Steel is a non-combustible building material that possesses characteristics such as earthquake resistance. In practical applications, steel can not only relatively increase the load-bearing capacity of buildings but also meet the aesthetic design requirements of building architecture. Additionally, avoids the defects of concrete and other building materials that cannot bend or stretch, thus earnin
What are the fire protection measures for steel structure buildings?
Steel is a non-combustible building material that possesses characteristics such as earthquake resistance. In practical applications, steel can not only relatively increase the load-bearing capacity of buildings but also meet the aesthetic design requirements of building architecture. Additionally, avoids the defects of concrete and other building materials that cannot bend or stretch, thus earning the favor of the construction industry. Steel is commonly used in single-story, skyscraper buildings, as well as in factories, warehouses, waiting rooms, and airport terminals. However, as a building material, steel has some defects in terms of fire resistance. Its mechanical properties, such as yield point, tensile strength, and elastic modulus, will drastically decrease as the temperature rises.
Steel structures typically lose their load-bearing capacity at temperatures between 450 to 650 degrees Celsius, leading to significant deformation and rendering them unusable due excessive deformation. The fire resistance limit of unprotected steel structures is about 15 minutes. This duration is also related to the rate at which the components absorb heat. To overcome the fire resistance deficiencies of steel structures in practical applications, fire resistance treatment is necessary. The goal is to increase the fire resistance limit of steel structures to range specified by design standards. Measures to prevent rapid temperature rise and deformation of steel structures in fires are varied, but the key is to adopt different methods based on situations, such as using insulating and fire-resistant materials to isolate flames from directly burning the steel structure, reducing the rate of heat transfer, and delaying the time to heat up and lose strength. Regardless of the method used, the principle is the same.
Outboard Layer. It is an outboard layer which is added to the exterior of the structure, constructed using spray methods. By using dedicated spraying equipment, a protective layer of "Steel Structure Fireproof Coating (Single Component)" is on-site onto the surface of the steel structure. The thickness of the fireproof coating can be designed according to the fireproof requirements, capable of withstanding a limit of over 2 to 3 hours. This is currently one of the best performing and most cost-effective fireproof coatings on the market.
Water. Filling hollow steel structures with water is the most effective protective measure against fire. This method keeps the steel structure at a lower temperature during a fire, with water circulating within the structure, absorbing the heat from the materials. The heated water can be cooled and recirculated or replaced by cool water through pipelines.
Shielding. The steel structure is placed within walls or ceilings composed of fire-resistant materials, or the components are concealed in the gap between two walls. By adding small amount of fire-resistant material or none at all, the purpose of fire prevention can be achieved. This is the most economical method of fire prevention.
Materials. Using steel structure fireproof paint to protect the components, this method has the advantages of good fireproof insulation performance and is not limited by the geometric of the steel structure during construction. Usually, no additional facilities are needed, and the coating is lightweight with some aesthetic appeal. It is a modern and advanced fire technology.
Currently, high-rise steel structure buildings are increasingly common, especially in some super-tall buildings where steel structures are more widely used. Once a fire accident in a high-rise building, it cannot be extinguished in a short time, which requires us to increase the fireproof protection of building materials during architectural design to their fire resistance. Additionally, it's important to formulate necessary emergency plans within the building to reduce casualties and property losses. The " Steel Structure Fire Coating (Single Component)" forms an outboard layer, with the thickness of the fireproof coating designed according to the fireproof requirements, capable of withstanding fire limit of over 2 to 3 hours. This is currently one of the best performing and most cost-effective fireproof coatings on the market.