Gypframe LF Connectors
Innovation overview and development
Provide an overview of the product
As the construction industry continues to push the boundaries of architectural design, particularly in the realm of tall buildings, several challenges arise that require innovative solutions. One of the foremost challenges is accommodating the inevitable movement that these structures experience due to factors such as wind loads. This is where Gypframe LF Low Friction Connectors, an innovation from British Gypsum comes in.
Gypframe LF Connectors are specifically engineered to address the industry challenges, by facilitating movement. This is achieved by maintaining the integrity of the internal drylining systems, by lowering static friction between components.
How the new product was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team
Validating performance:
At the outset, the team recognised a lack of conclusive evidence in this space across industry, and so initial work focussed on identifying a method to validate the improvement in performance of the new invention. By focussing on the allowed system movement at the head, the team successfully identified a way to measure an improvement in a key performance for movement facilitation. The team located and worked with a European specialist in static friction to select a test method, and then went on to use that test method to validate the materials selected for the final product to reduce friction in a consistent, repeatable way while maintaining durability and other performances.
Developing the product:
Working closely with Main Contractor designers, Subcontractors, Clients and Architects, the Innovation team developed basic concepts through an iterative process using 3D printed rapid prototypes, filtering and taking forward ideas with the support of the industry. The initial prototypes were simple shapes that evolved through feedback; initially we incorporated a simple “stop” to prevent the connector from sliding in the stud. Through careful redesign, this became a series of “fins”, gripping the stud fully. The final iteration included the capability to work in both “C” and “I” profile studs, and a range of deflection of +/- 50mm.
Final Prototypes were tested in full installs with professional installers and in full scale fire, acoustic and structural testing before full scale manufacture commenced.
How might this product have an influence on the specification
With growing numbers of High Rise Residential buildings in the UK, there is increasing demand on the drylining system – taller buildings are designed to move more, and drylining systems need to accommodate this movement as simply and cost effectively as possible. There is in turn, growing demand from clients for systems that can be demonstrated to facilitate movement within the building.
Gypframe LF connectors are simple to install, work with existing GypFrame Stud and Channels, and are backed up by a repeateable scientific measurement that demonstrates they can lower friction between framing components.
Provide details on how the product improved productivity in the process and/or quality and performance of the interior system
Maintaining system performances in line with customer requirements, while facilitating movement, the LF7 Connector system requires no new skills and no special tools to install. The system is designed to add only a single step to the process, making it easy and fast to facilitate movement within the partition.