Altered design of the traditional gypsum plasterboard : Innovative design compared to the traditional gypsum plasterboard

Every year the production of gypsum plasterboards increases around the world, in Europe alone more than 1,500 million square meters of gypsum wall and ceiling are being built. The reason why gypsum plasterboards is used in such magnitude is due to its many advantages, such as fire-repellent, sound-insulating and windproof. The gypsum companies are constantly working to develop the gypsum mixture to get additional benefits and new properties of the boards. Developing the mixture does not alter the design, which has been more or less the same since the end of the 19th century. When 900 mm wide gypsum plasterboards are being assembled, at least 40 screws per board are required, most of which are screwed above shoulder and below waist height. These movements pose an increased risk of work injuries and the high number of screws makes the assembly time-consuming. In addition, filler is required in joints and over screw heads to get a smooth surface. The problem gave the idea to develop a new gypsum plasterboard with an altered design. The purpose is to investigate whether an altered design of a traditional gypsum plasterboard can streamline the assembly and also contribute to more sustainable construction. The work aims to develop a well-functioning gypsum plasterboard that generates the majority of positive effects that improve ergonomics, streamlines the assembly and reduces the consumption of screws and fillers. The new plasterboard was named OL-plasterboard, the long sides of the plasterboard are designed with protrusions whose thickness is half the total thickness of the board. The new design is based on joining two boards on a column with a common attachment. Through theoretical and practical tests, the OL-plasterboard was compared with a standard gypsum plasterboard, GN-13, where the results show a reduced assembly time by 25%, a reduction of screw by 30% and a reduction of filler by 50%. The results prove a more efficient assembly and a positive contribution to sustainable construction