One of the qualities of steel is its high melting point. Steel requires about 3 to 4 thousand degrees to melt. Because of this attribute of steel many do not see the need of Steel structure fireproofing. Even though in the event of fire the steel will not melt it will be weakened and it can fail.
Once the temperature reaches 593C, it loses half of its weight bearing capacity. The heat could lead to collapse of the structure. It is therefore important to fireproof your building even though it is made of steel.
Many building codes need the fire proofing protection to structural steel as a safety precaution. The most common fire proofing systems used for steel structures are intumescent coating steel structure fire protection system, boards and blanket fire protection system and sprayed cementitious or gypsum based coatings.
Steel is durable, non combustible fire resistant material. When properly designed and constructed, steel framing can preserve its structural integrity in the event of fire and exposure to prolonged elevated temperature.
Fire protection is accomplished via blend of active and passive fire protection methods. Fireproofing refers to rendering something incombustible and heatproof. Fireproofing steel building will guarantee a structure keeps its shape in case of fire thus allows people to escape during the emergency.
Once the structural integrity is compromised there is much higher likelihood of severe damage or total collapse. So it is important to take appropriate steps to fireproof of any steel building, especially those that are part of industrial businesses where the danger of fire and dangerously high temperature are expanded.
Here are some of the benefits of Steel structure fireproofing:
- Allow time for the occupants to get out: When there is a fire the structural integrity of the building is compromised. At certain temperature steel loses its weight bearing capacity. It is therefore prone to collapse at any time. By steel structure fireproofing one maintain the stability of the structure long enough so that the building occupants have enough time to get out. This gives the first responders to the scene probably the firemen time to go to the building.
Minimize the damage: When you fire proof the steel structure you cannot rest assured that there will not be fire. It just means that it takes longer for the flames to affect the construction. This not only gives the occupants a longer time to escape but is also reduces the amount of damage caused by the fire. The structural stability is not compromised and there is less damage and fewer repairs done. If you had the impression that steel buildings do not get damaged by fire it is about time you have to change your thoughts. Even though steel is more fire resistant as compared to other building materials like wood, it is not immune. So fireproofing steel building is important to minimize the damage.
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