Calculation of PFP Thickness

Sunday, 15 June 2014

The thickness of fire protection required is determined by:

1. Duration
2. Critical Steel Temperature
3. Steel section size and type
Hp/A ratio
4. Thickness stated in the local or international approval
SI Units:

Hp/A =

M/D =

A/V =

Imperial (US) Units:

W/D =

A/P =
Heated Perimeter
Cross Section Area
=
metres
metres
=
m
-1
or /m
Heated Perimeter
Weight of section
=
inches
Pounds/foot
=
lb/ft/in
Heated Perimeter
=
Square inches
=
Cross Section Area
in
2
/in
inches
All express the relationship between the amount of steel capable
of absorbing heat to the area of steel surface exposed to the fire.
Heated Surface Area
=
metres
metres
=
m
-1
or /m
Volume of Steel
Mass of Section
Heated Perimeter
=
Kilograms / metre
metres
=
kg/m
How much PFP do I need?
Hp/A - Section Factors
Cross
Sectional
Area
(A = m)
Heated
Perimeter
(Hp = m)
Low Hp/A = Thinner PFP
305 x 305 x 240 kg/m
Hp/A = 1.905m / 0.0305m
Hp/A = 62 m
-1
For H120 (400C):
Chartek 7 = 11 mm
High Hp/A = Thicker PFP
305 x 305 x 97 kg/m
Hp/A = 1.789m / 0.0123m
Hp/A = 145 m
-1
For H120 (400C):
Chartek 7 = 16 mm
How much PFP do I need?
How Hp/A changes with sides exposed to fire.
(Example 305 x 305 x240 Kg/m UC)
Note: Cross Sectional Area Remains the same in all cases!
Wall, Floor or Deck Wall, Floor or Deck





4 Sides exposed

Hp/A=

Hp/A = 62 m
-1

0.0305 m
1.905 m
3 Sides exposed

Hp/A=

Hp/A = 52 m
-1

0.0305 m
1.587 m
Flange only exposed

Hp/A=

Hp/A = 13 m
-1

0.0305 m
0.393 m
How to calculate an Hp/A?
www.asfp.org.uk
The
Yellow
Book!
How to calculate an Hp/A?
What do I do with my Hp/A?
Example of Certificate of Fire Approval with table of Hp/A v required PFP thickness
Chartek 7 Certificate
Interchar 963 loadings
What do I do with my Hp/A?
Interchar 963 loadings
What about other section shapes?
Wall, Floor or Deck Wall, Floor or Deck
Decreasing Hp/A = Lower PFP thickness required