The load carrying capacity of the concrete is ignored in the design of the columns but in fire, as the exposed steel weakens at high temperatures, the load carried by the flanges is progressively transferred to the concrete. This provides stability for periods of fire resistance up to 60 minutes . The connection zone is fire protected along with the beam. Guidance is available in the Steel Construction Institute publication SCI P124. The structural fire resistance requirement in Approved Document B was 120 minutes. However, time equivalence analysis demonstrated that 60 minutes was sufficient to ensure that the structure would retain its stability in the event of a fire.

Another spray paint option you will love is the Rust-Oleum universal all-surface spray paint. As with other Rust-Oleum paint products, you can eat assured that the quality of this paint is top-notch. The topcoat of an intumescent paint system is solely used to protect the intumescent coating from the environment that it is in or as a decorative finish coat that can be coloured to most RAL or BS colour codes upon request. The finish of these top coats is usually SATIN or GLOSS however we have several products that finish in MATT. Not all jobs jobs require a topcoat, however if the steel is external or internal in a high moisture environment, then YES you will need a topcoat. I don’t think you need to pay for a certificate from a paint company. The best advice I can give is to ask the building regulations officer first, they are the guys who will sign off on your steel job! Looking towards the kitchen with the metal beam You can see my revamped pantry to the right. Read more here >>> Small Pantry Ideas – How to Create the Perfect Kitchen Storage SpaceApplication of Intumescent steel paints is very easy. You can apply the paint using a brush roller or spray machine. Typically brush application is up to 500 microns per coat and spray is 1000 microns per coat. It is important that drying times are adhered to before application of the second or third coat to ensure the paint will protect the steel. Paint coatings for steel structures have developed over the years to comply with industrial environmental legislation and in response to demands from bridge and structure owners for improved durability performance. A paint consists of a pigment, dispersed in a binder, and dissolved in a solvent. The most common methods for the classification of paints is either by their pigmentation or by their binder type.

Heavyweight boards are usually in the range 700-950kg/m³ and will generally accept decorative finishes. They are typically used where an aesthetic finish is required. Applying flame retardant paint to steelwork can be easy and we can help you ensure you achieve the protection you require and guarantee yourself a fire certificate. The more information you give us about the steel you must protect, the more accurate we can be with our specification saving you money. We prefer to speak to our customers prior to them purchasing these intumescent paints to make sure you're getting the right product and are confident of how to use it correctly. FAQs: Ensuring You Get the Correct Specification and Level of Fire Protection You Need

CASE STUDY: Project Green, Nottingham

Crucial aspects of the fire engineering design included an assessment of the risk of fire spreading externally and determining realistic fire sizes based on sprinkler activation. This facilitated the adoption of a 100% non-fire-rated facade. An alternative arrangement for ventilation of fire-fighting shafts at basement level removed the need for dedicated smoke shafts. Both spray and brush-on paints work fantastic on steel. And even though you may have a preferred method of application, the size of the project or budget may influence your choice between aerosol paint or brush-on paint.