What is Fire Resistance?
Fire resistance is the ability of building components to prevent the spread of a fire from the point of origin to adjacent spaces or from one building to nearby structures. The stability of structural and non-structural components against fire is defined, as required, over a specified timeframe based on regulations. The fire resistance rating for primary building components depends on the building’s size and occupancy. Thus, when the term fire-resistant is applied to parts like walls, floors, etc., it means that these structural elements should not only withstand fire but also prevent its spread.
Every material, regardless of its fire reaction classification, has its specific fire-resistant characteristics.
When a building reaches the flashover stage in a fire, high-resistance building materials protect other parts of the structure from the fire’s spread. In terms of fire safety, building elements should maintain their integrity and act as barriers to contain flames, smoke, and heat within the origin compartment.
How is Fire Resistance Classified?
Fire resistance is classified through the European standard BS EN 13501-2. Insulated sheet products or panel insulation products with high fire resistance properties can help contain fire through two key factors:
Integrity (E), as defined in BS EN 13501-2, is the ability of a material to not only withstand fire and maintain its structure but also prevent the spread of flames and hot gases to non-fire-exposed areas for a specific period.
Insulation (I), as indicated in BS EN 13501-2, enables structural components to control the transfer of heat to adjacent, non-fire-exposed areas. The certified time rating for insulation products indicates the time it takes for the ambient temperature to rise from its initial level to 140°C, or for non-exposed areas to reach 180°C above the initial temperature. This temperature rise is measured with multiple thermocouples, which are carefully monitored during testing.
Fire-resistant products that comply with BS EN 13501-2 are labeled with a combination of letters and numbers indicating the duration. For example, a wall insulation system labeled as E160 signifies that the product maintains both its integrity (E) and insulation performance (I) for 60 minutes. Factors influencing the required fire resistance in buildings include the type of building use and the governing regulations in that area.
Understanding the Relationship between Fire Development and Fire Performance
When a fire reaches the ignition stage and becomes a flame, it’s critical that building elements can both resist and limit the fire’s spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you know the difference between large-scale and small-scale fire testing?
Understanding the relationship between fire development and fire performance is essential.
Reaction to Fire
Since the amount of energy produced by a building product plays a crucial role in fire growth, fire reaction is highly important in the early stages of a fire.
Flaming
When a fire has enough energy to spread, it can extend to other rooms and sections. At this stage, compartmentalization is crucial.
Fire Resistance
Once a fire reaches the spread stage and is carried by flames, the fire resistance of building elements and containing it becomes vital.
Fire Spread
The type of reaction building materials have to fire and the duration of exposure to fire are essential factors in fire propagation.