Case Study: Successful Installation of Light Steel Keel in High-Rise Buildings
Project Overview
Location:Shenzhen,China
Building Type:40-story commercial high-rise
Construction Period:18 months
Scope:Interior partition walls and suspended ceilings using light steel keel
Key Challenges:Structural integrity,fire resistance,and soundproofing
1.Introduction to Light Steel Keel in High-Rise Construction
Light steel keel is widely used in high-rise buildings due to its advantages in weight reduction,seismic performance,and construction efficiency.In this project,light steel keel was chosen for interior partitions and suspended ceilings to ensure fast installation,fire resistance,and structural stability.
2.Project Requirements&Design Considerations
Structural Requirements
•The building’s interior walls needed to be lightweight yet strong enough to support various wall finishes.
•The suspended ceilings had to accommodate HVAC systems,lighting,and fire sprinklers.
Fire Safety Compliance
•All materials had to meet GB 8624-2012 fire resistance standards,with a minimum 1-hour fire rating.
Acoustic Performance
•The design included double-layer gypsum boards and sound insulation materials to reduce noise transmission between floors and office spaces.
3.Installation Process
Step 1:Material Preparation&Quality Control
•Materials Used:
•Light steel keel(galvanized,0.8mm thickness)
•Fire-rated gypsum board(12mm thickness)
•Mineral wool insulation for soundproofing
•Anti-corrosion fasteners and connectors
•Pre-Installation Quality Checks:
•Keels were inspected for uniformity,straightness,and corrosion resistance.
•Moisture-resistant gypsum boards were used in restrooms and kitchens.
Step 2:Frame Installation
•Wall Partitions:
1.Marking&Positioning:Laser levels were used to mark the positions of partitions on the floor and ceiling.
2.Keel Installation:
•U-shaped channel keels were fixed to the floor and ceiling using anchor bolts.
•Vertical C-shaped studs were spaced at 400mm intervals for structural stability.
3.Bracing&Reinforcement:Horizontal braces were installed every 1200mm to improve wall strength.
•Suspended Ceilings:
1.Main keels were suspended using adjustable hangers at 1200mm intervals.
2.Cross keels were added every 600mm for added support.
3.Plasterboards were fixed using self-tapping screws with a gap of 5mm for expansion.
Step 3:Fireproofing&Sound Insulation
•Fireproofing:
•Joints were sealed with fire-resistant sealant.
•Fire-rated boards were installed with staggered seams to prevent heat penetration.
•Sound Insulation:
•Mineral wool insulation was placed inside partition walls.
•Acoustic sealants were applied around edges and electrical outlets.
Step 4:Final Inspection&Handover
•Alignment and Structural Integrity:Checked using laser levels and torque wrenches.
•Load Testing:Ensured partitions could support mounted fixtures.
•Fire&Acoustic Testing:Confirmed compliance with national building standards.
4.Project Outcomes&Lessons Learned
Key Successes
✅30%faster installation compared to traditional brick walls.
✅Weight reduction of 50%,minimizing structural load.
✅Fire resistance met national safety standards.
✅Noise reduction of 45 dB,improving office acoustics.
Lessons Learned
•Pre-planning is critical–Coordinating with MEP(mechanical,electrical,plumbing)teams reduced conflicts in ceiling space.
•Material quality matters–Higher-grade galvanized steel prevented rust issues in humid conditions.
•Worker training improved efficiency–Standardized cutting and fastening methods reduced errors.
5.Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that light steel keel systems provide an efficient,lightweight,and fire-resistant solution for high-rise buildings.By following strict quality control and installation guidelines,this project achieved excellent structural stability,acoustic performance,and fire safety compliance.
Would you like recommendations for light steel keel suppliers or design optimizations for your project?