This article will outline the essential aspects of fire safety engineering, focusing on concrete structures and the use of Interbloc blocks.
This article is intended to provide an overview of the use of Interbloc for external fire protection walls. It should not be used as a substitute for consulting a quality fire safety engineer.
Introduction
Fire safety engineering plays a crucial role in designing buildings to protect lives and property during a fire. The main goals include ensuring the safety of occupants, providing time for firefighters to conduct rescue operations, and preventing the spread of fire to neighbouring areas.
Key Objectives of Fire Safety Engineering
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Protecting Lives: The primary objective is to safeguard the lives of people inside a burning building, enabling them to exit safely and swiftly.
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Facilitating Firefighter Operations: Buildings must be designed to allow sufficient time for firefighters to conduct search, rescue, and firefighting operations safely.
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Preserving Property: Fire safety involves preventing the spread of fire and protecting nearby areas from hazardous materials, including their entry into waterways.
Compliance with Regulations
In New Zealand, fire safety regulations are outlined in sections Cl - C4 of the NZ Building Code and the New Zealand Standards document, "Fire Properties of Building Materials and Elements of Structures (MP9)." These standards define requirements such as Fire Resistance Rating (FRR), indicating a component's stability, integrity, and insulation characteristics during a fire.
Concrete's Fire Resistance
Concrete is an excellent material for fire resistance. It is non-flammable, non-combustible, and can absorb substantial heat before reaching critical levels. Unlike plastics and metals, concrete does not emit hazardous smoke or toxic fumes. Its mass provides high heat storage capacity, and its porous structure results in a slow temperature rise.
- To achieve a Fire Resistance Rating of 240 minutes, concrete needs to be approximately 165mm thick.
- Interbloc blocks, at 600mm thick, offer significant protection. However, their modular nature creates small gaps between blocks, posing a challenge in terms of fire resistance.
Addressing Gaps in Interbloc Blocks
To enhance fire resistance, these gaps need sealing. One common solution is using fire-resistant foam or sealants, readily available in the market. Application of these materials, under the guidance of a qualified fire safety engineer, effectively closes the gaps, strengthening the structure's fire protection.
To Answer the Question
In short, Interbloc should be a good candidate for a fire protection wall. However you should consult a qualified fire safety engineer to insure Interbloc is a suitable option for the specific circumstances of your project.