Understanding Fire-Rated Assemblies

Presented by:Hector Rubio, RA

Governing CodesInternational Building Code

California Building Code

Standards, Testing and CertificationUL Fire-Resistance DirectoryNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives

Gypsum Association (GA)Fire Resistance Design Manual

Standards, Testing and CertificationIntertek – Warnock HerseyFactory Mutual (FM)

FM Approval Guide

Code RequirementsOccupancy Separations (Table 508.4)Building Elements (Table 601)Fire Separation Distance (Table 602)Fire Barrier Assemblies (Table 707.3.9)

Fire PartitionsSmoke PartitionsShaft Enclosures

Fire Doors and Fire Shutters (Table 715.4)Fire Windows (Table 715.5)Fire Dampers (Table 716.3.2.1)

UL Listed Fire-Rated Assemblies2-hour fire-rated composite floor slabUL Design D711

UL Listed Fire-Rated Assemblies1-hour to 4-hour fire-rated partitionsUL Design U419

UL Listed Fire-Rated AssembliesTwo-hour fire-rated shaft wallUL Design U428Installation from finished side of the wall

Fire-Rated AssembliesShaft Enclosures

Stairs / Elevators / Duct Shafts

Passive protection system

Fire-Rated AssembliesSpray-Applied Fireproofing

Passive protection systemThickness of application

determines fire-rating

Testing Standards & ProceduresASTM E119 / UL 263 / NFPA 251Laboratory Mock-UpFire Test – Gas Furnace

Testing Standards & ProceduresASTM E119 / UL 263 / NFPA 251Laboratory Mock-UpFire Test – Glazing Systems

Testing Standards & ProceduresASTM E119 / UL 263 / NFPA 251Laboratory Mock-UpHose Stream Test

Testing Standards & ProceduresLabels and Listing

Listed products are fabricated with permanent labels identifying the type of fire-rated assembly

Periodic Inspections of Fabrication PlantsUnannounced inspections of fabrication plants

to ensure compliance with listing requirements

Openings in Fire-Rated Assemblies

Fire Doors – Swing TypeOverhead Coiling Fire DoorsHorizontal Sliding Fire DoorsFire Windows and GlazingFire/Smoke DampersFirestopping Pipe PenetrationsHead of Wall

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesFire Doors – Swing Type

Self-closing and self-latchingMagnetic hold-open devices are acceptableManual hold open devices are NOT permitted

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesOverhead Coiling Fire Doors

Concealed above the ceilingSurface mounted to the rated wallActivated by smoke detector, fire alarm,

power failure, or fusible link

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesHorizontal Sliding Fire Doors

Motorized, automatic closing Open plan designConcealed in pocket until needed

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesHorizontal Sliding Fire Doors

Industrial type with chain and fusible linkMotorized and self-closing

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesFire Windows and Glazed Walls and Doors

Passive systemSafety glazing compliant

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesFire / Smoke Dampers

Connected inline with the ductwork

Prevents passage of flame, smoke and heated gasses

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesFirestopping Pipe Penetrations

Intumescent sealants are used to fill the annular space (the gap) between the pipe penetration and the fire-rated assembly.

Sealant will expand greatly under high temperatures, and

Closes the opening against the passage of flame and heated gasses

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesFirestopping Pipe Penetrations

Intumescent sealants and caulks – red color for visual inspection

Sealant expands greatly under high temperatures

Openings in Fire-Rated AssembliesHead of Wall

Mineral wool insulation fills the void in the flutesIntumescent sealant is sprayed across the face of

the insulation

RecapGoverning CodesStandards, Testing and CertificationCode RequirementsFire-Rated AssembliesTesting Standards and ProceduresProtected Openings in Fire-Rated

Assemblies

Questions???