New Fire Barrier Manual for KOROK® Wall Systems

In Partnership with RYANFIRE

KOROK® Seismic Test

KOROK Sets a New Benchmark in Seismic Performance

KOROK® has raised the standard for seismic resilience, proving its durability in the toughest conditions. Recent seismic testing conducted at BRANZ in 2024 confirmed that KOROK panels can withstand high levels of drift, ensuring minimal damage, reduced repair costs, and faster recovery following earthquakes.

These rigorous tests, performed in accordance with FEMA 461 and NZS 1170.5:2004 standards, evaluated KOROK panels under both in-plane and out-of-plane seismic conditions. No other system in New Zealand has undergone such extensive testing across multiple wall configurations.

With their exceptional seismic, fire, and acoustic performance, KOROK panels are the ideal choice for high-importance structures, including hospitals, emergency response centres, and essential utilities. This milestone reaffirms KOROK’s commitment to delivering market-leading solutions that enhance building resilience and safety.

For more details, visit our Seismic Resource page and discover why KOROK is the trusted name in performance-driven wall systems.

KOROK® Seismic Resource

Setting the Benchmark for Seismic Resilience

KOROK® has set a new benchmark in seismic performance, demonstrating exceptional durability under rigorous in-plane and out-of-plane seismic testing. KOROK Panels have the ability to withstand high levels of drift , ensuring minimal damage, reduced repair costs, and faster recovery after earthquakes.

Leading the Market in Seismic Testing

KOROK® has recently undergone comprehensive seismic testing, setting a new benchmark to support our fire and acoustic wall performance. For over 25 years, we have delivered high-performance solutions across the residential, industrial, and commercial markets.

The Purpose Behind Our Testing

To understand and determine the behavior and performance of KOROK wall panels when subjected to seismic design loads occurring between structural slabs within buildings.

To demonstrate how KOROK® panels respond in correlation with drift levels for both in-plane and out-of-plane conditions, and to support the market with tested solutions. By undertaking this seismic testing, KOROK® reinforces its commitment to superior building resilience, helping to minimize damage, lower repair costs, and maintain operational continuity after earthquakes.

Importance of Seismic Resilience

The 2010/2011 Christchurch earthquakes and the more recent 2013 Lower North Island earthquakes illustrated the vulnerability of building non-structural elements (partitions, building services and piping). Widespread damage and loss of business continuity due to the poor performance of non-structural elements was widely observed

The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission identified the need to improve the performance of non-structural elements in earthquakes with one of the recommendations focussed on improving non-structural element performance. “To prevent or limit the amount of secondary damage, engineers and architects should collaborate to minimise the potential distortion applied to non-structural elements. Particular attention must be paid to prevent the failure of non-structural elements blocking egress routes.”

Proven Seismic Performance

Conducted at BRANZ in 2024, our seismic tests followed FEMA 461 and NZS 1170.5:2004 standards, confirming KOROK® panels has the ability to withstand high levels of drift. No other system in New Zealand has undergone such rigorous testing with multiple wall configurations and variations.

Application in High-Importance Structures

As the ultimate All-in-One solution for fire & acoustic-rated wall systems, KOROK® panels offer unmatched performance for high-importance structures. With strong seismic performance and the ability to withstand high drift limits, KOROK® panels are ideal for IL3 and IL4 buildings, such as hospitals, emergency response centres, and essential utilities. KOROK® provides stakeholders, architects, and engineers with confidence in a durable, high-performance solutions.

Test Video of Typical Wall Configuration

In Plane 78mm KOROK® with head track fixing. Vertical panel installation with no apertures.

In-plane loading of 78mm KOROK® with head track fixing. Vertical panel installation with apertures.

Out of plane loading of 78mm KOROK® with head track fixing. Vertical panel installation with apertures.

Our Partners, Memberships, and Certifications

Masterspec

KOROK is listed on Masterspec, New Zealand’s leading specification system for architects and designers. This ensures seamless integration of KOROK systems into project specifications, making it easier for professionals to select and specify our products. Visit KOROK on Masterspec

BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand)

KOROK systems are BRANZ appraised, ensuring they meet New Zealand’s stringent building standards. BRANZ is known for independent testing and research that supports the building industry.
Learn more about KOROK on BRANZ

New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC)

As part of our sustainability journey, we are committed to supporting green building initiatives. Our products contribute to sustainable building projects and help developers meet Green Star certification requirements.
Learn more about NZGBC

NZIA (New Zealand Institute of Architects)

KOROK partners with the NZIA, the professional body for architects in New Zealand. This affiliation ensures we remain connected to architectural best practices and contribute to the ongoing development of innovative building solutions.
Learn more about NZIA

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

We have achieved Environmental Product Declarations for our key products:

• Galv Panel EPD (July 2024)
• Colour Panel EPD (August 2024)

These EPDs provide verified, transparent information about the environmental impact of our products across their life cycle.

See KOROK EDPs

EBOSS

KOROK is featured on EBOSS, New Zealand’s leading platform for architects, designers, and builders to access reliable technical information and product specifications. Our presence on EBOSS ensures easy access to up-to-date KOROK system details for industry professionals.
Visit KOROK on EBOSS

Deflection Head Details

What Are Deflection Head Details?

Deflection head details are specialized components used in wall and partition systems to accommodate vertical or horizontal movement in a building’s structure.

They are typically placed at the top of walls, allowing the structure to expand, contract, or shift without compromising the wall’s integrity or performance.\

This movement can be caused by various factors, such as dead loads, live loads, thermal expansion, or seismic activity. At KOROK Building Systems, our deflection head solutions are designed to provide the flexibility and stability needed in high-performance wall systems.

Dead and live loads can cause significant deflection in some structures. KOROK® can provide deflection C-track details where deflection loadings are considered.

KOROK deflection head details:

• Maintain Structural Integrity: Designed to allow movement in walls without damaging the structure, these details help prevent cracking or separation in response to building movement.
• Ensure Fire and Acoustic Performance: KOROK deflection heads are rigorously tested to retain fire resistance and acoustic ratings, even with movement, maintaining protection in all conditions.
• Seismic Readiness: In New Zealand, where seismic activity can impact building structures, our deflection head designs are engineered to absorb and adjust to seismic forces, supporting safe and resilient structures.

Whether used in commercial or residential projects, KOROK’s deflection head details meet the highest industry standards, offering a reliable solution for builders, architects, and contractors who prioritize safety, performance, and durability.

Technical Resources

KOROK Apartment Wall Solutions

The Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Fire & Acoustic Rated Intertenancy Wall Systems

For over  25 years, KOROK has been a trusted provider of high-performance fire and acoustic walls for the multi-level construction market. Now, with the introduction of the KOROK KIR high-performance intertenancy apartment wall systems, KOROK offers comprehensive solutions for seamless floor plate transitions.

Our systems integrate lift cores, riser ducts, stair cores, hallways, and apartments into one streamlined package. Experience unparalleled fire, seismic, acoustic, and safety protection with KOROK – your all-in-one solution for modern construction needs.

Simplify with KOROK: Combining Performance and Safety

Experience the perfect blend of simplicity and performance with KOROK. Our range of IT wall solutions incorporates fire protection, seismic deflection, passive safety, and acoustic efficiency, all while eliminating complex build-ups. KOROK delivers unmatched performance, safety, and simplicity for your construction needs.

Intertenancy Apartment Solution

• Early Installation
• Solid & Secure
• Tested performance
• STC rating from 55 up to 69
• Fire rating from FRR 30 to FRR 120
• Simplified program continuity
• Waste reduction with custom lengths

Read More

Wall Transition

• Tested Fire Door Solutions
• Simple transitioning for interface junctions

Corridor, Service Riser & Ducts

• Multiple wall design solutions
• Single-sided fix
• Non-weather dependent
• Simple passive fire service penetrations allowing for early services installation
• Programme Continuity
• Reduction in scaffolding
• Early Inspection & installation

Lift Cores

• Structural steel infills
• Intumescent coated steel connections
• Slab to Slab options
• Early fix services & lift components
• Added fall protection
• Simple penetration solutions
• Door head solutions
• Early installation & sequencing continuity

Read More

Stair Core & Scissors Stairs

• Safe exit
• Linings are optional
• Prefinished colour coated panel options
• Prefinished panel provide a cost-effective, single fixed solution
• Reduced structural steel
• Multiple installation solutions
• Programme continuity
• Small crew to install
• Lightweight simplicity
• Handrail connection

Read More

Recent Articles

Technical Bulletin July 2024

KOROK has a culture of investing in product testing across our core market segments, believing in developing systems that simplify construction with robust, evidence-based performance.

As our market evolves, so does the demand for high-performance, compliant systems. KOROK continually strives to stay ahead, providing evidence-based solutions, supporting documentation, technical support, and literature to the New Zealand Construction Industry.

Our technical team, led by David Cornelius, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the KOROK brand. We balance product innovation, testing, and technical support, ensuring that the industry benefits from practical, test-based solutions.

Pathway to testing:

KOROK collaborates with leading institutions such as BRANZ,  Auckland University Acoustics Testing Services, CSIRO, and Warringtonfire Australia, alongside industry-leading fire and structural engineers, manufacturers, and consultants. This collaboration aims to deliver performance-based solutions that meet ever-evolving design requirements.

The testing process begins by identifying industry challenges, followed by setting objectives and the steps required to facilitate a solution. KOROK evaluates both suitability and compliance requirements while considering simple installation methodologies. A systematic evaluation of needs leads to a well-structured test program and assessments.

David and his team rigorously assess and refine processes, aiming to provide the market with simple, high-performance systems and applications that enhance both functionality and efficiency. Our goal is to ensure that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Recent Articles

Fire rated protection of junctions between KOROK® walls and structural steel

Ensuring fire-rated protection for junctions between KOROK® wall systems and structural steel columns and beams is critical for maintaining the integrity of fire protection systems in commercial and residential buildings.

This guide provides a quick reference for builders, engineers, architects, and designers to assess, design, and install fire-rated junctions without compromising the fire protection applied to steel structures. Whether you’re working with steel columns, beams, or other structural elements, KOROK® wall systems offer reliable fire resistance and acoustic performance.

Since fire protection linings and coatings are designed to meet the specific requirements of each column, beam, and loading condition, we recommend consulting your structural engineer or fire engineer for precise junction details.

For more information on fire-rated junction systems and KOROK® fire-rated wall systems, please refer to your project’s design team or review KOROK technical literature.

CASE STUDY

Hoyts Cinema Complex, – KOROK® Wall Systems in Action

The Ormiston Hoyts Cinema Complex is part of a large shopping mall development in South Auckland’s Flat Bush. With eight theatres, the project required effective soundproofing to enhance the cinema experience.

KOROK® Panels for Acoustic Performance

The theatre walls feature a double layer of 78mm KOROK® panels with a gap filled with acoustic batts, designed to prevent sound from travelling between theatres. This setup ensures clear and uninterrupted sound for moviegoers.

Why KOROK® for Cinemas?

KOROK® wall systems are known for their acoustic properties, making them a common choice for cinemas in New Zealand. These panels help manage sound, offer fire protection, and are straightforward to install, meeting both safety and performance needs. For more information about how KOROK® can support your next project, contact us today.

Related Projects