Information
Isover FireProtect - Protection of structural steel
The bearing capacity of a steel structure is substantially reduced due to temperature rise that fire causes. Isover FireProtect is a simple and reliable system that limits the temperature rise in the steel. The Isover FireProtect system provides highly efficient fire protection for structural steel. It has few parts and is assembled without complicated, expensive installation tools. The system works equally well for the supporting columns or supporting beams of steel. ISOVER FireProtect can be used for fire protection of structural steel with fire resistance up to R 240. Isover FireProtect is tested according to EN 13381-4:2013 and approved by PAVUS.
Design
In the design of a steel structure, consideration must be given to how the steel would be affected under the influence of fire, causing the tension in the steel to decrease with increasing temperature. ISOVER FireProtect is a very efficient systém for limiting temperature rise of the supporting steel structure, thus prolonging its fire resistance. How quickly a steel structure is heated in a given fire is measured by the ratio of profile steel fire exposed surfaces and profile heat capacity. This relationship is expressed through the so-called section factor, Ap/V. Ap is the internal perimeter of the insulation in meters, V is the steel cross-sectional area in m². Examples of profiles with a low section factor are HEB and HEM. High section factor means quick heating of the steel. This means that slender structural steel requires thicker fire insulation.
Calculation
The fire resistance of a steel structure is calculated on the basis of the critical steel temperature. Calculation of the critical steel temperature is based on steel cross-section load ratio. Normally, you can calculate the required insulation thickness at the critical steel temperature of 500 °C. You can check with the designer for that project on the critical steel temperature for the different structures and find out if it is higher compared to the amount of steel used in a normal situation. A higher critical steel temperature of the steel will require thinner insulation thickness. More information can be found in EN 1993-1-2: Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures – Part 1-2: General rules - Structural fire design.
Installation
There are two possibilities how to fix slabs ISOVER FireProtect® 150 to the steel members: ■ with Fire Screws in length corresponding to double the insulation thickness, ■ with stud-welded pins or pins and washers, where diameter of the pin is 2.7 mm and diameter of the washer is 30 mm. Both methods can be also combined. Details can be found in The Passive Fire Protection Handbook I.
About Us
As part of the Saint-Gobain, Isover has been developing qualitative insulation solutions for energy-efficient constructions since 1937. Each solution is designed to provide safe comfort for users and have limited environmental impact. As a leading supplier of sustainable insulation for all major applications in both residential and non-residential buildings, we promote the importance of effective insulation. Effective insulation is essential for saving energy, but also for maximising fire safety and acoustic and thermal comfort.
The technical excellence and global leadership we have developed in mineral wool insulation over the years is only part of the story. This success is also the result of the vision, values and culture built and embodied by ISOVER teams across the globe. And, above all the conviction that we need to develop products that create a better, more comfortable world.
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