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.

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.