Tested Beyond Code. Designed for Earthquake Performance.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Resources for Design, Compliance, and Installation

KOROK® provides a comprehensive library of technical resources to support designers, architects, engineers, and installers in achieving compliant, high‑performance fire and acoustic wall solutions. Access detailed guidance on installation, seismic performance, noise control, junction protection, fire‑rated components, and system selection all in one place.

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.

In the Technical Bulletin for July 2024, we discuss how, 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 in our July 2024 bulletin.

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 outlined in our July 2024 Technical Bulletin to 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 for the July 2024 period.

In the July 2024 Bulletin, 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 outlined in the Technical Bulletin.

Recent Articles

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 is important because structural steel needs proper junction protection with KOROK walls for fire safety.

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. Steel structural elements need specialised junction protection with KOROK walls for fire safety.

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.

KOROK® has 2-way fire-rated wall systems for fire separation of Scissor Stairs or any Stairs.

KOROK® Scissor Stair Systems are proprietary, non-loadbearing, two-way fire-rated wall systems designed to provide fire and acoustic separation between independent stair flights within scissor stair configurations or other stair arrangements.

The system utilises 78mm thick interlocking KOROK® panels installed between two independent stair stringers to form a continuous fire-resisting barrier. Panels may be oriented vertically, horizontally, or in combination to suit stair geometry and construction sequencing requirements.

The system is BRANZ tested and Warringtonfire assessed, and is intended to meet or exceed the performance requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) and NCC Australia within the defined scope.

How the System Works

KOROK® Scissor Stair Systems are constructed using 78mm thick panels comprising roll-formed galvanised or colour steel outer shells with an aerated concrete core and interlocking tongue-and-groove profiles, forming a continuous, tightly sealed wall plane that reduces the risk of acoustic leakage between stair flights. The system is non-combustible and provides two-way fire resistance when exposed from either side. In fire conditions:

• Horizontal fire resistance is achieved through a quadrilateral fire-resistant section formed between the two independent stairs
• Vertical fire resistance is achieved through the wall-to-stair stringer boundary condition

KOROK® Scissor Stair Systems provide independently tested Fire Resistance Ratings up to –/120/120 and –/60/60 depending on configuration, while the 78mm interlocking panels deliver acoustic performance up to STC 76, meeting or exceeding NZBC Clause G6 requirements through their aerated concrete core and tightly sealed joint geometry.

Download Technical Data and CAD Drawing 

KOROK® Building Systems NZ Ltd offers high-quality KOROK Fire Doors designed to enhance the fire safety of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings across New Zealand. These KOROK Fire Doors are engineered to meet the latest fire rating and compliance standards while ensuring cost-efficiency, design flexibility, and ease of installation.

Why Choose KOROK® Fire Doors solutions?

• Superior Fire Protection: Our fire doors provide optimal fire resistance, safeguarding people and property.
• Compliance Assurance: All our KOROK Fire Doors systems are fully compliant with New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) standards.
• Sustainability: We prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes.

When it comes to passive fire penetrations, KOROK® leads the way with innovative solutions that ensure fire safety without compromising functionality.

At KOROK®, we are committed to providing fire-rated wall systems that prioritize safety, durability, and performance. Our advanced KOROK® panels are specifically designed to allow seamless integration of passive fire penetrations, including service ducting and pipes, while maintaining the structural and fire integrity of the wall.

What Are Passive Fire Penetrations?

Passive fire penetrations are openings or pathways in fire-rated walls or floors that allow services such as plumbing, electrical cables, or ductwork to pass through. These penetrations are essential for building functionality but must be carefully designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. KOROK® panels are engineered to make the creation and sealing of these penetrations straightforward and effective, ensuring compliance with strict fire safety standards.

Fire Stopping Guidance Documents

At KOROK®, we understand that ensuring fire safety goes beyond the wall system itself – it’s also about how penetrations and services are detailed. That’s why we’ve collaborated with leading experts in passive fire protection to develop a suite of manuals that provide fully tested, NZBC-compliant solutions for penetrations in KOROK® fire-rated wall systems.

Each manual has been developed in partnership with industry specialists and contains tested configurations, installation guidance, and compliance references, making it easier for designers, engineers, and contractors to select the right firestop solutions.

Our firestop manuals, developed with industry partners, provide tested and NZBC-compliant solutions for service penetrations in KOROK® fire-rated wall systems.

Why Choose KOROK® for Passive Fire Penetrations?

• Easy Formations for Penetrations: KOROK® panels simplify the creation of openings for ducting and plumbing. The lightweight yet robust design makes it easy to form precise and efficient penetrations without compromising fire safety or wall integrity.
• Maintained Wall Integrity: Even with multiple passive fire penetrations, KOROK® panels ensure the overall wall system retains its fire rating. This is crucial for preventing fire and smoke from spreading across compartments in a building.
• Versatile Applications: Whether your project involves commercial spaces, residential apartments, or industrial facilities, KOROK® passive fire penetrations provide a reliable and efficient solution tailored to meet your needs.
• Compliance with Building Codes: KOROK® panels are rigorously tested and meet or exceed New Zealand’s building code requirements for passive fire protection. This gives architects, engineers, and builders confidence in the safety and performance of their projects.

Service Penetrations – KOROK® 51mm & 78mm Panel