Steel-framed buildings can be protected from fire in a number of ways. Several of the typical techniques are:
Structural steel spray: This technique involves covering the structural steel with a thin layer of a fire-resistant substance, like mineral fiber or cementitious. This layer protects the steel from heat and weakening during a fire by acting as a fire-resistant barrier.
Coatings that froth and expand when exposed to high temperatures are called intumescent coatings, and they create a thick layer of insulation on steel. During a fire, this layer shields the steel from heat and keeps it from weakening.
Boards that are fire-resistant: The inside walls of a structure can be lined with fire-resistant boards, such as calcium silicate board or gypsum board. In order to stop a fire from spreading, these boards act as a fire-resistant barrier between the steel frame and the building's interior.
Encasement: To stop the steel from heating up during a fire, encasement entails covering the steel structure with a fire-resistant substance, like fiber cement.
Fire sprinkler systems: Steel-framed buildings can also have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed. Sprinkler heads are installed all throughout the structure as part of these systems, and when they are triggered, they spray water to put out fires and stop them from spreading.
Apart from these techniques, the building's architecture, which includes the distances between its columns and beams, can also have an impact on how fire resistant it is. To choose the best fire safety measure for your particular steel-framed building, it's crucial to speak with a fire safety specialist.
