Here is the English translation of the article on drywall partition construction methods for the South American market:

Drywall Partition Construction Methods for the South American Market

I. Overview and Characteristics of the South American Market

1.1 Market Characteristics

The South American construction market, represented by countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, exhibits the following features:

• Standard Systems: Predominantly adopts American ASTM standards or European EN standards, with some countries having local codes (e.g., Brazilian NBR standards)

• Climate Adaptation: Must account for tropical high temperatures and humidity, seismic zones (Chile, Peru, etc.), and high-wind regions (Patagonia)

• Material Preferences: Light-gauge steel studs are mainstream, with wood studs still used in some areas

• Environmental Trends: Increasing LEED-certified projects requiring recyclable materials and strict construction waste management

1.2 Common Application Scenarios

• Commercial buildings: Shopping centers, office interior partitions

• Residential projects: Apartment interior dividing walls

• Industrial buildings: Clean rooms, fire-rated walls

• Hotels and hospitals: Spaces with high sound insulation and fire protection requirements

II. Pre-Construction Preparation

2.1 Material Preparation

Main Material List:

Material Category Specification Requirements Common South American Standards

Vertical Studs Typically 50mm, 64mm, 92mm wide ASTM C645 / NBR 15246

Horizontal Tracks Matching vertical studs ASTM C645

Gypsum Board 12.7mm or 15.9mm thick ASTM C1396 / NBR 14718

Self-Tapping Screws #6 or #8, galvanized SAE J81

Sound Insulation Wool Glass wool or rock wool, density ≥10kg/m³ ASTM C665

Sealant Acrylic or silicone-based ASTM C834

Material Acceptance Key Points:

- Light-gauge steel studs must have intact galvanized coating, free from rust or deformation

- Gypsum board edges must be straight, without moisture damage or breakage

- All materials must possess local certifications (e.g., INMETRO certification in Brazil)

2.2 Tool Preparation

- Electric screwdriver/drill

- Laser level

- Cutting machine (for studs and gypsum board)

- Tape measure, chalk line, spirit level

- Rivet gun (used for some connections)

2.3 Site Condition Inspection

- Structural Acceptance: Check floor slab and beam flatness and strength

- MEP Coordination: Confirm routing of electrical and plumbing lines to avoid conflicts

- Environmental Conditions: Indoor humidity should be <70%, temperature 5-40°C

- Baseline Layout: Use laser level to mark partition finish lines and stud center lines

III. Drywall Partition Construction Process

3.1 Construction Flow Chart

Substrate Preparation → Layout and Marking → Install Top and Bottom Tracks →

Install Vertical Studs → Install Door/Window Opening Reinforcement →

Install Horizontal Bridging → Concealed Work Inspection →

Install One Side Gypsum Board → Fill Sound Insulation Wool →

Install Other Side Gypsum Board → Joint Treatment → Finished Product Protection

3.2 Detailed Construction Steps

Step 1: Substrate Preparation

- Clean floor and wall surfaces of dust, dirt, and oil

- Level uneven floor areas with cement mortar (flatness ≤3mm/2m)

- Drill holes in concrete or masonry substrates for expansion bolt fixation

Step 2: Layout and Marking

- According to design drawings, use laser level to mark partition finish lines on floor, walls, and ceiling

- Mark stud center lines, typically at 400mm or 600mm spacing (must comply with gypsum board module)

- Mark door/window opening locations and MEP routing

Step 3: Install Top and Bottom Tracks (Track)

Bottom Track Installation:

- Place U-shaped bottom track along marked lines

- Fix with expansion bolts or drive pins at spacing ≤1000mm

- Bolts should be ≤100mm from track ends

- South American Special Practice: In humid regions (e.g., Amazon basin), install moisture-proof barrier under bottom track

Top Track Installation:

- Install U-shaped top track along marked lines

- Same fixing method as bottom track, but must consider ceiling type (concrete/steel structure/suspended ceiling)

- When ceiling is steel structure, use welding or special clamps

Key Control Points:

- Top and bottom tracks must be level and parallel, vertical deviation ≤3mm/2m

- Joints should be staggered, avoid being in the same cross-section

Step 4: Install Vertical Studs (Stud)

Standard Installation:

- Insert C-shaped vertical studs into top and bottom track channels

- Spacing according to design requirements, typically 400mm or 600mm

- Fix with blind rivets or self-tapping screws (blind rivets are more common in South America for better seismic performance)

Door/Window Opening Treatment:

- Install double studs on both sides of opening for reinforcement

- Install reinforced header track above opening

- When opening width >1200mm, install steel beam lintel

Corner Treatment:

- Use special corner studs or double studs for reinforcement

- Ensure gypsum board joints do not fall on the same stud

South American Seismic Reinforcement Measures (for seismic zones like Chile, Peru):

- Use flexible connectors between studs and structure

- Add diagonal bracing studs to form triangular stable structures

- Use self-tapping screws + structural adhesive dual fixation for gypsum board to stud connection

Step 5: Install Horizontal Bridging (Nogging/Bridging)

Setting Conditions:

- Required when partition height >3m

- Spacing typically 1200mm or according to gypsum board specifications

- Used for equipment fixation and gypsum board joint support

Installation Method:

- Cut holes in vertical studs for horizontal bridging to pass through

- Or use special connectors

- Maintain level, deviation ≤2mm/m

Step 6: Concealed Work Inspection

Inspection Content:

- Stud spacing, verticality, flatness

- Door/window opening reinforcement measures

- MEP installation completed and tested

- Rust prevention inspection (welding points, cut surfaces)

Acceptance Standards:

- Stud verticality: ≤3mm/2m

- Surface flatness: ≤2mm/2m

- Stud spacing deviation: ±5mm

Step 7: Install Gypsum Board

Installation Sequence:

- Install one side gypsum board first, then fill sound insulation wool, finally install other side

- Long edges perpendicular to studs (reduces joint quantity)

- Stagger joints, avoid cross joints

Fixing Method:

- Fix with self-tapping screws, ≥10mm from board edge, ≥15mm from corners

- Screw spacing: ≤200mm at board edges, ≤300mm in field

- Screws embedded 0.5-1mm into board surface without breaking paper face

South American Special Practices:

- Use moisture-resistant gypsum board (Green Board) in high-humidity areas (e.g., Northeast Brazil)

- Use cement fiber board instead of gypsum board on interior side of exterior walls (enhanced weather resistance)

Step 8: Fill Sound Insulation Wool

Material Selection:

- Glass wool: Cost-effective, widely used in South America

- Rock wool: Better fire performance, used for fire-rated walls

- Density requirements: ≥10kg/m³ (standard sound insulation), ≥30kg/m³ (high-requirement spaces)

Construction Key Points:

- Fill completely without gaps

- Avoid compression, maintain fluffy state

- Wear protective equipment (mask, gloves, goggles)

Step 9: Install Other Side Gypsum Board

- Stagger installation with first side

- When both sides have different thicknesses, install thinner side first

- For double-layer gypsum board, inner layer joints should be staggered with outer layer joints by ≥300mm

Step 10: Joint Treatment

Process Flow:

1. Clean Joints: Remove dust and loose particles

2. Joint Compound Treatment: Fill board joints with special joint compound

3. Apply Joint Tape: Embed paper tape or fiberglass mesh tape, exclude air bubbles

4. Second Joint Compound: Cover tape, width approximately 150mm

5. Third Joint Compound: Width approximately 250mm, sand smooth

6. Corner Treatment: Use metal corner beads or paper tape reinforcement

Common Materials in South American Market:

- Joint compound: Ready-mixed type, brands such as USG Sheetrock, Placo

- Joint tape: Paper tape is main, fiberglass tape more popular in humid regions

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IV. Special Detail Treatment

4.1 Connection with Main Structure

Connection with Concrete Walls/Columns:

- Use L-shaped brackets at spacing ≤600mm

- Fill with sealant to prevent cracking

Connection with Steel Structure:

- Use welding or special clamps

- Rust prevention treatment required at welding points

Connection with Suspended Ceiling:

- When partition extends into ceiling, extend upward ≥150mm

- Reliable connection with ceiling framing

4.2 MEP Penetration Treatment

Electrical Conduits:

- Cut holes in studs, hole diameter ≤1/3 of stud width

- Roll edges at holes to prevent cable damage

- Install independent steel frames for large distribution boxes

Plumbing Pipes:

- Use special sleeves

- Fill sleeve and stud gaps with fire-rated sealant

- Pipes must not be directly fixed to gypsum board

4.3 Fire-Rated Construction

Fire Wall Requirements (Common South American Standards):

- Fire resistance rating ≥1-2 hours

- Use double-layer 12.7mm fire-rated gypsum board

- Fill with rock wool (density ≥60kg/m³)

- Treat all joints with fire-rated sealant

- Seal pipe penetration holes with firestop putty

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V. Quality Control and Acceptance

5.1 Process Quality Control

Key Inspection Points:

• After stud installation: Check spacing, verticality, connection tightness

• Before gypsum board installation: Check MEP, sound insulation wool

• After gypsum board installation: Check screw spacing, board surface flatness

5.2 Final Acceptance Standards

Inspection Item Allowable Deviation Inspection Method

Elevation Verticality ≤3mm/2m 2m straightedge + feeler gauge

Surface Flatness ≤2mm/2m 2m straightedge + feeler gauge

Joint Height Difference ≤1mm Steel ruler + feeler gauge

Internal/External Corner Squareness ≤3mm Right-angle detection ruler

Stud Spacing ±5mm Tape measure

5.3 Special Acceptance Requirements for South American Market

• Seismic Performance: In countries like Chile and Peru, simulated seismic testing is required

• Environmental Certification: LEED projects require proof of material recyclability

• Fire Testing: Must pass testing by locally fire department-approved testing agencies

VI. Safety and Civilized Construction

6.1 Safety Measures

• Wear safety harness for high-altitude work, use stable scaffolding

• Wear dust masks and goggles when cutting gypsum board and studs

• Use residual-current devices for electric tools

• Stack materials neatly, reserve fire access passages

6.2 Civilized Construction

• Remove construction waste daily, sort and recycle

• Noise control: Avoid cutting work at night

• Dust control: Use vacuum cleaners, water spraying for dust suppression

VII. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Phenomenon Cause Analysis Solution

Gypsum Board Cracking Excessive stud spacing, improper joint treatment Adjust stud spacing to ≤400mm, redo joint treatment

Partition Swaying Loose stud connections, missing horizontal bracing Reinforce connection points, add horizontal bridging or diagonal bracing

Poor Sound Insulation Incomplete sound insulation wool filling, gaps exist Refill completely, ensure fullness, seal all gaps

Uneven Surface Deformed studs, moisture-damaged gypsum board Replace studs, use dry gypsum board, reinstall

Screw Rusting Damaged galvanized coating, humid environment Replace with stainless steel screws, enhance moisture protection

VIII. South American Market Material and Cost Reference

8.1 Main Material Brands (South American Market)

• Light-gauge Steel Studs: Belgo Bekaert (Brazil), Perfiles Maque (Argentina)

• Gypsum Board: Placo (Saint-Gobain), USG Sheetrock, Gyplac

• Sound Insulation Wool: Isover (Saint-Gobain), Owens Corning

8.2 Cost Composition Reference

• Material costs: Approximately 60-70% of total cost

• Labor costs: Approximately 25-30% of total cost

• Equipment costs: Approximately 5-10% of total cost

IX. Conclusion

Drywall partition construction in the South American market must fully consider local climate conditions, seismic requirements, and environmental regulations while following international standards. Throughout the construction process, strict control of material quality, construction techniques, and acceptance standards is essential to ensure the safety, durability, and functionality of the partition system. As the South American construction market continues to develop, light-gauge steel stud partition technology will evolve toward greater efficiency, environmental sustainability, and intelligence.

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on international standards and common practices in the South American market. Specific construction should follow the latest building codes and design drawings of the project host country.