Building Construction III

B. Arch. II /II

7.0. False Ceiling

A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling, hung below the main (structural) ceiling. They may also be referred to
as a drop ceiling, false ceiling, or suspended ceiling, and are a staple of modern construction and
architecture. The area above the dropped ceiling is called the plenum space, as it is sometimes used for
HVAC air return. The plenum space is also very commonly used to conceal piping, wiring, and ductwork.

A typical dropped ceiling consists of a grid-work of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down "T",
suspended on wires from the overhead structure. These channels snap together in a regularly spaced
pattern – typically a 2’×2’ or 2’×4’ grid. Each cell is filled with lightweight "tiles" or "panels" which simply
drop into the grid. Tiles can be selected with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, or
mineral fibers, and can come in almost any color. Light fixtures, HVAC air grilles, and other fixtures are
available which can fit the same space as a tile for easy installation. Most tile material is easily cut to allow
fixtures in other shapes, such as incandescent lights, speakers, and fire sprinkler heads etc.

Purpose
• It improves aesthetical appearance (form, color, treatment etc.) and proportions by managing room
heights.
• Concealed the structural member like: beams etc.
• Provides insulation from heat.
• Acoustical improvement.

Types of False Ceiling

A. Exposed or Lay-In Grid
B. Concealed Grid

A. Exposed or Lay-In Grid

• A system where the grid is visible and into which panels are laid.
• Panels are of materials including mineral/rock fiber, glass fiber, plasterboard, calcium silicate, glass
reinforced gypsum, wood, steel and aluminum.
• The system is rapid to install and can provide a high degree of access to the ceiling void.
• Grid systems are, generally, an inverted ‘T’ design, with a table (exposed face) width of 15 or
24mm.
• They are rolled from galvanized steel strip.
• Common size of grid are1200 x 600, 600 x 600 and 500 x 500mm

7.0. False Ceiling Compiled by Lec. Anjana Shrestha

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Fig: Typical Exposed Grid Arrangement

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B. Concealed Grid

• This type of dropped ceiling employs a method of interlocking panels into each other and the grid
with the use of small strips of metal called 'splines',
• Key panel (usually in the corner) is use to gain access above the ceiling without damaging the
installation or the panels, which can be removed, allowing for the other panels to be slid out of the
grid.
• Disadvantages - difficulty in removing and reattaching panels from the grid, which in some cases
can cause irreparable damage to the panels removed.
• The system most commonly comprises galvanized steel ‘Z’ sections fixed with clips to a primary
network of galvanized channel sections.
• Tiles are manufactured from a variety of material, glass fiber, gypsum board and wood.
• Common sizes of grid are 300 x 300 and 600 x 600.

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Materials Used for Ceiling Boards

The materials should have specific performance characteristics and appearance.

A. Fibrous plaster board:

• Plasterboard is made of gypsum plaster reinforced with
fiberglass evenly distributed throughout section to increase its
strength.
• Fibrous plaster is usually cast into a mould then used in slabs,
Ceiling boards for false ceiling
• Thickness 9mm, 12mm, 19mm

Fig: Process of fixing Fiber Board ceilings

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B. Gypsum plaster board:

 Gypsum is a crystalline combination of calcium sulphate and water.
 If powdered gypsum is heated to 170˚C it looses about 3/4 parts of water and
called as "hemi - hydrate gypsum and commonly known as plaster of paris."
 Very rapid setting time of about 10 minute
 Gypsum plasterboard consists of core of set gypsum plaster enclosed in and
bonded to two sheets of heavy paper
 Thickness -9.5mm, 12.5mm, 15mm & 19mm

Fig: Process of fixing of Gypsum Ceilings Board

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Construction Method and Technology

Most suspended ceilings are installed as a continuous operation, the operatives following one another in a
practiced progression and not necessarily completing one task before starting the next.

 Setting out points and elevation benchmarks are identified and related to design/layout drawings.
 Design dimensions are checked against actual construction.
 Finished ceiling heights are established and related to installed services and the clearance required
for the ceiling system. The relative height of the ceiling/perimeter interface can also be checked.
 Setting out of the ceiling with the use of string lines and/or lasers with particular emphasis to
establishing ‘square’ reference lines.
 Installation of the perimeter detail.
 The position of fixings into the structural soffit is determined and installed. Hangers are attached to
the soffit fixings. (Working platforms may need to be raised to reach structural soffits.)
 Hangers may be leveled at this stage, depending on the type of hanger and the ceiling fixer’s
preference.
 The ceiling grid is installed and panels placed, unless a two stage process has been agreed.
 Apertures for some ceiling mounted items such as downlights will be formed.

The installation of suspended ceilings is a key element in the construction programme. A finishing trade
that also provides a platform with many of the services trades, its progress can be pivotal to the completion
of a building. Before the commencement of the ceiling installation some important factors should be
considered. These will include:
- Suspended ceilings cannot effectively be protected once installed. Other trades working through or
under ceilings pose a high degree of damage risk.
- Ductwork and pipe work should be installed, tested and lagged. Once installation of the ceiling has
commenced access for bulky equipment and operatives become problematic.
- Cable trays should be installed and loaded. Pulling cables though completed or partially completed
ceilings can cause damage to both the ceiling and the cables.
- The building envelope should be weather tight. Suspended ceiling components are interior
products and should not be exposed to inclement weather.
- The building should be relatively clean. Cleaning operations can create large volumes of dust which
may adhere to the surface of the ceiling.

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- Suspended ceiling of plasterboard on metal furring can be more tolerant of site conditions,
although lack of casual access to the void will be more of an issue. Plasterboard can be affected by
humidity and condensation.

Advantage:

• Fire Safety
Ceiling tiles made from mineral fibers, or fire-rated wood panels can be used within the
construction to meet acceptable standards/ratings.

• Ease of modification
Easily-removed ceiling panels offer instant access to the plenum, greatly simplifying repairs or
modification.

Disadvantages:

• Dropped ceiling system reduced headroom

• Hide structural damage, loose wiring, insect infestation, avoiding the need to carry out
any repairs or maintenance

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