In the ever-evolving construction industry, ensuring the safety and resilience of structures, especially in seismic zones, is paramount. Hilti, a leader in innovative fastening solutions, has introduced the X-X nail, the first seismic-approved nail specifically designed for drywall applications. This groundbreaking product not only meets but exceeds the stringent requirements set forth by the National Construction Code (NCC: 2022), providing evidence of suitability for static, seismic, wind, and fire conditions.

Why Seismic Compliance Matters for Plasterboard Installations

Plasterboard walls and ceilings play a vital role in modern construction, providing lightweight yet sturdy partitions in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. However, in earthquake-prone regions, these systems must be reinforced with fasteners that can withstand seismic loads to prevent structural failure. In AS5216:2021, these applications are categotised as "Safety Critical Applications".

In 2021, the new version of AS 5216:2021 “Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings in concrete” was published, superseding the 2018 edition. Since then, plenty of discussion in the market about what is considered "Safety Critical Applications". By default, “Safety critical” means that failure may have serious consequences, ie. endanger human life or result in collapse or partial collapse of the structure. It is up to the responsible engineer to determine whether a certain application is safety critical or not. In my personal opinion, the following would falls into this category.

• fire-rated inter-tenancy walls
• fire-rated corridor walls
• fire-rated shafts
• all types of ceilings, fire-rated or non fire-rated
• external walls

What's wrong with screw anchors?

Nothing, it's strong, it's steady and definitely very reliable. However, this way of fixing the track may leads to some challenges for contractors, namely:

• Lower productivity, since anchors require more time to install compared to Powder Actuated Fasteners.
• Potential over-engineering, since the load capacity of the anchors can often significantly exceed actual design demands.
• Exposure to concrete dust particles, since anchors require drilling, as it may not be possible to ensure 100% absence of silica dust exposure even using vacuum cleaners while drilling.

Fixing a drywall track with the X-X nail does not require drilling, which can help to significantly reduce worker exposure to hazardous silica dust and fatigue from working overhead.

The C1 Seismically Rated X-X Nail

To tackle the increasing requirements in drywall fixing previously mentioned, Hilti Australia launched the X-X nail. The X-X nail is the first Power Actuated Fastener tested and approved for use in seismic conditions in concrete and was awarded ETA-23/0911.

The X-X nail features a helix tip design is best penetration and performance in concrete. And apparently, the installation is up to four times faster than the current screw anchor method.

Now before you sing "hurray" and start using this for your project, there are some limitations. The Hilti X-X fastener is recommended to only be used in the following conditions:

• Base and head track attachments for partition walls only
• Fire rated walls as per AS 1530.4
• C1 Seismic regions, according to AS 5216 with a crack width of ≤ 0.5 mm
• Wind Zones A and B, in accordance with AS 1170.2
• Importance level 2 and 3 buildings, in accordance with AS 1170.0.
• No, you cannot use this for ceilings.

It should be noted that an engineering design is typically required to determine the suitability and the required fastener spacing of the X-X nail for a given project. Applications beyond the referred scope can be covered by Hilti concrete anchors.  

Understanding Seismic Performance Categories

In regions prone to earthquakes, construction materials and fasteners must adhere to rigorous standards to ensure structural integrity during seismic events. Seismic performance categories, such as C1 and C2, are assigned to products based on their ability to withstand seismic forces. Fasteners qualified under category C1 are tested for seismic tension and shear loads, ensuring they can maintain their performance under earthquake-induced stresses. Hilti X-X nails ETA test report as below.

Key Features and Benefits

• C1 Seismic Approval: The X-X nail is fully compliant with seismic performance category C1, ensuring it can withstand seismic tension and shear loads, making it suitable for use in earthquake-prone regions.
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• Compliance with NCC 2022: Beyond seismic performance, the X-X nail meets the National Construction Code's requirements for static loads, wind resistance, and fire safety, providing a comprehensive solution for various construction challenges.
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• Efficient Installation: Engineered for use with Hilti's advanced direct fastening tools, the X-X nail enables quick and secure installations, reducing labor time and increasing productivity on the job site. Unlike traditional anchors, the X-X nail provides a direct fastening solution that eliminates unnecessary drilling and speeds up the workflow.
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• Versatility: Ideal for drywall applications, the X-X nail offers a reliable fastening solution for both residential and commercial projects, ensuring safety and durability across various building types.

‍Conclusion

As construction standards evolve, using compliant and efficient fastening solutions is essential to meet safety regulations and project deadlines. The Hilti X-X nail is set to become the industry standard for securing plasterboard wall framing, ensuring faster installation without compromising seismic safety.

If you're working on plasterboard wall installations and need a seismic-rated, NCC-compliant fastening solution, it's time to upgrade to Hilti X-X nails.

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