Fire resistance of buildings
Approved Document B Fire Safety, Volume 2, Buildings other than dwellinghouses (2019 edition), defines fire resistance as:
'The ability of a component or a building to satisfy, for a stated period of time, some or all of the appropriate criteria given in the relevant standard.'
Fire resistance is a measure of one or more of the following:
- Resistance to collapse (loadbearing capacity), which applies to loadbearing elements only, denoted R in the European classification of the resistance to fire performance.
- Resistance to fire penetration (integrity), denoted E in the European classification of the resistance to fire performance.
- Resistance to the transfer of excessive heat (insulation), denoted I in the European classification of the resistance to fire performance.
Fire resistance is measured in minutes. This relates to time elapsed in a standard test and should not be confused with real time.
Performance in terms of the fire resistance to be achieved by elements of structure, doors and other forms of construction is classified in accordance with BS EN 13501.
Other information about fire resistance in the approved document includes:
- Table B3 gives the specific requirements for each element of structure.
- Table B4 sets out the minimum periods of fire resistance for elements of structure.
- Table B5 sets out limitations on the use of uninsulated fire resisting glazed elements.
NB PAS 9980:2022, Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice, published by BSI Standards Limited in 2022, defines fire resistance as the: ‘…ability of an item to fulfil for a stated period of time the required loadbearing capacity and/or integrity and/or thermal insulation, and/or other expected duty specified in a standard fire resistance test. NOTE This is not the time that the item can withstand exposure to any specific real fire without loss of its required performance.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- BS 476.
- BS EN 13501-1.
- Cavity barrier.
- Compartment floor.
- Dry riser.
- Escape route.
- Fire.
- Fire and rescue service.
- Fire blanket.
- Fire collar.
- Fire compartment.
- Fire damper.
- Fire detection and alarm systems.
- Fire door.
- Fire safety design.
- Fire-separating element.
- Fire separation.
- Fire-stopping.
- Firefighting route.
- Intumescent coatings.
- Intumescent strip.
- Joint fire code.
- Mastic asphalt flooring.
- Means of escape.
- Passive fire protection is a vital tool in any fire strategy.
- Place of special fire hazard.
- Protected escape route.
- Protected stairway.
- Sacrificial timber.
- Supporting construction.
- Thermoplastic material.
- Unprotected escape route.
- Wet riser.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
Comments