University of Guyana

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Department of Architecture

Name: Varshanie Jaikissoon

USI: 1035400
Course Name: Construction Technology 2
Course Code: ARH 2108
Lecturer: Kurt Gonsalves
Date Assigned: 30-11-2020
Due Date: 15-12-2020
Date Submitted: 19-12-2020
Methods of Fire Resistance
Table of contents

TASK SHEET .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
TIMBER .......................................................................................................................................................................6
INTUMESCENT COATINGS...........................................................................................................................................6
HOW DOES IT WORK? .................................................................................................................................................6
DOOR STOPS ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
FIRE BOARDS.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
INSULATION (KING 1995) ..........................................................................................................................................7
Types of Insulation ................................................................................................................................................7
Wool ......................................................................................................................................................................7
Fire Resistance .....................................................................................................................................................7
Fiberglass ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Glass and Mineral Wool .......................................................................................................................................7
Fibrous Mats ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Foam .....................................................................................................................................................................7
Specialty Insulation...............................................................................................................................................8
STEEL ..........................................................................................................................................................................9
INTUMESCENT COATINGS...........................................................................................................................................9
HOW DOES IT WORK? .................................................................................................................................................9
TYPES OF INTUMESCENT COATINGS............................................................................................................................ 9
Thin-film intumescent coating............................................................................................................................... 9
Thick-film intumescent coating ........................................................................................................................... 10
RIGID BOARD FIREPROOFING ................................................................................................................................... 10
HOW DOES IT WORK? ............................................................................................................................................... 10
TYPES OF FIRE BOARD FIREPROOFING ..................................................................................................................... 10
Durasteel............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Promatech-H....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Promatech-250.................................................................................................................................................... 11
Promatech-L500 ................................................................................................................................................. 11
CONCRETE ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
HOW DOES IT WORK? ............................................................................................................................................... 11
FLEXIBLE BLANKET SYSTEM ................................................................................................................................... 12
CONCRETE .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Task sheet
To list and explain the application of at least four types of fire resistance method in construction
when using timber, steel and concrete.
Introduction
What is fire resistance? Fire resistance is the property of materials or their assemblies that
prevents or retards the passage of excessive heat, hot gases or flames under conditions of use. (D.
Panias, K. Sakkas 2015). Fire resistant materials are put into place by the contractor or a
specialized person in case of a fire emergency. In this research, the reader will come to learn about
the types of fire resistance that can be used on three type of materials against fire; those materials being
timber, steel and concrete.
Timber
Intumescent Coatings
Also known as intumescent paint, this method provides fire resistance to structural steel members.
One of the key benefits is that intumescent coatings will expand as much as 100 times the original
thickness of the material, providing superior fire resistance by creating a buffer between the fire
and the steel members. The coating will undergo a chemical reaction and expand when subjected
to extreme temperatures—but before the temperatures become hot enough to affect the integrity
of the steel.
Intumescent coatings are a great solution when aesthetics come into play with steel that is exposed
to the general public. The product is applied just like paint, with every layer adding to the overall
thickness of the product. This fireproofing material can be applied to structural wood as well.
(JUAN RODRIGUEZ 2019)
How does it work?
An intumescent coating is basically a paint-like material which is inert at low temperatures – under
200 ◦C – but reacts with heat. As the temperature rises, during a fire event, the intumescent coating
swells and forms a char layer that covers the steel. This char layer is of low thermal conductivity,
thus acting as an insulating system. It should be noted that the coating usually expands up to 50
times when compared to the original thickness: for every 1mm of paint applied, the char layer can
reach up to 50mm of thickness. (Lina 2018)
Door stops
The term ‘fire door’ usually refers to a fire door leaf, the main component of a fire door assembly
or door set. The door leaf is installed into a fire-rated frame, complete with its ‘essential
ironmongery’ to make the door perform correctly in the event of a fire. The door is tested as a
complete assembly or door set, and can only work correctly if installed using the same compatible
components as when it was tested. (Fire Doors n.d.)
Fire boards
Fireboards are used for new constructions or for the installation of cassette stoves where there is
no existing chimney breast. Certain fire-resistant boards are made for construction where proper
insulation is required, whereas others are utilized in order to store and redistribute the heat.

Fireboards manufactured by Vitcas have high-temperature resistance (up to 1100 C) with high
mechanical stability. They do not contain gypsum and asbestos. They are not toxic and do not
threaten the natural environment. Fire-resistant boards are perfect both as a construction and
insulation material and fireboards with pattern can be used as a decorative cover for fireplaces and
stoves.

Fireproof boards are lightweight and can be processed with traditional wood tools. They can be
cut, drilled and ground, which greatly facilitates the construction process. (Vitcas n.d.)
Insulation (King 1995)
Fireproof insulation materials come in five primary forms. These include chopped fibers, foam,
fibrous mats and textiles, board or block insulation, films and foils. The fire resistance of each
form depends largely on the material of which it is composed.

Types of Insulation
Wool
Chopped fibers are loose and flow into holes and tight places more readily. Loose fibers can also
be pressed into a mat or clothlike form by weaving, knitting, braiding or pressing with an
adhesive. Foam insulation is made from low-density plastics and other polymers and are often
sprayed on vertical or overhead surfaces in buildings or inside machines or electronics. Block
and board insulation is made into sheets, strips, plates or custom shapes. Films, foils, laminates
or ceramic composites increase fire resistance in close spaces.
Fire Resistance
Nearly all insulation is rated fireproof. Most, however, only resist fire. Fiberglass bats shouldn't
be used where temperatures exceed 212 degrees F. Glass wool handles temps up to 1,220 degrees.
Many fiber mat polymers handle temperatures up to 2,220 degrees. Silicate-based (asbestos)
insulation routinely handles temperatures in excess of 3,000 degrees. Insulation materials may also
be designed to resist chemicals, electricity, fuels or solvents.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is melted glass, spun in a centrifuge whose holes spin out glass fibers like a cotton candy
machine. Fiberglass itself won't burn, although the paper or foil that fiberglass bats are covered
with will burn.
Glass and Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is recycled from iron ore blast furnace slag or made directly from natural rocks and
is virtually noncombustible because of its high melting temperature. Mineral wool excels in
thermal applications. Glass wool, made from fused sand and recycled glass, traps air and blocks
heat, cold and noise. Lightweight, pest-proof and flexible, wool insulation installs easily. You can
grow plants in it and make gaskets and brake pads from it.
Fibrous Mats
Fibrous mat insulation is made from six different minerals collectively known as asbestos.
Asbestos possesses great strength, high resistance to heat and chemicals and doesn't conduct
electricity. Despite the well-known health risks, few alternatives are available to replace asbestos,
and it continues to be used for everything from shingles to clutch parts. Various low-melting-
temperature polymers and aluminum oxide alternatives are expensive and lack the effectiveness
of asbestos.
Foam
Cellulose of the type made from recycled newspaper resists fire due to added chemical flame
retardants. It is not fireproof, however. Cellulose treated with fire-resistant chemicals will ignite
at 300 degrees F, losing its fire-retardant properties. In its foam incarnation, it is less combustible,
but still may ignite at high temperatures. Polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foam insulation has
been known to produce gasses that cause respiratory distress, liver and reproductive damage,
headaches and eye irritation. Rigid foam insulation using expanded polystyrene doesn't produce
harmful gasses. Icynene produces an open cell foam using a mixture of carbon dioxide and water.
Air Krete ™ foam is made from magnesium oxide from seawater. Air Krete is cleaner to
manufacture and doesn't produce noxious gases.
Specialty Insulation
Films, foils and laminates are thin-application insulation products made with foams, fabric, metal,
glass, ceramic, resin or other materials. They are used in electronic or industrial applications where
nearby heat sources can damage fragile electronics. Ceramic-based insulation is often used to form
heat-resistant shapes for pipe supports, chimney flues or in machinery where vibration or impact
might dislodge loose insulation. Ceramic insulation blocks can be cut into shapes for special
applications.
Steel
Intumescent Coatings
Also known as intumescent paint, this method provides fire resistance to structural steel members.
One of the key benefits is that intumescent coatings will expand as much as 100 times the original
thickness of the material, providing superior fire resistance by creating a buffer between the fire
and the steel members. The coating will undergo a chemical reaction and expand when subjected
to extreme temperatures—but before the temperatures become hot enough to affect the integrity
of the steel.
Intumescent coatings are a great solution when aesthetics come into play with steel that is exposed
to the general public. The product is applied just like paint, with every layer adding to the overall
thickness of the product. This fireproofing material can be applied to structural wood as well.
(JUAN RODRIGUEZ 2019)
How does it work?
An intumescent coating is basically a paint-like material which is inert at low temperatures – under
200 ◦C – but reacts with heat. As the temperature rises, during a fire event, the intumescent coating
swells and forms a char layer that covers the steel. This char layer is of low thermal conductivity,
thus acting as an insulating system. It should be noted that the coating usually expands up to 50
times when compared to the original thickness: for every 1mm of paint applied, the char layer can
reach up to 50mm of thickness. (Lina 2018)
Types of intumescent coatings
Thin-film intumescent coating
Thin film intumescent coatings are paint-like materials which are inert at low temperatures but
which provide insulation as a result of a complex chemical reaction at temperatures of
approximately 200-250°C, a threshold temperature at which the properties of steel are still
unaffected.
As the coating reacts, it swells to provide an expanded layer of low conductivity char that insulates
the steel section. Typical expansion ratios are about 50:1, i.e., a 1mm thick coating will expand to
about 50mm when affected by fire.
Thin film intumescent coatings are predominantly used in buildings where the fire resistance
requirements are up to 90 minutes. In recent years, a number of products have been developed
which can provide 120 minutes fire resistance.
Intumescent coatings can be applied either on-site or offsite and can be used to achieve attractive
surface finishes. If a decorative or bespoke finish is required, this should be included in the
specification. Thin film intumescent have the added advantages that they can easily cover complex
shapes and post-protection service installation is relatively simple. (The British Constructional
Steelwork Association, Tata Steel 2013)
Thick-film intumescent coating
Thick film intumescent coatings are usually epoxy based and typically have a much higher dry
film thickness than thin film alternatives. These materials are tough and durable and were
originally developed for use with hydrocarbon fires, where the test heating regime is much more
severe than that used for most industrial and commercial applications. A number of manufacturers
have modified their materials for use in cellulosic fires. These modified materials are usually used
in situations where the benefits of intumescent coatings in terms of appearance, weight and
thickness are required but where circumstances are too severe, or maintenance too difficult, to
allow the use of thin film materials. Typical recent examples have occurred in external steel in
high rise buildings and exposed marine environments.
Expansion ratios for thick film intumescent are much lower than for thin film materials, typically
about 5:1. Aesthetic finishes are possible and it can also be supplied in the form of preformed
casings. Thick film intumescent coatings can also be applied off-site. (Steel Construction n.d.)

Rigid Board Fireproofing

Rigid board fireproofing can be installed quickly and easily. One of the benefits is that it can be
installed as you go during the process of installing steel decks and beams. Rigid board fireproofing
provides the right fireproofing requirements as well as thermal and acoustic control. This type of
fireproofing can be mechanically fastened and can prevent pests and termite attacks. It also is
available in different thicknesses to meet UL requirements and can withstand moisture and
humidity without losing its fire-stopping characteristics. Boards can be designed to precise
measurements and can include decorative finishes. (JUAN RODRIGUEZ 2019).
How does it work?
Rigid board fire protection systems can offer up to 240 minutes fire protection.
The system involves attaching rigid board around steel columns and beams, forming a box. This
system will protect all columns and beams and is secured by using either noggins or mechanical
fixing. (Fire Management Limited n.d.)
Types of Fire Board Fireproofing
Durasteel
DURASTEEL® is a composite board manufactured with a fiber reinforced cement core, with outer
facings of 0.5mm perforated galvanized steel mechanically bonded to each surface of the core.
Other steel finishes such as stainless steel is also available for use where greater resistance to
corrosion is required. DURASTEEL® systems combine lightness, strength, impact resistance and
durability with exceptional fire resistance. These systems remain resistant to firefighter hoses
leaving the board capable of performing their function should fire services be required to withdraw
before a fire is extinguished. DURASTEEL® systems have been successful for many years,
including rail and metro projects, military facilities and in commercial, pharmaceutical and
petrochemical plants. (Pormat Middle East n.d.)
Promatech-H
PROMATECT®-H is a non-combustible matrix engineered mineral board reinforced with selected
fibers and fillers. It is formulated without organic fibers and does not contain
formaldehyde. PROMATECT®-H is off-white in color and has a smooth finish on one face with a
sanded reverse face. The board can be left plain or can be easily finished with paints.
PROMATECT®-H is resistant to the effects of moisture and will not physically deteriorate when
used in damp or humid conditions. Performance characteristics are not degraded by age. (Pormat
Middle East n.d.)
Promatech-250
PROMATECT®-250 comprises autoclaved calcium silicate spheres bound in a mineral matrix.
This PROMAXON® technology - a synthetic hydrated calcium silicate in spherical form - provides
excellent performance in most fire-resistant applications. PROMATECT®-250 is off-white in
color. The front face is smooth and is suitable for any forms of architectural/finishing treatment
while the reverse face is sanded. PROMATECT®-250 is resistant to moist conditions and will not
physically deteriorate in humid environment. Whilst its performance characteristics are not
degraded by moisture or aging. PROMATECT®-250 is not designed for application in areas
subject to continual damp or high temperatures. The product is recommended for interior
applications only. (Pormat Middle East n.d.)
Promatech-L500
PROMATECT®-L500 is a lightweight mineral matrix engineered board which is off-white/beige
in color and has a smooth sanded surface on one face with a lightly honeycombed texture on the
reverse face. PROMATECT®-L500 is resistant to the effects of moisture and will not physically
deteriorate when used in damp or humid conditions. Performance characteristics are not degraded
by age or moisture. Untreated surfaces will absorb water which can cause some loss of strength
but strength is regained after drying. PROMATECT®-L500 does not encourage mould growth and
is resistant to attack by vermin. PROMATECT®-L500 is chemically inert and is resistant to diluted
acids and alkalis. Boards should be protected where high chemical concentrations are likely to
occur. (Pormat Middle East n.d.)
Concrete
This option is far less common than it used to be, but for some projects, it can be beneficial to
encase large sections of steel in concrete. Doing so requires more space because of the volume of
concrete used, and it tends to be less aesthetically pleasing than other options. Structures like large
parking garages are less concerned with these factors, so such structures might still employ this
method.
Achieve additional fire protection by including reinforcements, such as rebar, between the flanges
that are held in place by concrete. (JUAN RODRIGUEZ 2019)
How does it work?
Although steel’s natural tendency is to undergo corrosion reactions, the alkaline environment of
concrete (pH of 12 to 13) provides steel with corrosion protection. At the high pH, a thin oxide
layer forms on the steel and prevents metal atoms from dissolving. This passive film does not
actually stop corrosion; it reduces the corrosion rate to an insignificant level. For steel in concrete,
the passive corrosion rate is typically 0.1 µm per year. Without the passive film, the steel would
corrode at rates at least 1,000 times higher. Because of concrete’s inherent protection, reinforcing
steel does not corrode in the majority of concrete elements and structures. However, corrosion can
occur when the passive layer is destroyed. The destruction of the passive layer occurs when the
alkalinity of the concrete is reduced or when the chloride concentration in concrete is increased to
a certain level. (America's Cement Manufacturers 2019)
Flexible Blanket System
Fire Blanket is flexible so can easily wrap around the outer profile of I beams, columns and tubular
sections. The blanket can be applied in single or multiple layers, providing insulation to meet a
variety of steel critical temperatures from 150°C upwards. Tubular sections can be protected
against jet fires for fire durations of up to 3 hours using Fire Blanket and microporous insulation.
(Morgan Thermal Ceramics 2017).
Concrete
Concrete does not require any additional fire-protection because of its built-in resistance to fire. It
is a non-combustible material (i.e., it does not burn), and has a slow rate of heat transfer. Concrete
ensures that structural integrity remains, fire compartmentation is not compromised and shielding
from heat can be relied upon.

Concrete does not burn – it cannot be set on fire and it does not emit any toxic fumes when affected
by fire. Concrete is proven to have a high degree of fire resistance and, in the majority of
applications, can be described as virtually fireproof.

This excellent performance is due, in the main, to concrete’s constituent materials (cement and
aggregates) which, when chemically combined within concrete, form a material that is essentially
inert and, importantly for fire safety design, has relatively poor thermal conductivity. It is this slow
rate of conductivity (heat transfer) that enables concrete to act as an effective fire shield not only
between adjacent spaces, but also to protect itself from fire damage. (Concrete Centre n.d.)
Conclusion
There are many forms of fire resistance. Being; fire stops, intumescent paint, fire resistant
boards, insulation, concrete and flexible blanket systems. These are all put into place to stop a
fire from spreading to other parts of the building. However, these are not used to put a fire out
unless there in some form of extinguisher in the building. Fire resistance materials can only
withstand certain amounts of heat/flames for a number of minutes.
In conclusion, fire resistance materials only allow occupants of a building to exit safely. So, we
should always avoid starting a fire and learning the necessary ways in putting out a fire.
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