Suspended Ceilings
Structural Slab or from the structural elements of a building and not
bearing on the walls.
A suspended ceiling is a secondary ceiling, hung below the main
(structural) ceiling. The area above the dropped ceiling is called the
plenum space, as it is sometimes used for air conditioning and
ventilation air return. The plenum space is also very commonly used to
conceal piping, wiring, and/or ductwork.
A typical dropped ceiling consists of a grid-work of metal channels in
the shape of an upside-down "T", suspended on wires from the overhead
structure. These channels snap together in a regularly spaced pattern –
typically a 600×600 mm grid. Each cell is filled with lightweight
"tiles" or "panels" which simply drop into the grid. Tiles can be
selected with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, or
mineral fibres, and can come in almost any colour. Light fixtures, air
conditioning and ventilation air grilles, and other fixtures are
available which can fit the same space as a tile for easy installation.
Most tile material is easily cut to allow fixtures in other shapes, such
as incandescent lights, speakers, and fire sprinkler heads.
