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The Practice Management Knowledge Community (PMKC) identifies and develops information on the business of architecture for use by the profession to maintain and improve the quality of the professional and business environment.  The PMKC initiates programs, provides content and serves as a resource to other knowledge communities, and acts as experts on AIA Institute programs and policies that pertain to a wide variety of business practices and trends.

    

  • 1.  Are You Using MGO Board?

    Posted 12-13-2018 11:36 AM

    We have a multi-family project where we have been requested to strongly consider using a Magnesium Oxide Board (MGO) product for floor and wall sheathing as well as finishes for ceilings and walls in lieu of standard and UL fire rated gypsum products.

     

    We've found both a UL 2-hour wood framed wall and 1-hour wood truss floor/ceiling assembly using MGO but no UL tested and approved assemblies that would be applicable for use in Type 3 wood framed construction requiring non-combustible materials.

     

    ·         What experience do you have or what have you learned concerning MGO sheathing and sheet products and would you consider using the material in wood framed multi-family projects?

     

    ·         Is Magnesium Oxide Board (MGO) an acceptable alternative product substitution for:

    ·          Market rate sheathing products & assemblies like zip wall & OSB/plywood, Dens-deck.

    ·         Interior gypsum board, non-load bearing-Interior.

    ·         Floor/Roof deck material in lieu of plywood floor deck.

    ·         With MGO being made with chloride & non-chloride mixes would you recommend non-chloride as an acceptable product? And why?

    §  If the answer is yes, how does a firm evaluate the substitution with MGO not being that prevalent or time-tested as other products here in the US market for multifamily & commercial projects?

    ·         Are you aware of any insurance related rulings/judgements concerning acceptance of MGO usage within jurisdictions that have warm humid climates such as Florida?

     

    We appreciate any help and insights you can share with us on the above topics.

     

    Happy Holidays to all!

     

     

     

    ACi LA Blue (2)

    Larry H. Adams, Jr. AIA

    Founding Partner

    ACi Architects

    955 North Pennsylvania Avenue

    Winter Park, FL 32789 USA

    www.acistudios.com

    w 407 . 740 . 8405

     

     

     



  • 2.  RE: Are You Using MGO Board?

    Posted 12-14-2018 10:43 PM
    Did a quick google search and scan.


    I don't imaging this product being acceptable as a structural substitute for structural panels required for lateral bracing.

    also  given this document...

    https://www.jameshardie.com/JamesHardieMainSite/media/Site-Documents/TechnicalBulletins/information-on-magnesium-oxide-and-magnesium-chloride.pdf
    Jameshardie remove preview
    View this on Jameshardie >
     
    I would wonder about using it for moisture prone areas. 

    In any case, until tested and certified, I would not specify.


    ------------------------------
    Rudolph Beuc AIA, NCARB, CBO
    Architect
    R. Beuc Architects
    Saint Louis MO
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Are You Using MGO Board?

    Posted 12-20-2018 03:07 PM
    After looking at the wikipedia article and the failure in that danish building...I'd be leary about it.  If the manufacturer hasn't bothered to test a full UL listed assembly, I'm not sure why I should be their lead guinea pig, especially in the difficult warm humid climate of yours.

    I'm curious, why is your client pushing you to use this product?