Fire-rated wall and ceiling system

Abstract

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fire-rated stud framing wall and ceiling system, comprising:
 a bottom track comprising a web, a first flange and a second flange, the first and second flanges extending in an upward direction from opposing side edges of the web, the bottom track defining an interior space between the web and the inwardly-facing surfaces of the first and second flanges;   a plurality of studs that are spaced from one another along the bottom track, each of the plurality of studs having a bottom end received within the interior space of the bottom track, each of the plurality of studs extending in a generally vertical direction from the bottom track;   a top track comprising a web, a first flange and a second flange, the first and second flanges extending in a downward direction from opposing side edges of the web, the top track defining an interior space between the web and the inwardly-facing surfaces of the first and second flanges, wherein upper ends of each of the plurality of studs are received within the interior space of the top track, further comprising at least one fire-retardant material strip extending along a length of the top track, the at least one fire-retardant material strip positioned on a portion of the web and at least one of the first and second flanges, the at least one fire-retardant material strip having at least a first surface facing the top track and a second surface; and   a ceiling;   wherein the top track is secured to the ceiling and the at least one fire-retardant material strip is located on the top track such that at least a portion of the second surface of the at least one fire-retardant material strip contacts the ceiling, and   wherein the portion of the second surface defines a width that is less than the width of the web of the top track.