Types of Steel Fire Protection Board Systems

Steel fire protection board systems come in many varieties, depending on the application. Some are simple and easy to install while others require extensive supporting constructions, joint treatments, and more than one layer. Other, more resistant options can be staple-fixed around the steel section using noggins. Still others can be fitted around a section with a box. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of board before selecting a fire protection board system.

Promat boards

Steel fire protection board Promat is a versatile product which meets fire protection board the requirements of the structural design of buildings. It is available in foil and tissue faced versions and provides up to 240 minutes fire resistance to structural steelwork. It is certified to meet BS EN 13501-1 fire resistance criteria. Its fibres are randomly oriented and 0% air-dried, ensuring that they don't transfer heat during a fire.

When cutting Promat, it is important to work with a high-quality saw with diamond tipped teeth. These blades give a clean, industrial quality cut. When cutting with high-speed electric tools, it is important to use protective face masks. A high-speed saw may produce fine dust, which can be harmful to health. When cutting Promat boards, the optimal speed and angle should be chosen.

Promat manufactures two types of steel fire protection boards: the PROMATECT(r)-H and PROMATECT(r)-XW. The latter is lighter in weight and is stocked in 30mm (1/4") thickness. It also has a low coefficient of expansion and contraction, which makes it perfect for use in building structures.

A new generation of Promat fire protection boards has recently come onto the market. The PROMATECT(r) 250 features a unique matrix engineered mineral composition that includes the patented PROMAXON(r) technology. This technology produces a controlled endothermic reaction, thereby reducing the rate of temperature rise during a fire. When compared to traditional matrix engineered mineral boards, PROMATECT(r) 250 provides significantly better fire insulation than traditional gypsum boards.

Steel fire protection board Promat TD Board (r) is a structural steel fire protection board system that offers up to 240 minutes of fire protection. It is available in unfaced or aluminium foil facing. It is certified to meet BS EN ISO 9001 quality management system and is designed for internal or external applications. It is generally installed using spiral screws or 16 s.w.g. galvanised wire to ensure it is secure.

Flexible blankets

Flexible steel fire protection board blankets are a versatile fireproofing material. These flexible blankets provide a wide range of benefits, including easy application, fireproofing, thermal insulation, and acoustic control. These blankets can be applied on a wide variety of structural shapes and are available from a limited number of manufacturers.

Flexible steel blanket systems are designed to meet the unique needs of certain structures. These blankets are non-toxic and fireproof. These blankets can be installed alongside steel columns to offer a safe barrier against heat and flames. Flexible steel blanket systems are often more economical and practical than other fireproofing options and do not produce toxic fumes or gases.

Flexible steel blanket systems can be particularly effective when the steel beams are hidden or have odd shapes. These blankets are also non-toxic and extremely effective at fireproofing steel. Flexible steel fire protection board blankets may not be as practical as other solutions, but they are effective for some applications.

FireMaster® blankets are flexible and easily wrap around steel profiles. This means that they do not require extensive cutting, which contributes to their low weight and helps prevent the collapse of the structure during a fire. They can be applied in single or multiple layers to protect the steel against high temperatures. These blankets can meet steel critical temperatures and are suitable for offshore and marine applications.

Intumescent coatings

Steel fire protection boards can be protected by coatings that contain intumescent materials. These are paint-like materials that expand in high temperatures and form an insulating blanket. These paints are usually applied in thin layers between 0.03 and 0.50 inches. The coatings are able to provide fire protection up to four hours.

These coatings are generally water-based and are applied by spray, brush, or roller. They provide a smooth finish and prevent the steel from rusting. Without an intumescent coating, steelwork may reach temperatures of up to 550oC in a fire, destroying its load-bearing capacity and causing collapse.

Several types of intumescent coatings are available. Thin film coatings are typically used for buildings that require a minimum fire resistance of 30-60 minutes. Thicker films, however, can provide up to 120 minutes of protection. These coatings can be applied on-site or off-site. Thicker layers of intumescent coatings are also available for complex shapes. For more information on intumescent coatings, visit the Association for Specialist Fire Protection.

Intumescent coatings protect structural steel in interior settings from fire. They are a cost-effective solution for fire protection. They provide flexibility in application and low overhead costs. In addition, they are widely available. Intumescent coatings are available in solvent-borne and water-based solutions.

Intumescent fireproofing is applied off-site to minimize disruption to other trades. Once the coating is applied, it reflects and absorbs heat from the fire to keep the building structure intact. It also makes for an attractive surface finish and is often used on complex shapes.

Gypsum

Gypsum fire protection boards offer a wide range of benefits, and the types and qualities available vary. These products are available in many varieties, including Type C, Type D, and Type X. Each of these types has unique characteristics, but they all share the same basic principles for ensuring effective fire resistance.

A gypsum fire protection panel has a low flame spread rate, which is an important attribute in preventing a fire from spreading. They are easy to install, and they are compatible with a variety of finishing treatments. This makes fire-resistant gypsum panels a popular choice for building construction and design.

A standard type of gypsum fire protection board is composed of a core that is composed of gypsum and two molecules of water. The water content of gypsum is about twenty-one percent, which helps to retard heat transfer through the material and drive it off as vapor at high temperatures. However, the water present in a gypsum fire protection board has the disadvantage of causing fissures and deteriorating the structural integrity of the panel.

A gypsum fire protection board is easy to install and is lightweight. It is a versatile product that readily accepts decorative finishes and can be painted or covered with metal trim. The gypsum core is also non-combustible and will not transmit high temperatures. It is also required to be calcined before it can be installed in a building.

Gypsum fire protection boards are commonly used in partitions, ceilings, and steel encasement systems. They are smooth and lightweight, and can be laminated to other materials for a uniform surface.

Shelf angle floor beams

Shelves that are supported on angles have a higher fire resistance than flat floor beams. The supporting angles are welded or bolted to the web. These beams protect the bottom and top portions of a structure from fire. The fire resistance of these beams increases with the position of the supporting angle and up to 60 minutes can be achieved in some cases.

The fire resistance of bare steel beams depends on the section factor, the ratio of the applied load and the collapse load. The higher the ratio, the lower is the failure temperature and the longer the fire resistance time. Several methods are used to increase fire resistance: oversizing the members, using higher-strength steel, or restraining the members.

Fire-resistant columns must incorporate a flange that protects the bottom edge of the beam. The load on the flanges gradually transfers to the concrete, providing stability and up to 60 minutes of fire resistance. Fire resistance is also achieved in the connection zone, which is protected along with the beam. Steel Construction Institute publication SCI P124 provides guidance on fire-resistance for column assemblies.