On a regular basis, Winstone Wallboards receives enquiries from customers asking, “does my GIB® plasterboard suspended ceiling require specific engineering design (SED)”. 

Standard AS/NZS2785:2020 ‘Suspended Ceilings’ primarily focuses on grid-and-tile ceilings and does not distinguish between these and full plasterboard ceilings. This lack of differentiation has created challenges across the industry, often requiring engineers to undertake full seismic design; even for straightforward applications such as suspended plasterboard ceilings in residential bedrooms and bathrooms. A specific question is whether edges can be fixed. 

In response to these challenges, our engineering team has developed fully-fixed GIB® suspended plasterboard ceiling systems that can be specified without requiring SED, provided they are used within defined parameters. 

These suspended ceilings are intended for use with the most common wall types in New Zealand residential and commercial construction: 

• Timber-framed walls
• Steel-framed walls with studs connected to the bottom track
• Steel-framed walls with friction fitted studs.

The scope of use includes factors such as building importance level, ceiling configuration and weight, and installation practices. If your ceiling is outside this scope, SED may be required. See the full document “Fully Fixed Flush Suspended Plasterboard Ceilings for Commercial and Residential Applications” 

For further guidance and support, contact the GIB® Helpline on 0800 100 442.