Passive Fire Protection | Calculating Section Factors

Fires resistance is expressed in units of time (Generally 30, 60, 90, 180 and 240 minutes) so one of the
contributory factors to fire resistance is the heating rate of the member, which governs the time taken to reach
its specific failure temperature.
The heating rate of each section varies according to its dimensions. A short heavy section will heat up more
slowly than a tall light section.

This effect is stated as the "Section Factor" and is denoted at the Hp/A value of the steel section. The Hp/A
value is calculated from the dimensions of the steel section.
Hp = The perimeter of the steel exposed to the fire
A = The cross sectional area of the section
Section Factor
(Hp/A)
=
Heated Perimeter (Hp)

Cross-Sectional Area (A)
The larger the surface area relative to the cross sectional area the higher Hp/A value. The higher Hp/A value
the more material required.
Example 1: Section, 4-sided UB 457x191, 98.3kg/m.

Approx calculation:
Hp = 2B+2d+2(B-t) = 1.67 m2
A = 2(BxT)+ (dxt) = 0.0125
Hp/ A = 1.67/0.0125 = 134
Because the short heavy sections heat up more slowly, they require less protection in the form of film thickness
than the tall light sections.
Also beams with less than 4-sides exposed to the fire, such as a beam supporting a concrete floor will require
less protection than the same section with all 4 sides exposed.
Example 1: Section, 3-sided UB 457x191, 98.3kg/m.
Hp = B+2d+2(B-t) = 1.48 m2
A = 2(BxT)+ (dxt) = 0.0125
Hp/ A = 1.67/0.0125 = 118
Also for list of British Standard steel sections sizes, and the associated section factors please download the
following PDF file:
British Standard Steel Sections Sizes & Section Factors