Passive and reactive fire protection to structural steel (IP 6 12)

BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.

Passive and reactive fire protection to structural steel (IP 6/12) was written by Tom Lennon and Danny Hopkin and published by BRE on 19 January 2012.

Traditional fire-protection materials such as insulating boards, spray protection materials, flexible blankets and concrete encasements are passive in that, upon application, they inherently possess the required insulation. Reactive systems are those whose insulating properties are developed during a fire. Intumescent coatings are the most common example of reactive systems.

This 8-page information paper collates the available information on passive and reactive fire protection to structural steelwork. It covers:

• The types of product available.
• Specification.
• The advantages and disadvantages of different types of product in relation to the construction process, technical performance in tests and performance in real fires.
• The importance of third-party certification schemes for manufacturers and installers.

It is intended for use by those responsible for specifying fire protection, main contractors, building control authorities and installers, and provides information on the options available for designers, ranging from the use of unprotected steelwork to the selection of products for extreme events such as hydrocarbon fire exposure.

Its contents are:

• Background.
• Introduction.
• Unprotected steel structures.
• Partially encased steel sections.
• Protected steel sections.
• Application and third-party certification schemes.
• Fire testing and assessment.
• Performance in real fires.
• Sources of further information.
• References.
• Further reading

--BRE Group

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