Fireproofing steel structures is a safety method in the construction industry that is aimed at increasing the fire resistance of steel structures.
Steel is the strong and durable material and can lose its structural integrity at high temperatures during a fire breakout. This can result in collapse of the building or significant damage endangering the lives and property.
Steel Fireproofing methods are employed to prevent or delay the steel from reach the critical temperature, thus maintaining its load bearing capacity for long time during fire.
Some of the common methods of fireproofing steel structures are-
- Spraying: This involves spraying fire-resistant materials directly to the surface of steel structures. The material includes compounds or materials that provide thermal insulation, preventing the steel from reaching critical temperatures that could lead to structural failure.
- Intumescent paintings: Intumescent coatings expand significantly when exposed to heat. This forms a thick layer of insulating char that protects the steel from inside. The coatings are applied like paint and can be used where aesthetics are a concern as they allow the steel elements to remain visible while still providing fire protection.
- Boards: Strong boards made of fire-resistant materials like mineral wood or gypsum is installed around the steel elements. The method offers a neat, uniform appearance and can provide a high level of fire resistance with minimum thickness.
- Encasing: Encasing steel beams or columns in concrete provides excellent fire protection because of the inherent fire resistance nature of the concrete. They act as physical barrier insulating steel from high temperatures. This is a durable and effective method that increases the structure’s weight and construction complexity.
- Flexible blanket system: The fireproofing blankets are made from materials like ceramic fibers and are wrapped around the steel elements. These blankets are less commonly used but can be customized to fit irregular shapes and provide a good fire resistance with minimum impact on the appearance of the structure.
Fireproofing structural steel not only helps to prevent the failure of the structure in the event of fire but also provides more time for the occupants to evacuate safely and gives sufficient time for emergency services to control the fire, thus minimizing the risk of human life and the investment.
FAQs
1.What is fireproofing structural steel?
Fireproofing of structural steel is a method to boost the resistance of steel structures.
2.What are some of the commonly used methods for fireproofing steel structures?
Intumescent coating, rigid board and flexible blanket are some of the most commonly used methods of fire proofing structural steel.
3.Is fireproofing structural steel beneficial?
Fireproofing structural steel helps maintain the shape of the building in the event of fire. This helps the occupants to escape unscathed.