Tower 8, 2015
Korporate Aluminium Partitions, Acoulite Acoustic Doors and washroom cubicle packages - specified for Adelaide's largest commercial office fitout, Tower 8.
Project Overview
The New Royal Adelaide Hospital (NRAH) is one of Australia's most significant healthcare facilities - a 172,500m² Importance Level 4 development demanding the highest standards across every system and component.
As the project's seismic ceiling supplier, Studform delivered the only AS 1170.4 compliant suspended ceiling solution available in the Australian market at the time.
Project Details
Location
Adelaide, South Australia
Completed
2021
Project Size
172,500m²
Product detail, Industry
Kwikloc® Seismic Ceiling System, Healthcare
Product Specification
0524p STUDFORM in partitions - glazed, 0525p STUDFORM in cubicle systems, 0531p STUDFORM in suspended ceilings - combined
Engineer
WG-KBR (joint venture between Wallbridge & Gilbert Consulting Engineers and Kellog Brown and Root Consulting Engineers)
Architect
Silver Thomas Hanley
Builder
The Challenge
As an Importance Level 4 facility, the Royal Adelaide Hospital required a rigorous, performance-based approach to seismic design extending beyond primary structure to all non-structural elements, including suspended ceiling systems.
Compliance with AS 1170.4 was mandatory, requiring detailed analysis using the general method outlined in Clause 8.2 of The Design of the Suspended T-bar Ceilings in accordance with AS 1170.4 for the New Royal Adelaide Hospital Paper, which considers floor accelerations and more accurately reflects real building behaviour during seismic events.
At the time, compliant ceiling systems within the Australian market were limited. As noted by John Woodside, Principal of J Woodside Consulting:
“Suspended T-bar ceiling systems are extremely vulnerable… collapsing and falling… severely hindering egress. No Australian ceiling suppliers have been able to provide a ceiling system that complies… until now.”
In parallel, the solution needed to meet the strict hygiene, durability and serviceability requirements expected within a world-class healthcare environment without compromising architectural intent.
The Solution
Studform delivered an expertly engineered seismic ceiling system using the Kwikloc® range, designed to meet the technical, compliance and performance requirements of the project.
Seismic Testing and Validation
System validation was undertaken through advanced dynamic seismic testing at theStructural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL), University at Buffalo, New York. Utilising a six degree-of-freedom earthquake simulator, testing replicated real-world building movement and stress conditions.
Ceiling systems were constructed with lay-in tiles and suspension systems then subjected to a series of combined horizontal and vertical seismic events. These tests were conducted against multiple international standards including Australian, New Zealand and US requirements.
Additional testing in accordance with NZS 1170.5 introduced increased vertical acceleration demands beyond ICC-ES AC156 requirements, with seismic intensities ranging from 0.25g to 3.00g.
These results verified that the Kwikloc® system not only met the project specification but exceeded performance expectations, delivering a robust, compliant and globally validated solution.
"Minimal bracing versus conventional systems has helped save thousands in labour costs on seismic-focused projects since NRAH."
– Architecture & Design Team, 2018
The Outcome
The Royal Adelaide Hospital project demonstrates Studform’s capability to deliver high-performance seismic solutions for critical infrastructure.
Through early collaboration, rigorous validation and technical expertise, Studform provided a system that met stringent compliance requirements while supporting efficient installation and long-term reliability.
The Kwikloc® ceiling system sets a new benchmark for seismic ceiling performance - sustaining forces of up to 3G with 100% vertical uplift capacity, representing a 30% performance improvement compared to other ceiling systems.
The result is a ceiling solution that enhances hygiene and safety, maintains operational integrity, and contributes to the longevity of one of Australia’s most advanced healthcare facilities.
Following the success of the NRAH, Kwikloc® has been specified across a range of seismic-critical projects, offering reduced installation complexity and lower labour costs through minimal bracing requirements compared to traditional systems.
Building Systems in Action - Studform Projects
Proven Building Systems. Australia's Most Demanding Projects.
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Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 2014
Kwikloc™ Aquatic Ceiling System specified for Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre - delivering 12+ years of proven performance in a high-humidity environment.
