Passive Fire Protection Method of Steel Structures

When it comes to passive fire protection for steel structures, a thorough understanding of testing parameters and product performance is essential. Product certification, CE marking, third-party certification, and assessments are all essential evidence of product performance. Key documentation should be readily available to ensure that it demonstrates the exact parameters of its use. Comprehensive knowledge of the latest testing procedures and materials is essential to ensure the safety of your building. This article discusses key factors to consider in selecting passive fire protection products for structural steel buildings. For more info: acusfoc.com.

For industrial and commercial properties, fire protection is a top priority. Fires result in billions of dollars in damage and thousands of lives each year. Intumescent fireproof coatings are an excellent way to reduce the risks of damage caused by fires. They protect steel structures from corrosion, impact damage, and frequent temperature changes. Here is a closer look at some of the benefits associated with intumescent coatings for steel structures.

Intumescent coatings are thin films applied to steel structures. A typical intumescent coating system comprises a primer, a basecoat, and a sealer. Each of these layers reacts to the heat produced by fire, forming a thick char layer. This layer is insulating, protecting the steel structure for a defined period. For aesthetic reasons, it is sometimes applied off-site.

The use of stone wool insulation has many benefits. It is non-combustible, moisture-resistant, and provides excellent insulating value. Because it is flexible and dense, stone wool can be installed in steel structures without compromising its structural integrity. And because it does not contribute to the spread of flame, it is a low-risk product. It is also highly cost-effective since it can be easily installed on steel structures.

In addition to satisfying the needs of the passive fire protection of steel structures, stone wool is also suitable for a wider range of building applications. Stone wool insulation is tested to meet strict EU and EN standards, which are intended to ensure high safety standards for consumers. In the UK, product solutions are being transitioned to enhanced EN Standards, a rigorous testing regime that shows compliance with EU legislation. However, this testing regime is not always adequate.

The use of concrete encasement as a passive fire-protection method is popular for parking garages, oil refineries, and other industrial facilities. This study explores the effects of concrete encasement damage on the structural responses of steel members. Different lengths, penetration, and shape of the fire-proofed beams were investigated using thermal nonlinear finite elements (NFE) analysis. The results demonstrate a strong preference for concrete encasement for steel structures.

Fire-resistive materials are widely used to protect steel structures and include spray-applied foam, cement, gypsum, and mineral wool. These fire-resistive materials are easily applied and can meet all safety standards. Fireproofing material can be used for steel beams as well as wood and fabrics, though this type of encasement is not appropriate for every structure.

Thin-film intumescent coatings are effective for protecting cellular beams. ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection) has developed a general fire test protocol. Intumescent coatings for steel structures should be tested to ASFP standards, with an exception for beam manufacturers who develop their design software and structural model. As such, specifiers should look for a certification from an independent third party.

Among the intumescent paints for cellular beams, Shield Industries, Inc. offers Firefox. Firefox is particularly suitable for structural steel in interior settings, while PPG STEEL GUARD is a one-component solvent-borne coating that protects steel substrates from cellulosic fires. Flame Seal Products is a specialist provider of fire-resistant paints for steel structures.

The effectiveness of intumescent paints is determined by the duration of protection provided by the coatings against cellulosic fire. It varies from country to country, but the protection typically lasts between 15 and 120 minutes, although it can go beyond this in some circumstances. The Hempel Hempafire Optima 500 intumescent coating is optimized for 120 minutes of passive fire protection but has been tested for 180 minutes.