Steel structures are used extensively in the construction industry as well as in industry or the energy sector. It should not be forgotten that they are also used in aviation. The question arises, does every steel structure require fire protection? It is worth finding out more about the fire protection painting obligation.
Does every steel structure need to be fireproofed?
Steel is a strong and resistant material. It is worth realising that, as a general rule, it is non-ignitable. However, this does not mean that it is fully non-combustible. When exposed to fire, and therefore high temperatures, it quickly loses its mechanical properties and can additionally deform and therefore lose its strength and crack. Therefore, protecting the steel structure from fire seems essential. However, it is important to know that the obligation for fire protection painting is generally not regulated by law. However, the law requires that the fire resistance of individual building components such as columns or beams must be ensured. Fire protection painting delays the heating of the structure, which of course increases safety. Fire protection of steel structures must be carried out when the steel structure is exposed to high temperatures, and in this case the type of building is irrelevant. Such protection affects the load-bearing capacity of the entire steel structure, but also makes it possible to carry out an effective evacuation.
Fire protection – when is it necessary to carry it out?
Securing a steel structure against fire reduces the risk of fire spreading, but also prevents the steel from losing its strength. It is important to know that any building or steel structure must comply with building standards and fire regulations. Fire protection is advisable and required for steel structures with a large volume or that have a more complex design. This applies, for example, to production halls or warehouses. All types of public buildings also need to be fireproofed, as do steel structures which store flammable materials. This applies to warehouses, for example. R30 and R60 are the fire resistance class designations. As a general rule, the higher the fire resistance class, the better, with the selection depending on the fire requirements. Public buildings, as well as rooms such as kitchens or warehouses, must have a high fire resistance class.
What is fireproof painting?
Fire protection painting involves coating steel components with a special type of paint. For this purpose, fire protection paints are used which, when exposed to heat, increase their volume and, as a result, form an insulating coating which delays the heating of individual components. To begin with, it is necessary to apply a primer, or so-called primer. This improves the adhesion of the fire protection coating. In the next step, the fire protection coating is applied and finally the top coat is applied as an additional form of protection against external influences. The PN-ISO 8501-1 standard applies in this case. A well-chosen fire protection layer can increase the volume by up to 50 times.
Protecting a steel structure against fire – what determines the choice of method?
There are many methods of protecting a steel structure from fire. Standard intumescent paints can be used, but so can fire protection sprays. It is important to know that the choice depends, for example, on the fire resistance class requirements of the structure in question. In addition, the section modulus must be taken into account. This depends on the shape of the steel profile and its size. In addition, the critical temperature of the steel, i.e. the temperature at which it loses its load-bearing capacity, is important. Another factor, which is no less important, is the type of construction, i.e. the steel profile and the connections used.
Although the law does not make it compulsory to fireproof all steel structures, increasing the fire resistance prevents the loss of load-bearing capacity at a temperature of 500-600 degrees Celsius, so it is worthwhile to ensure safety as well as increasing durability. Where there is a risk of fire or where fire resistance classes are specified in the design, fire protection must be used.
