Fire resisting walls, floors and ceilings and fire-resistant glazing

Question 1

Identify two different types of fire resisting floors and explain how each of them may be
constructed in order to achieve the required fire resistance.
(6 marks)

Answer 1

Steel reinforced cast concrete floor

1 correct Thickness of concrete

2 Correct mixture and ratios of the concrete, cement and agregate types overall density

3 Consider load applied to the concrete

4 correct amount of concrete cover over the enacased steel reinforcement.

A timber floor that is built or enhanced to resist fire for a specified duration (e.g. 30, 60, or 90 minutes), as required by building regulations.

Key Components and Features:

Structural Timber Members:

Joists are often oversized or protected to ensure they maintain load-bearing capacity during a fire.

Protection can be provided by encasement in fire-resistant board or underside lining.

Fire-Resistant Ceiling Layer:

A layer of plasterboard (typically two layers of 12.5mm Type F fire-rated board) fixed to the underside.

Helps insulate the floor above and protect the joists from direct flame.

Question 2

Describe the considerations to be taken into account when selecting an active fire curtain for
installation.
(5 marks)

Answer 2

• Mode of operation
• Whether used for means of escape or compartmentation
• What fire resistance is required
• The overall size of the curtain
• How many motors are required etc.

Question 3

State the performance requirements of a fire resisting suspended ceiling.
(3 marks)

Answer 3

• provide a minimum of 30 mins fire resistance
• not easily demountable
• be imperforate that is completely sealed, preventing the passage of smoke, flames, heat, or gases.

Question 4

Fire resisting glazing falls within three tested classifications. Explain how each of the
classifications are identified and how they differ from each other.
(6 marks)

Answer 4

• Fire integrity, under the classification ‘E’
• Fire integrity with limited heat radiation capability, under the classification ‘EW’
• Fire integrity with full radiant fire insulating capability, under the classification ‘EI’

Integrity only (E) differs from EW and EI as it does not prevent heat transfer between compartments

EW differs from EI as EW is dependent upon the glazed area where EI offers full insulating properties