FIRE PROTECTION OF STEEL STRUCTURES - Intumescent Coatings

As we know, steels have excellent mechanical properties at ambient temperature.

However, the buildings made of steel can be inevitably exposed to fire hazards.

Deterioration of mechanical properties and creep deformation is considered the most important factor affecting the behavior of steel structures in fires.

Steel structures are frequently protected against fire by the application of relatively thin intumescent coatings, which foam upon exposure to produce a protective char.

BEHAVIOR OF HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL COLUMNS UNDER AND AFTER FIRE

Steel structures may be inevitably exposed to fire hazards. In fire events, deterioration of mechanical properties and creep deformation has been considered as the most important factor affecting the behavior of steel structures.

Much research has been carried out on fire resistance of mild steel structures and the research results have been considered in the current codes of practice including BSI 2003, ECS 2005, and GB 51249-2017.

However, there are no available design guidelines for the safety of fire-exposed high-strength steel structures.

Design engineers will be interested to understand the behavior of high-strength steel elements subjected to fire.

This includes behavior of restrained high-strength steel columns under or after fire, and experimental and analytical study on creep buckling of high-strength steel columns at elevated temperatures in fire.

PAST RESEARCH

Much research has been carried out on fire resistance of mild steel structures and design specifications have been published.

There are no design guidelines in current fire design codes for assessing fire exposed high-strength steel structures.

In recent 10 years, lots of research has been carried out on fire behavior of high-strength steels and structures.

These include fire response and post fire behavior of restrained high-strength steel columns, creep buckling of high-strength steel columns.

INTUMESCENT COATINGS

Intumescent coatings for structural steel, are the tried and tested way of protecting buildings and people from fire.

Intumescent coatings have been exhaustively tested both in laboratories to national and international standards in independent test houses across the globe.

Intumescent paints are available with 30, 60, 90 and 120-minute fire protection, to accompany fire retardant paints for other surfaces.

The intumescent coatings can be for interior and exterior use and come in a full range of colours.

They are easy to apply by brush, roller, or spray, with no specialist skills required and fire certificate can be applied upon completion.