Understanding the fire

resistance of structural
steel
Structural steel is one of the most common materials used in
building construction, owing to its high strength and ductility.
Whilst structural steel is noncombustible, its integrity can be
compromised at high temperatures. Reinforced concrete, on the
other hand, can actually resist the spread of a fire as well as bear
higher temperatures.

How does fire affect structural

steel?

It can be highly beneficial for construction managers and

contractors to better understand the unique way in which
structural steel acts and maintains its integrity in the event of a
fire. This will hopefully empower them to recommend the most
effective and compliant fire protection solution.

Yield temperature of steel 

Structural steel can withstand approximately 425°C before it
begins to soften. Between 600°C and 650°C, the steel will lose
half of its strength, and will pose a risk of failing (depending on
the load it bears).

Unsurprisingly, even a house fire will reach very high

temperatures of around 600°C or just under. Of course, it
depends on what the material being combusted is. A simple
candle will often burn at 600°C or more, whilst propane can
cause a fire to reach almost 2000°C.

As you can imagine, there are very few large-scale fires that
won’t seriously threaten the structural integrity of structural
steel. If a simple candle flame can reach a high enough
temperature to half the strength factor of steel, the steel is in
desperate need of some extra treatment.

Colour of steel at different temperatures

In the event of a fire, the material properties of steel change, and
it undergoes a process known as thermal expansion. During this
process, its colour changes according to its temperature.  It goes
from pale yellow (220°C) to a wide range of purple shades
(260°C to 285°C), to blue (290°C to 330°C) and eventually to
red, yellow and a white sparkle at 1400°C.

After the fire has been extinguished or naturally comes to an

end, the steel will endeavour to contract back to its original
shape, presuming the deformations are elastic. Otherwise, a
permanent set may occur, which is another factor that threatens
its integrity, along with its original and residual loads.

Effect of fire on steel structures

Structural steel is one of the first things that will be assessed
after a fire. Understanding how long the fire was and what
temperature it reached are crucial, because the deformations that
we see are extremely unreliable ways to measure its structural
damage.

Moreover, the yield temperature of steel is crucial. It’s

considered critical (i.e cannot support its load) if the yield stress
is reduced to around 60% compared to when at room
temperature. The critical temperature will usually be established
during construction as part of regulation.
If a fire remains below 700°C and for under 20 minutes, the
reduction in both its stiffness and strength will only be
temporary. This means that whilst the steel may appear
deformed, it will go back to the same properties before the fire,
and will not be permanently compromised. Buckling could
potentially still occur if the steel is deformed, however.

The melting point of structural steel

The lowest point at which carbon steel will melt is 1130°C,
though 0% carbon steel won’t melt until 1492°C. Regardless of
the type of steel, it will usually be completely liquid by
approximately 1550°C.

How is the fire resistance of steel

calculated?

Fire resistance is calculated using three main criteria, all of

which are integral to limiting the risk of fire damage to a
building. A structural element or product’s ‘fire resistance
period’ is dependent on the time (measured in minutes) it takes
for any of the below criteria to be compromised.

 Load-bearing capacity – whether or not the steel can

support a required load without collapsing
  Integrity – the steel’s ability to prevent the passage of heat,
flames and smoke
 Insulation – the steel’s capability to withstand exposure to
rising temperature

What are the industry regulations

for the fire resistance of steel?

Fire resistance requirements can vary widely, based on the

purpose and height of the building. These standards are set by
two main pieces of legislation: Fire safety: Approved
Document B, which is generally accepted as the main set
of regulations for passive fire protection and BS 9999 which
are the requirements set by the British Standards Institution for
fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.

Approved Document B provides a range of guidelines

on minimum periods of structural fire resistance, primarily
for multi-storey non-residential buildings:

 An office building that is up to 30m in height (and does

not have a sprinkler system) has a minimum fire resistance
period of 90 minutes
 A commercial building (such as a shop) that is up to 19m
in above-ground height has a minimum fire resistance
period of 60 minutes.
BS 9999 was published in 2008, and offers a more flexible and
holistic approach to codes of practice in comparison to
Approved Document B. This approach aims to accommodate as
many factors as possible, no matter how small, such as the size
of fire doors or new fire protection technologies like mist
suppression systems. While BS 9999 is not meant to act as an
oppositional approach to Approved Document B, it
acknowledges that each building has a unique ‘risk profile’
based on occupancy, ventilation and an array of other
circumstances.

While the above regulations do not mention steel directly in

their specifications for fire resistance, they provide ample
context for contractors, managers and site teams to decide on the
most effective solution for structural steel fire protection.

How to increase the fire resistance

of steel

Given that structural steel is such a common element in

construction projects, both old and new, there are multiple ways
to increase its fire resistance. These methods will belong to one
of two categories: reactive and non-reactive. This is based on
whether or not their ability to protect against fire damage is
‘reactive’ to high temperatures. For example, intumescent paint
is a reactive solution for protecting steel, as it expands when
exposed to extreme heat, whereas cementitious coatings protect
steel beams in all conditions.

Spray applied intumescent paint

Intumescent paint for steel is one of the most commonly -used
and cost-effective solutions in a passive fire protection
project. This special type of paint works by swelling up into a
layer of carbonaceous char when exposed to heat, forming a
protective layer around steel structures. This layer slows down
the transfer of heat to the steel, delaying the time it takes to
reach its critical temperature.

Intumescent coatings
As well as spray-applied fireproofing, there is also the option
to protect steel using solvent and water-based film coatings.
These work in the same way as intumescent paints, in that they
expand dramatically when subjected to high temperatures. Thin
film intumescent coatings are the industry standard, there is also
the option to apply more heavy-duty thick film coatings, but
these tend to be reserved for industrial settings such as
hydrocarbon plants where extreme temperatures are the norm.

Intumescent board systems

During the construction process, steel erectors can apply
intumescent boards to beams, columns and decking. These
boards are made of a highly robust, mineral-based wood.
Intumescent board systems are a particularly cost-effective
solution for increasing the fire resistance of steel, as unlike
spray-applied fireproofing there is not a need for additional
tarping or increased ventilation. This also means there is less
chance of disruption to ongoing construction works.

Cementitious coatings
Cementitious coatings were the default method for protecting
steel beams from fire damage until around the 1970s when the
market began to diversify to fulfil demands for more lightweight
and versatile products.

Unlike intumescent paint, cementitious coatings do not expand

when exposed to heat. They work simply by providing a thick,
layered barrier to fire, and delaying the transfer of heat to the
underlying steel. Cementitious is well-suited to dry
environments, where its structural integrity is not threatened by
high levels of moisture in the air.

CLM Fireproofing are the UK’s leading experts in passive fire

protection. We are on-hand to provide specialist installation and
consulting services. Our operatives are fully compliant with the
latest industry regulations, so our clients can feel confident that
their building is protected from fire. To speak to one of our
passive fire protection specialists, contact CLM Fireproofing
today.