Construction panels

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A method of jointing construction panels comprising providing said panels with edge grooves, placing the panels in edgewise abutting relationship, inserting a spline into said edge grooves, and driving a staple into said abutting panels such that the limbs thereof are deflected upon contacting said spline.
2.
A floor comprising a plurality of construction panels assembled in edgewise abutting relationship, said panels each comprising a non-combustible fire-resistant board faced with metal on at least one of its major faces, edge grooves in each panel, splines inserted in the edge grooves of adjacent abutting panels, and staples driven into said adjacent abutting panels with their limbs deflected by contact with the splines.
3.
A floor according to claim 2 wherein said floor is supported on a layer of mineral wool.




Description:
This invention relates to construction panels, and to their use in the formation of "floating floors".
The invention also relates to a method of jointing construction panels.
On board ship there has been a move in recent years towards higher levels of noise, resulting from the installation of lighter and higher speed diesel engines, increased power output per shaft, higher propeller shaft loadings and the placing of the accommodation block aft and nearer the propeller.
As a result of this, the Authorities in many countries have issued recommendations or regulations relating to the maximum permitted noise levels in the various compartments and living areas on-board ship.
The noise level in a ship's compartment is a combination of the effects of airborne sound and structure borne sound.
One means of reducing structure borne sound is by isolating the surface of a room from the basic structure of the ship.
This can be achieved by installing a "floating floor".
One form of floating floor consists of a floor of relatively large mass supported on a mat of relatively flexible glass or mineral wool.
Bulkhead linings and partitions are mounted on the floor and are thus insulated from the basic structure of the ship