The Candlewood Suites Hotel, designed for Fort Carson, has the typical 5-story layout. However, The Candlewood Suites Hotel was constructed with a metal rather than a wood frame. Light gauge steel (LGS) construction is very similar to wood-framed construction in principle, but it requires different building materials and design specifications. For instance, LGS structures are non-combustible, in line with building code requirements. Yet, it must be noted that steel loses its strength in fire quite easily, so fire-rated sheeting is necessary to properly protect residents of light gauge steel construction and achieve proper building code requirements.
LGS structures readily allow for the passage of sound when compared to solid masonry construction. Controlling sound in LGS structures is an imperative for design requirements. In order to control the sound in the corrugated deck flooring in the Candlewood Suites Hotel, developer Lendlease contracted El Paso Gypcrete to install sound Firm-Fill Sound Control Mats (SCM), and a special gypsum concrete underlayment for corrugated metal decking, Firm-Fill Corrugated Metal Decking (CMD). Whereas Firm-Fill SCM absorbs impact sound energy to achieve appropriate IIC ratings, Firm-Fill CMD is used to add mass to the floor assembly by absorbing airborne sound energy and maintaining the right STC ratings. The floor-ceiling assembly in Candlewood Suites Hotel will be able to achieve the proper sound ratings with these two components.