Requirements and Technical Solutions of Vertical, Glazed Systems of Defined Fire Resistance Class
Journal Title: Safety & Fire Technology - Year 2016, Vol 42, Issue 42
Abstract
Aim: Presentation of technical know-how associated with structural and material solutions used in vertical, glazed systems of defined fire resistance class to obtain specific fire properties. Discussion of the requirements given in Polish construction law connected with vertical, glazed elements, with particular emphasis on the controversial provisions. Introduction: In recent years partitions using glass as the main component material play a dominant role in modern architecture, particularly in office, services, and public utility buildings. Both in the case of building facades and interior spaces universality of glazing is quite striking. Due to the safety of use in case of the provisions of Polish construction law, in many cases, systems of vertical glazed elements should have a specific fire resistance class. The level of required safety for a given object is dependent on many factors such as the expected manner of its use, height or number of floors. Depending on the building fire classification requirements for fire resistance of vertical glazed systems is specified by determining the minimum fire resistance classes EI and E. This paper presents the most important issues concerning fire resistance of vertical non-loadbearing glazed barriers such as partition walls, curtain walls and doorsets that form the closures of openings in internal and external walls of a building. Methodology: The paper presents results of the analysis of literature related to the subject as well as analysis of fire resistance and smoke control tests of glazed curtain walls, partition walls and doorsets, conducted in accordance with European testing standards (EN 1363-1, EN 1363-2, EN 1364-1, EN 1364-3, EN 1634-1, EN 1634-3) in the Fire Research Department of the Building Research Institute. Conclusions: Even a slight change in the design of the vertical glazed element can significantly change its fire resistance, and the mutual influence of individual modifications on the behavior of the element in the event of a fire is often impossible to predict. Therefore determining the actual fire resistance class of the barrier is only possible on the basis of the results of well-conducted tests, and only the use of accredited laboratories guarantees reliability of the results.
Authors and Affiliations
mgr inż. Bartłomiej Sędłak, dr inż. Paweł Sulik, mgr inż. Jacek Kinowski
Keywords
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- EP ID EP118056
- DOI 10.12845/bitp.42.2.2016.18
- Views 59
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