Fire-rated wall and ceiling system
The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.
1. A fire rated metal stud framing wall and ceiling system, comprising:
a metal bottom track comprising a web, a first flange and a second flange, the first and second flanges extending in an upward direction from opposing side edges of the web, the bottom track defining an interior space between the web and the inwardly-facing surfaces of the first and second flanges;
a plurality of metal studs that are spaced from one another along the bottom track, each of the plurality of studs having a bottom end received within the interior space of the bottom track, each of the plurality of studs extending in a generally vertical direction from the bottom track;
a metal top track comprising a web, a first flange and a second flange, the first and second flanges extending in a downward direction from opposing side edges of the web, the top track defining an interior space between the web and the inwardly-facing surfaces of the first and second flanges, wherein upper ends of each of the plurality of studs are received within the interior space of the top track, further comprising a first heat-expandable, intumescent material strip extending along a length of the top track on a first side thereof and a second heat-expandable, intumescent material strip extending along a length of the top track on a second side thereof, the first and second intumescent material strips attached to the top track and each having at least a first surface facing the top track and a second surface, wherein the second surface of each of the first and second intumescent material strips defines a width and the combined widths of the second surfaces of the first and second intumescent material strips is less than the width of the web of the metal top track; and
a ceiling;
wherein the first and second intumescent material strips are located on the top track such that the second surface of each of the first and second intumescent material strips is compressed against the ceiling when the top track is secured to the ceiling.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the first flange and the second flange comprise planar portions that extend a substantial depth of the top track.
3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a recess defined by at least one side edge of the web, wherein the intumescent material strip is positioned within the recess.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second surface of the intumescent material strip is opposite the first surface.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the intumescent material strip further comprises an exposed third surface that faces the same direction as an outer surface of one of the first and second flanges.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second flanges include a plurality of vertically-oriented slots.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first intumescent material strip and the second intumescent material strip are adhesively attached to the top track along respective outermost surfaces which come in contact with the ceiling.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one wall board coupled to the plurality of studs.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the studs, the bottom track and the top track are constructed from a cold formed steel.
10. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one intumescent material strip attached to the bottom track.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second surface of each of the first and second intumescent strips is proud of an upper surface of the web of the top track prior to the top track being secured to the ceiling.