptable sound barrier and/or to be compliant with building regulations, such as for example, regulations concerning the spread of fire through adjacent units in a multi-dwelling building.

A reference herein to the background or prior art does not constitute an admission that the background or prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of o ordinary skill in the relevant art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

5 Disclosed herein is a layered wall structure for use as an internal wall of a building to resist transmission of noise through the internal wall.

Also disclosed herein is a multi-component internal dividing wall for separating two adjacent rooms at the same level within a building. The wall structure may attenuate the o transmission of noise from one room to the other through the dividing wall structure so as to be compliant with building regulations concerning the transmission of noise in multi-dwelling buildings.

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It has been surprisingly discovered that not all parts of the wall need to extend from floor to ceiling in order for the wall to provide effective sound attenuation between adjacent rooms and/or to be fully compliant with the applicable building regulations. It has also been surprisingly discovered that effective sound attenuation between adjacent rooms and/or internal walls that can be fully compliant with the applicable building regulations can be constructed at reduced costs of construction.

The multi-component wall structure of the present disclosure can find particular io application as an internal dividing wall between two adjacent rooms at the one level of a multi-storey building that has a number of separate dwellings. The wall structure may provide a quieter environment for persons living in the dwellings by acting as a noise attenuating barrier between adjacent rooms to lessen the transmission of sound from one room to the other room through the wall structure. The wall structure may also be compliant with building regulations concerning the spread or propagation of fire through the building.

The multi-component wall structure of the present disclosure may employ innovative ways of using readily available and relatively low-cost materials to reduce the o transmission of sound through walls, particularly internal walls or party walls in multioccupant dwellings. The wall structure may be less costly and time consuming to install and yet provide sufficient sound absorbance and/or attenuation.

As stated above, the wall structure as disclosed herein may be compliant of the relevant regulations, particularly regarding sound transmission and optionally the spread of fire, by achieving minimum sound insulation performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia. For example, the wall structure may provide an internal dividing wall which is compliant in accordance with the procedures set forth in Australian Standards AS 2253 and AS 1276, particularly for achieving the minimum sound insulation performance requirements.

The wall structure as disclosed herein can be low-cost and may be cheaper to install but

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 may still be compliant with the building regulations with respect to satisfying minimum performance requirements. For example, the wall structure may make use of readily available and relatively low-cost materials which can be easier and faster to install, whilst still being compliant of the relevant building regulations.

Although the wall structure will be described with particular reference to one or other embodiments and methods of making the wall structure, it is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not restricted to the described embodiments but rather the scope of the present disclosure is more extensive so as to include other forms and o arrangements of the various components for forming the multi component wall structure, to other forms and arrangements of the wall structure, and to the use of the various forms and arrangements of the wall structure in applications other than described.

Accordingly, disclosed herein is a wall structure which can be employed for a wall of a building. The wall structure comprises a first inner wall member for providing support for the wall structure. The first inner wall member extends between a first (e.g. floor) level and a second (e.g. ceiling) level of the building. The wall structure also comprises a second inner wall member extending substantially between the first (e.g. floor) level and the second (e.g. ceiling) level of the building. The wall structure further comprises a first outer wall member connected to the first inner wall member for forming a covering for the first inner wall member. The first outer wall member extends in alignment with the first inner wall member to a first distance in the direction between the first (e.g. floor) level and the second (e.g. ceiling) level to form a covered part of the

5 first inner wall member and an uncovered part of the first inner wall member. The wall structure additionally comprises a second outer wall member connected to the second inner wall member for forming a covering of the second inner wall member. The second outer wall member extends in alignment with the second inner wall member to a second distance in the direction between the first (e.g. floor) level and the second (e.g.

ceiling) level to form a covered part of the second inner wall member and an uncovered part of the second inner wall member. The first distance and the second distance are both less than the distance between the first (e.g. floor) level and the second (e.g.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 ceiling) level. The wall structure can attenuate sound transmission through the wall structure. The wall structure can be compliant with respect to building regulations concerning noise transmission within the building.

Also disclosed herein is a wall structure of a building for dividing the one level of the building into first and second adjacent rooms with the wall structure located intermediate the two adjacent rooms. The wall structure comprises a frame member for forming the frame at a first side of the wall structure. The frame member extends between a floor member of the first room and a ceiling member of the first room. The o wall structure also comprises a building component for forming a second side of the wall structure. The building component extends substantially from a floor member of the second room of the building to a ceiling member of the second room of the building. The building component is capable of being securely fixed in place between the floor member and the ceiling member. The wall structure further comprises a first lining member connected to the frame member for forming a first outer covering of the wall of the first room. The first lining member faces into the first room and extends to a first distance between the floor member and the ceiling member of the first room to form a covered part of the frame member and an uncovered part of the frame member. The wall structure additionally comprises a second lining member connected to the building o component for forming an outer covering of the wall of the second room. The second lining member faces into the second room and extends to a second distance between the floor member and the ceiling member of the second room to form a covered part of the building component and an uncovered part of the building component. The first distance and the second distance are both less than the distance between the floor

5 member and ceiling member of the respective rooms in which the first lining member and the second lining member are located.

Also disclosed herein is a method of constructing a wall structure of a building. The method comprises locating a first inner wall member at or towards a first side of the wall structure to extend between a first level and a second level of the building. The method also comprises locating a second inner wall member at or towards a second side of the wall structure to extend substantially between the first level and the second level

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 of the building, and securely fixing the second inner wall member in place between the first level and the second level. The method further comprises locating a first outer wall member in alignment with the first inner wall member and connecting the first outer wall member to the first inner wall member so that the first outer wall member extends to a first distance in the direction between the first level and the second level to form a covered part of the first inner wall member and an uncovered part of the first inner wall member. The method additionally comprises locating a second outer wall member in alignment with the second inner wall member and connecting the second outer wall member to the second inner wall member to extend to a second distance in the direction l o between the first level and the second level to form a covered part of the second inner wall member and an uncovered part of the second inner wall member. The method can be implemented such that the first distance and the second distance are both less than the distance between the first level and the second level, thereby forming a wall structure having part of the first inner wall member uncovered and part of the second inner wall member uncovered. The resultant wall structure may attenuate sound transmission through the wall structure. The resultant wall structure may be compliant with building regulations concerning the transmission of noise through the wall structure.

Also disclosed herein is a method of constructing a wall structure of a building for forming a dividing wall between a first room and a second room in side-by-side relationship to each other at the same level of the building. The method comprises locating a frame member for forming the frame or support of the wall structure at a first side of the wall structure to extend between a floor member and a ceiling member of the first room. The method also comprises locating a building component for forming a second side of the wall structure and securing the building component in place using a connector so that the building component extends substantially between the floor member and the ceiling member of the second room. The method further comprises locating a first lining member in alignment with the frame member and connecting the o first lining member to the frame member so that the lining member faces into the first room and extends to a first distance along the frame member to form a covered part of the frame member and an uncovered part of the frame member. The method

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 additionally comprises locating a second lining member in alignment with the building component and connecting the second lining member to the building component so as to face into the second room and to extend to a second distance along the building component between the floor and the ceiling to form a covered part of the building component and an uncovered part of the building component. The method can be implemented such that the first distance and the second distance are both less than the distance between the floor and the ceiling of the first and second rooms.

Also disclosed herein is a wall structure for a wall of a building. The wall structure l o comprises a first inner wall member for extending between a floor and a ceiling of the building. The wall structure also comprises a first outer wall member for covering the first inner wall member. The first outer wall member in use extends substantially from the floor to a first distance that is less than the distance extended by the first inner wall member between the floor and the ceiling. The wall structure further comprises a first bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of the first outer wall member, the first outer wall member extending above the level of the first bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity. The wall structure additionally comprises a second inner wall member extending substantially between the floor and the ceiling of the building. Yet further, the wall structure comprises a second outer wall member for covering the second inner wall member. The second outer wall member in use extends substantially from the floor to a second distance that is less than the distance extended by the second inner wall member between the floor and the ceiling. Yet further, the wall structure additionally comprises a second bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of the second outer wall member, the second outer wall member extending above the level of the second bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity.

Because each of the first and second bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling o cavity respectively covers a part of an outward face of the first and second outer wall members, the upper edge of each outer wall member is covered by the bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity (e.g. to enclose each upper edge). This means that

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 each upper edge does not have to be cut to size or trimmed. Hence, the wall structure can be constructed in less time and at a lower cost. Further, the wall structure can still be compliant with the relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia relating to the transmission of sounds through internal walls.

In some embodiments, the second inner wall member may comprise a slab, block, sheet or the like of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (hereafter “AAC”), optionally reinforced AAC.

io Also disclosed herein is a wall structure for a wall of a building. The wall structure comprises a first inner wall member for extending between a floor and a ceiling of the building. The wall structure also comprises a first outer wall member for covering the first inner wall member. The wall structure further comprises a second inner wall member extending substantially between the floor and the ceiling of the building. The wall structure additionally comprises a second outer wall member for covering the second inner wall member. The wall structure further comprises a bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of at least one of the first and second outer wall members, wherein the at least one of the outer wall members extends above the level of the o bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity. The at least one of the outer wall members extends a distance that is less than the distance extended by its respective inner wall member. The second inner wall member can comprise a slab, block, sheet or the like of AAC. The AAC can be reinforced.

In some embodiments, the wall structure may further comprise first and second bulkheads, ceiling boxes, false ceilings, or ceiling cavities to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of a respective first and outer wall member.

In some embodiments, the first outer wall member may, in use, extend substantially from the floor to a first distance that is less than the distance between the floor and the ceiling. The second outer wall member may, in use, extend substantially from the floor

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 to a second distance that is less than the distance between the floor and the ceiling.

The AAC slab, block, sheet or the like may comprise HEBEL® AAC slab, block, sheet or the like, which may optionally be reinforced. The AAC slab, block, sheet or the like may be contained within a steel framework. The AAC slab, block, sheet or the like may be arranged in side-edge-by-side-edge abutting relationship to form the second inner wall of the building. The resultant wall structure may generally correspond to the height of the room, which can be referred to as the full height of the wall extending from slab to slab.

io

The use of AAC for the second inner wall member may result in lower cost in constructing walls in comparison to current methods, less wastage in plasterboard materials resulting in less on-site waste materials, speed of construction due to modular use of AAC (e.g. Hebei®) AAC slab, block, sheet or the like and plasterboard (e.g.

Gyprock® panels. The wall structure can be compliant with the relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia relating to the transmission of sounds through internal walls. The wall structure may also be compliant with building regulations concerning the spread or propagation of fire through the building.

The building may be a multi-storied building having a multitude of individual dwellings, such as apartments or the like. The building may have multiple levels of individual dwellings, in which each level of the building has multiple individual dwellings, such as for example, single occupant units (SOU), apartments or the like.

5 The building may be a high rise building of multiple floors in which each floor is of a concrete slab construction such that the floor and ceiling of each level are concrete slabs, respectively, or the floors/ceilings are made from individual blocks or the like, such as HEBEL® lightweight flooring panels or blocks made from Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), including reinforced AAC panels, which panels or blocks are contained within a steel framework in which the panels or blocks are arranged in sideby-side abutting relationship to form the floor/ceiling at each level of the building in which the same slab is the ceiling of the relatively lower level unit and the floor of the

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 relatively upper level unit. The rooms at each level may be formed between two adjacent slabs which may be spaced apart from each other by a distance which is referred to as the slab to slab distance. The wall structure may correspond generally to the height of the room which is referred to as the full height of the wall extending from slab to slab.

In one embodiment, the wall structure may include all of the elements, members, fittings, fixtures, layers, components and similar that form the internal dividing wall between two adjacent rooms at the one level within the building. In one embodiment, o the wall structure may include two or more of layers of the same material, component or the like.

In one embodiment, the wall structure may be a layered wall structure having a multitude of different components in which some components are in abutting relationship with each other and some components are in spaced apart relationship with each other as will be described in detail later.

In one embodiment, the wall structure may be composed of layers of different materials, in which each layer may be different or there may be two or more layers of o the same material arranged in various combinations of two or more inner layers and two or more outer layers. One of the layers may be an air gap or air space, which may be located between the two inner wall members or the inner and outer wall members in combination.

In one embodiment, the first inner wall member may be a structural member, such as a load bearing member, for example, a frame member. In one embodiment, the frame member may be a stud for forming a stud wall. The stud may be a metal stud, such as a steel stud having a protective coating, for example, a galvanised steel stud or the like.

In one form the metal stud may be 64mm wide. However, the stud may be of any suitable size, shape or type. There may be a multitude of metal studs located in spaced apart relationship in alignment with each other to form a stud wall extending from one side of the room to the other side of the room, such as the opposite side at a location

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 where the wall is to be constructed.

In one embodiment, the stud may be of an open cross-section, and may be in the form of a C-shaped stud, an H-shaped stud or similar in cross-section having one or more open faces in the form of channels.

In one embodiment, the open channels may be arranged in opposite face-to-face relationship to one another so that two spaced apart adjacent studs define a cavity wall or similar.

In one embodiment, the first level of the building may be the level of the floor or floor member of one of the stories or levels of the building, e.g. the first level may correspond to the position of the slab forming the floor of the room in which the wall structure is to be constructed. In one embodiment, the second level may be the level of the ceiling of the room, e.g. the second level may correspond to the level of the slab forming the ceiling of the room in which the wall is constructed. The difference between the floor level and the ceiling level is the full height of the room.

In one embodiment, the stud may extend from the floor slab to the ceiling slab and may be firmly secured or fixed to the floor slab at one end either directly or indirectly, such as by a suitable fitting, such as for example, a bracket or channel member, and may be firmly secured or fixed to the ceiling slab either directly or indirectly, such as by a suitable fitting, such as a bracket or channel member at the other end of the stud.

In one embodiment, the second inner wall member may be a building component for providing structural support for the wall, such as for example, contributing to the integrity of the wall. In one embodiment, the second inner wall member may be a building panel, such as a lightweight building panel (e.g. in the form of a slab, block, sheet or the like, such as a reinforced lightweight rectangular building panel). The lightweight building panel may be an Autoclaved Aerated concrete (AAC) panel, such as made by CSR Building Products Limited and supplied under the CSR Hebei® trade mark as a tongue and groove Power Panel.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

The building panel may be secured in place by suitable fasteners, including sections, studs, connectors, brackets, channels or the like.

In one embodiment, there may be a multitude of AAC panels arranged in side-by-side relationship extending substantially between the floor slab and the ceiling slab, apart from in some embodiments, there being a small gap in the form of a joint, located at the floor end and at the ceiling end of the panel. The size of the joint may be from about 2mm to about 20mm, e.g. less than about 20mm, such as between about 5mm and io 15mm, e.g. in the range between 10mm and 15mm at both the floor level and the ceiling level. Further, it is to be noted that the sizes of the respective joints at either end can be the same or different.

It is to be noted that when the term “substantially” is used herein to refer to the height of a wall member/panel, this is due to the optional presence of a small sized joint along the upper and/or lower edges of the wall member/panel when located in situ to form the wall structure, which gives rise to a distance that is very slightly less than the true floor to ceiling distance.

In one embodiment, the first outer wall member may be a covering member, such as in the form of a panel, partition, cladding, facade, sheet, board or the like. More particularly, the covering member may be a lining, internal cladding, internal skin member, internal wall covering, internal facade, or the like located on the outer surface of the inner wall member, frame member or similar for forming the outer surface of the wall structure. The lining may be made from plasterboard, such as fire-rated plasterboard - e.g. 13mm thick CD plasterboard. However, it is to be noted that any thickness of plasterboard or similar material ranging typically from about 5mm to 10mm thickness may be used as the internal lining. Examples of plasterboard include sheets of Gyprock™ or other forms of plasterboard manufactured by CSR Building

Products Limited or other manufacturers, in thicknesses of 10mm, 13mm or the like. In one embodiment, the lining may be two plasterboard sheets or panels having the same thickness located in edge-to-edge relationship one on top of the other against the

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 outward facing side or edge of the metal stud wall to extend some distance from, at or near to the floor where there is an optional joint, in the direction towards the ceiling slab but not all of the way to the ceiling or not to the full height of the room from slab to slab, but rather to terminate short of or below the ceiling slab. Thus, the height of the plasterboard lining may be less than the true floor to ceiling distance.

In one embodiment, the plasterboard lining may extend part way along the height of the stud, such as from close to the floor in the direction towards the ceiling but to finish or terminate short of the ceiling, leaving part of the stud uncovered, exposed or the like to io form both a covered part and an uncovered part of the stud.

In one embodiment, the room may be provided with a bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, ceiling cavity or the like. In one embodiment, the plasterboard lining may extend from close to the floor to above the level of the bulkhead or level of the false ceiling of the room. The bulkhead may be boxed in or closed by a suitable end wall to form a more or less substantially enclosed cavity.

In one embodiment, the second outer wall may be made of the same material as the first outer wall member, such as preferably plasterboard, more preferably 13mm thick CD o plasterboard, except that the plasterboard of the second outer wall member may be connected to an outwardly facing AAC building panel on the other side of the wall structure. The second distance may be from close to the floor to be less than the level of the ceiling slab, but greater than the level to which the bulkhead or false ceiling extends along the outer surface of the wall structure. It is to be noted that the first distance of the first lining can be the same or different to the second distance of the second lining. Thus, the second plasterboard lining may extend in alignment with e.g. the AAC panel to form a covered part of the panel and an uncovered part of the panel.

In one embodiment, there may be a space between the stud wall and the building panel of AAC, such as an air gap or space. The air gap or space may be from about 2mm to about 100mm or greater, e.g. from greater than about 5mm to about 50mm, or from about 10 to 45mm, such as about 35mm or similar depending on the construction of the

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 wall structure, the design of the rooms and of the building and the like.

In one embodiment, a layer of insulation may be located within the stud wall, such as for example, a sheet or batt of insulation, such as glass wool insulation, rockwool insulation or the like, contained internally within the width of the stud, and may be constrained between the open channels of two adjacent studs.

In one embodiment, the wall structure may have two or more air gaps in spaced apart relationship to each other. In one embodiment, the wall structure may have two or l o more layers of insulation, which may be spaced apart from each other on different sides of the wall structure.

When constructing the wall structure, an installer may be required to fire-seal the wall in order to satisfy both the fire and acoustic requirements, particularly so that the wall structure is compliant with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

It is to be noted that embodiments of the wall structure can have any combination of individual layers or components and can have any number of the same layers, preferably spaced from one another to form a wall structure having the sound attenuating properties required of the wall.

Further, it is to be noted that walls made in accordance with the described embodiments are compliant in satisfying the fire requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) for buildings for human occupation, in addition to achieving the minimum sound insulation performance requirements of the BCA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the wall structure will now be described, by way of example only, with 30 reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic vertical cross-section of one form of a wall structure in which

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 the bulkheads are sealed.

Figure 2 is a schematic vertical cross-section of the form of the wall structure of Figure 1 in which one bulkhead is open and the other is closed.

Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross-section of another form of the wall structure having two layers of insulation.

Figure 4 is a schematic vertical cross-section of a further form of the wall structure o having an air space on either side of the AAC panel.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary partial isometric view of the form of the wall of Figure 1 in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the wall structure will now be described with reference to the drawings in which the different embodiments are illustrated.

In one embodiment, there is provided a building, typically a multi-level or multi-story building of separate conjoined dwellings occupied by different groups of people at the one level, such as for example, individual apartments housed within the building on the same floor defined by internal walls separating the individual apartments from each other, such as for example, single occupant units (SOU), and dividing individual

5 apartments at the one level, generally denoted as 2, into separate adjacent rooms 4, 6 or the like. The construction or structure of the building can be in any suitable or convenient form and includes such examples at HEBEL® floor on steel lightweight construction, reinforced concrete frame/floor construction, Concrete Bondek on steel construction, timber frame construction or other suitable construction capable of being o structurally constructed. The wall structure is one form of a layered dividing wall having multiple components located between adjacent rooms 4, 6 and is essentially a sound deadening or sound absorbing wall to reduce the amount of noise or sound being

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019 transmitted through or by the wall, even though not all components or layers extend to the full height of the wall as will be described in more detail later.

One form of the wall structure is a multi-layer or multi-component wall 10, typically of 5 the type as shown in Figure 1, which comprises a first inner wall member in the form of a framework member or frame element, such as for example, a metal stud 12, preferably of a width of about 64mm, located at or towards one side of wall 10. One form of metal stud 12 is a galvanised steel C-shaped stud or similar, such as for example, a RONDO® Lipped C stud or a RONDO® Quiet Stud. However, stud 12 can io have different profiles or shapes, such as two C-shaped studs in back-to-back relationship or an H-shaped section or profile. Stud 12 is fixedly attached at one end to floor slab 14 of room 4 and at the other end to ceiling slab 16 of room 4. Stud 12 may be connected to the floor and ceiling slabs respectively directly by being fixedly fastened thereto, or indirectly through a suitable connector or fitting such as for example, an upper bracket, channel section, or upper end piece 18 located at the upper end of stud 12, and a lower bracket, channel, section or lower end piece 20 located at the lower end of stud 12. Stud 12 is oriented such that the open channel of the C-shape is aligned along the plane of wall 10 so that one of the side edges of the C-shaped profile faces towards the interior of room 4 and the other side edge of the C-shaped profile faces into the interior of wall structure 10. If provided, brackets 18, 20 holding studs 12 are also C-shaped with the open channel of the “C” facing vertically downwards in the upper bracket 18 which is mounted to the ceiling or facing vertically upwards in lower bracket 20 which is mounted to the floor. Thus, brackets 18, 20 and studs 12 form the perimeter of a stud wall cavity. Any number of individual studs 12 in aligned spaced apart relationship to each other, can be used to form the stud wall. As the number of studs 12 vary, in accordance with the length of the wall, any number of studs 12 can be used to form the stud walls in which any number of cavities are formed.

In one embodiment, stud 12 can be in the form of two C-shaped studs in back-to-back relationship with each other such as in the form of an H-shape so that the open channel of the “C” faces outwardly in opposite directions from two sides of the stud.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

A layer of insulation is optionally provided within the stud cavity formed in the stud wall between adjacent studs 12. In one embodiment, the layer of insulation can take any suitable form, such as for example, being in the form of panels, sheets, batts, rolls, fluff, wadding or similar. One preferred form of the insulation is an insulation batt 22 which can be fitted in the stud cavity between adjacent studs 12 and secured in place by any suitable fastener or fixing. In one embodiment, insulation batt 22 can be made from any suitable material, such as for example, glass wool, rock wool, fibreglass, or similar. One preferred form of insulation is a 75mm thick batt of 11 kg/m³ glass wool insulation made and supplied by CSR Bradford.

io

It is to be noted that stud 12 with or without brackets 18, 20 at one or either end extends from floor 14 to ceiling 16 and is secured in place to form one of the main structural parts of wall 10.

A second inner wall member in the form of a building component, such as for example, a building panel 26, typically an AAC panel, is located in alignment with studs 12 and spaced apart from insulation batt 22 to form another layer of wall 10, including contributing to the support or structural integrity of wall 10 by being fixed indirectly to floor slab 14 and ceiling slab 16. An upper L-shaped bracket 28 is fixedly attached to ceiling slab 16 and a lower L-shaped bracket 30 is fixedly attached to floor slab 14 in vertical alignment with each other to provide for fixing of panel 26 by the upper edge and lower edge of panel 26 being connected to the upper and lower brackets 28, 30, respectively, to enable panel 26 to be securely connected between floor 14 and ceiling

16.

A small space or gap in the form of upper joint 32 is provided between ceiling 16 and upper edge of panel 26 to accommodate the placement of one leg of upper bracket 28 and a small gap or space in the form of a lower joint 34 is provided between floor 14 and lower edge of panel 26 to accommodate placement of one leg of lower bracket 30, so that panel 26 extends only substantially between floor 14 and ceiling 16 by extending between brackets 28, 30. In this form, the height of panel 26 is not the slab to slab distance. Joints 32, 34 each have a size of from about 2mm to about 30mm, preferably

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 from about 5mm to 20mm, more preferably from about 10mm to 15mm. In one embodiment, joint 32 is provided with reinforcement, such as a backer rod or backing rod 36, typically made from polyethylene, at or towards the outer side of wall 10 to assist in forming sealed joint 32. Joint 32 is filled with a suitable adhesive, sealant, bonding agent, grout paste, thixotropic agent or the like, such as a fire retardant foam sealer in the form of BOSTICK FIREBAN ONE™ which is a one part fire rated polyurethane joint sealant.

Lower joint 34 is also filled with a suitable material in the form of an adhesive, sealant, io bonding agent, grout, thixotropic agent, paste, gel or similar, such as a fire retardant sealer, in the form of BOSTIK FIREBAN ONE™. Joint 34 ranges in size from about 2mm to about 30mm, preferably from about 4mm to 20mm, more preferably from 10mm to 15mm.

A backer rod or locking rod may be used optionally to fill joint 34 or to assist in sealing joint 34.

In one embodiment, building panel 26 is spaced from studs 12 and insulation batt 22 to form an insulation gap or space, such as a sound or noise deadening insulation space or gap 40. Gap 40 can have any suitable size, width or form. A typical spacing between the respective facing sides of the insulation layer batt 22 and building panel 26 is about 35mm or similar. However, it is to be noted that the spacing can have any suitable or convenient spacing, such as for example, up to about 100mm or more.

Building panel 26 can take any suitable form, size, shape type or the like. In one embodiment, panel 26 is a rectangular panel, typically made from a lightweight material, such as for example, a concrete or concrete like material including an artificial or synthetic concrete material. One preferred form is Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), such as for example, made and/or supplied by CSR Building Products Limited and sold under the CSR HEBEL® name as a Power Panel®.

In one embodiment, panel 26 is a rectangular 75mm thick HEBEL® Power Panel

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 provided with tongue and grooves along opposed edges allowing the panels to be interlockingly interconnected to adjacent or contiguous panels in edge-to-edge side-byside relationship along the respective longitudinal edges of the panels. It is to be noted that a single HEBEL® panel is of a size to extend substantially from floor slab 14 to ceiling slab 16, or more particularly from upper joint 32 to lower joint 34 to take account of the presence of upper bracket 28 and lower bracket 30 or other fitting for fixing panel 26 securely in place.

A first outer wall in the form of a first lining member, typically one or more io plasterboard sheets 46, is aligned along studs 12 collectively to form an exterior covering for one side of wall 10 which is the side facing into room 4 by extending to a first distance from floor 14 in a direction near to ceiling 16. Multiple sheets of plasterboard 46 are connected to studs 12 collectively to form a covering for the side of wall 10 facing into room 4. Multiple sheets of plasterboard 46 are connected to studs

12 collectively by suitable fasteners, such as in the form of plasterboard nails, screws or specialised fasteners, to form the outer skin or outer wall surface of wall 10. Any number of sheets of plasterboard can be used and joined together in edge-to-edge relationship along the respective longitudinal edges and along the respective transverse edges in the usual manner to cover studs 12 to form a covered part of the studs. The o plasterboard sheets 46 can be finished in the usual manner.

It is to be noted that in most buildings, two sheets of plasterboard 46, each about 1200mm in height are arranged one on top of the other in edge-to-edge abutting relationship in alignment with each other to form a planar wall or outer surface of the wall, covering most but not all of the outer surfaces of wall 10 by not extending to the full height of wall 10, i.e. does not extend from slab to slab, so that there is an uncovered part or section 48 of the stud cavity wall located at or towards the top of studs 12 which is not covered by plasterboard sheets 46, but rather studs 12 and the layer of insulation 22 (if present) immediately below ceiling slab 16, are exposed, i.e.

form uncovered part 48. This arrangement allows for easier and faster installation of sheets of plasterboard 46 and construction of wall 10 since none of plasterboard sheets 46 need to be cut to fit vertically between ceiling and floor to the full height of wall 10,

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 as is usually required in conventional building construction techniques, but rather, an unfinished edge along the top edge of the upper plasterboard sheet can remain, and further the top of the plasterboard sheet does not need to be joined to the ceiling such as for example, by forming a neat joint or neat comice around the joint between the outer surface of plasterboard sheet 46 and the exposed surface of ceiling 16. Instead, a bulkhead 50 having a false ceiling 52, typically in the form of a ceiling box or similar, can be constructed to hide the uncovered part 48 of studs 12. In one embodiment, the ceiling box or bulkhead 50 has an end 54 depending downwardly, preferably vertically downwards from ceiling slab 16 to form one end of the ceiling box 50. One form of o end 54 is made from two layers, sheets of thicknesses of plasterboard having a preselected width or height laminated together to form the end of bulkhead 50, such as for example, two sheets or strips of 13mm thick fire treated plasterboard, such as CD plasterboard. In one embodiment, bulkhead 50 extends downwardly from ceiling slab 16 to a distance of about 400mm. One form of bulkhead 50 extends horizontally outward from studs 12 to a distance of about 1000mm or the like.

It is to be noted that the use of fire rated materials to make bulkhead 50 allows wall structure 10 to be compliant with building regulations concerning the spread of fire and noise transmission within rooms 4 and 6, even though the outer lining of plasterboard does not extend to the ceiling.

Although one form of bulkhead 50 is shown as being rectangular, any other suitable form is possible to suit the design of the building and/or room, including the exposed outer surfaces of the bulkhead being provided with decorative effects or architectural

5 features.

In one embodiment, internal brackets 60 may be used to connect bulkhead 50, particularly false ceiling 52, to plasterboard sheet 46. In one embodiment, internal bracket 60 is a P50 connector which is an elongate strip of angle iron. In another form, bracket 60 is a generally C-shaped channel or section in which false ceiling 52 is secured to one side of bracket 60 and the vertical stub of plasterboard 46 is connected to the web of bracket 60 as shown in the drawings.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

In one embodiment, on the other side of wall structure 10, in room 6, a second outer wall member in the form of a second lining member, typically one or more sheets of plasterboard 64, are aligned along the outwardly facing side of building panel 26 for forming an exterior covering for the other side of wall 10 which side is the side facing into room 6 by extending a second distance from floor 14 to near to ceiling 16.

Multiple sheets of plasterboard 64 are used to form the side of wall 10 facing into room 6. Plasterboard sheets 64 are connected directly to the surface of building panel 26 by any suitable means, such as for example, an adhesive, sealant, bonding agent, glue, io fasteners or the like. Plasterboard lining 64, made from multiple individual sheets, does not extend to the full height of wall 10, but rather extends to a distance short of ceiling slab 16 only, leaving an upper part 66 of building panel 26 exposed and uncovered, thus forming an uncovered part 66 of panel 64, the remaining part of panel 26 being covered by plasterboard 64 thus forming a covered part.

A bulkhead 68 in the form of a false ceiling 70, such as a ceiling box, is formed on this side of wall 10 to enclose the exposed surface of uncovered part 66 of building panel 64 as shown in the drawings. The arrangement of bulkhead 68 is the same as, or similar to arrangement of bulkhead 50, by also having false ceiling 70 and a double plasterboard thickness end wall 72 of fire rated materials.

It is to be noted that the height of plasterboard wall 64 is the same or different to the height of plasterboard wall section 46.

5 In one or other forms of the wall structure, an aperture, typically in the form of an open return air grill 76, is optionally provided in the false ceiling of one or both bulkheads.

In one embodiment, open return air grills 76 are cut into the false ceiling 52, 70 of each bulkhead 50, 68 adjacent to wall structure 10, such as for example, about 200mm away from wall 10. In one embodiment, open return air grill 76 has a size of about 600mm x 600mm. It is to be noted that even when two return air grills 76 are provided, one on either side of wall 10 in the respective bulkheads, wall 10 has acceptable sound

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 transmission resistance to be compliant with the relevant building regulations, such as for example, performance which is complaint with Australian Standards AS2253 and AS 1276.

Other arrangements of wall structure 10 having combinations of different numbers of different layers of different components are possible.

One such structure is illustrated in Figure 3. One embodiment of the wall is wall structure 110, as illustrated in Figure 3, comprises a stud cavity wall of studs 112 io forming the main support for wall 110. A plasterboard sheet outer lining 146 covering the outer surface of wall 110 in room 4, a first layer of insulation 122 located within the cavity wall formed by studs 112, forming one side of wall 110.

The other side of wall 110 includes building panel 126 secured in place between upper bracket 130 and lower bracket 132, with an air gap or space 140 being provided intermediate the opposed facing surfaces of insulation batt 122 and building panel 126.

A second layer of insulation 180 is provided on the other side of panel 126 to air gap 140. A second layer of plasterboard sheet 164 is provided on the outboard side of insulation batt 180. All details of the construction of wall 110 are the same as or similar to the details of constructions of wall 10, as is the form and construction of both bulkheads 150, 168 with or without grills 176.

A further embodiment of the wall structure is wall structure 210, as shown in Figure 4 in which there is an air gap 240, 282 on either side of centrally located building panel 226 and two spaced apart layers of insulation 222 and 280 on either side of wall 210, to provide additional sound deadening and noise abatement for rooms 4, 6.

The remainder of the construction of wall 210 is the same or similar to that of wall 10.

In Figure 5, the construction of wall 10 of Figure 1 is shown in more detail, particularly showing the orientation of studs 12 forming the first inner wall members.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

SAMPLE ONE

A first test sample wall structure, referred to as Sample One, was constructed in 5 accordance with the wall structure of Figure 1 between two adjacent rooms within a test chamber to simulate an internal dividing wall between two single occupant units to measure sound loss of the particular wall structure. Sample One wall structure was constructed using a 75mm thick CSR HEBEL® Tongue and Groove “Power Panel” and one row of 64mm wide steel studs forming a stud cavity wall with one layer of 13mm io CD plasterboard fixed on both sides of the wall structure to form the outwardly facing linings of the wall. An insulation batt of 75mm thick 1 lkg/m³ glass wool insulation was packed into the stud cavity. The gap between the stud cavity wall, particularly the surface of the insulation batt and the HEBEL® Power Panel is 35mm. The dropped plasterboard sheets on either side of the wall were fixed to the ceiling plasterboard of the bulkhead using a P50 angle iron strip located between the two sheets of plasterboard.

The remaining perimeter of the wall was sealed on both sides using BOSTIK FIREBAN ONE™ polyurethane sealant. The construction of Sample One wall is in accordance with the wall structure illustrated in Figure 1.

The results of the test on Sample One are provided in Table 1. Table 1 shows that the test sample achieved an acoustic rating of Rw+ Ctr of 51.9 which is compliant with current Building Code of Australia (BCA) regulations for party walls in high rise residential buildings. It is to be noted that a typical acoustic rating, represented by R, is about 50+2-3 dB, including actual values in the range from 47 to 53 dB, such as for example 51.9 dB, 51 dB, 50.8 dB and the like.

In one embodiment, the weighted sound reduction index, Rw, is a single number value o expressed in decibels (dB) which describes the overall sound insulation performance or sound reduction that the wall or floor provides. Note that sound pressure levels are usually expressed in decibels, with one decibel being the smallest change in sound

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 pressure level or intensity (loudness) detectable by the human ear. Rw ratings are determined by laboratory testing. A sample of the wall or floor is constructed in an opening separating a source room (where sounds are generated at various frequencies) from a receiver room, where the sound level is measured. The difference in sound level between the source room and receiver room represents the sound reduction or transmission loss, R, through the test specimen for that frequency, in decibels (dB). Measurements are conducted in one-third octave bands over frequencies typically from 100 to 3,150 Hz. To determine the Rw value, the results for each frequency are plotted on a diagram and a reference curve (from AS/NZS ISO 717.11) is positioned so that the io sum of the differences at each test frequency under the reference curve is as large as possible but not more than 32 dB. Once the reference curve is correctly positioned, the sound reduction at 500 Hz is determined and this becomes the single-number Rw value. The procedure results in the sound reduction index being weighted to about the average sound reduction in the middle of the human hearing range, with higher values indicating better performance.

Weighted sound reduction index plus spectrum adaptation term (Rw + Ctr)

The spectrum adaptation term, Ctr, takes into account the performance of the building element in specifically reducing the transmission of low frequency sound. The term is calculated by combining the measured performance of the wall or floor element at various frequencies with a curve that represents a typical low frequency sound source (typically traffic noise and hence the ‘tr’ subscript). As most noise related issues involve the transmission of low frequency sounds from audio equipment, the BCA’s

5 sound insulation requirements generally include the Ctr term by setting a minimum Rw + Ctr value - typically 50 dB.

SAMPLE TWO

A second test sample wall structure, referred to as Sample Two, was constructed as indicated above in connection with Sample One, except that a 600mm x 600mm opening in the form of a grille was provided in the false ceiling panel of the bulkhead

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 on one side of the wall structure which side is the same side as the source of noise for the test. The grille was constructed to simulate the presence of an air conditioning return air duct or grille in the bulkhead of the wall.

The wall structure of sample two is as illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings showing a single air return grille.

The results of the test on Sample Two are provided in Table 2. Table 2 shows that the test sample achieved an acoustic rating of Rw + Ctr of 51.0 which is compliant with the io current BCA regulations for party walls in high rise residential buildings.

SAMPLE THREE

A third test sample wall structure, referred to as Sample Three, was constructed similarly as indicated above in respect of Sample One except that a 600mm x 600mm opening in the form of a grille was formed in the false ceilings of both bulkheads on either side of the wall structure to simulate an air conditioning return duct or grille on either side of the wall structure.

The results of the Test on Sample Three are provided in Table 3. Table 3 shows that the test sample achieved an acoustic rating of Rw + Ctr of 50.8 which is compliant with current BCA regulations for party walls in high rise residential buildings.

ADVANTAGES

Advantages of embodiments as disclosed herein include the following. Lower cost in constructing walls in comparison to current methods, less wastage in plasterboard materials resulting in less on-site waste materials, speed of construction due to modular use of Hebei® panels and Gyprock® panels.

Owing to the linings forming the exposed surfaces of the two walls of the wall structure not having to be cut to size or trimmed since the upper edges of the linings or either

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 wall is covered by the enclosed bulkheads, the wall structure can be constructed in less time and at a lower cost.

The wall structure is compliant with the relevant sections of the Building Code of 5 Australia relating to the transmission of sounds through internal walls.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

TESTRESULT OF SAMPLES —

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

TEST ftESULT Of SAIWPLE3— T'leW- 5

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Mwaiiitl Ratine = 57,S;.. ς,= -7. X; H„ + Q, =50.3 _1 |SFMH1>F33HH JUJ4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019

Table 4 summarises the results from the test performed on Samples One, Two and Three.

Table 4 - Summary of Results

Sample	Test	Rw	Ctr	Rw + Ctr
1	Single stud system with plasterboard lining terminating at the ceiling and unperforated bulkheads - plasterboard dropping with P50 joints	60	-8.1	51.9
2	Single stud system with plasterboard lining terminating at the ceiling and 600 x 600 open hole cut into the bulkhead on the Hebei side of the wall - plasterboard dropping with P50 joints	59.3	-8.3	51
3	Single stud system with plasterboard lining terminating at the ceiling and 600 xO 600 open hole cut into the bulkhead on both sides of the wall - plasterboard dropping with P50 joints	57.9	-7.1	50.8

The above results indicate that:

• All walls achieved the minimum R_w + Ct_r 50 requirement of the BCA.

• Cutting a (simulated) return air grille on the Hebei side of the wall had a io measurable effect on the wall performance (0.9 points).

• Cutting a return air grille on the direct stick side of the wall had no measurable effect on the wall performance.

The tests conducted indicate that provided the ceilings adjacent to the walls are 15 perforated in a manner that is typically undertaken in residential and hotel situations (i.e. light fittings and return air grilles) then the systems including plasterboard linings connected to Hebei wall panels which are terminated at the ceiling level with P50 joints between the ceiling and dropped plasterboard, form walls which will comply with the requirements of current BCA Part F5.

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2018100892 18 Jan 2019

The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, which disclosure includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wall structure as described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the wall structure may include all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the wall structure as disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A wall structure for a wall of a building, the wall structure comprising:

a first inner wall member for extending between a floor and a ceiling of the

5 building, a first outer wall member for covering the first inner wall member, the first outer wall member in use extending substantially from the floor to a first distance that is less than the distance extended by the first inner wall member between the floor and the ceiling, io a first bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of the first outer wall member, the first outer wall member extending above the level of the first bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity, a second inner wall member extending substantially between the floor and the

15 ceiling of the building, a second outer wall member for covering the second inner wall member, the second outer wall member in use extending substantially from the floor to a second distance that is less than the distance extended by the second inner wall member between the floor and the ceiling,

20 a second bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of the second outer wall member, the second outer wall member extending above the level of the second bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity.

25

2. A wall structure according to claim 1, wherein the second inner wall member comprises a slab, block, sheet or the like of AAC, optionally reinforced AAC.

3. A wall structure for a wall of a building, the wall structure comprising:

a first inner wall member for extending between a floor and a ceiling of the

30 building, a first outer wall member for covering the first inner wall member, a second inner wall member extending substantially between the floor and the ceiling of the building,

10989266_1 (GHMatters) P92694.AU.4

2018100892 18 Jan 2019 a second outer wall member for covering the second inner wall member, a bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of at least one of the first and second outer wall members, wherein the at least one of the outer wall members extends above

5 the level of the bulkhead, ceiling box, false ceiling, or ceiling cavity; and wherein the at least one of the outer wall members extends a distance that is less than the distance extended by its respective inner wall member; and wherein the second inner wall member comprises a slab, block, sheet or the like of AAC, optionally reinforced AAC.

4. A wall structure according to claim 3, wherein the wall structure comprises first and second bulkheads, ceiling boxes, false ceilings, or ceiling cavities to be spaced in use from the ceiling so as to cover a part of an outward face of a respective first and second outer wall member.

5. A wall structure according to claim 4, wherein the first outer wall member in use extends substantially from the floor to a first distance that is less than the distance between the floor and the ceiling, and wherein the second outer wall member in use extends substantially from the 2 o floor to a second distance that is less than the distance between the floor and the ceiling.