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A report which says that using unprotected steelwork rather than steel with added fire protection can make better economic sense, has been seized on by the reinforced concrete industry.
The British Association of Reinforcement is warning building owners and insurers that they should consider more than the minimum standards required for low-rise buildings when considering the long term viability of a building. “We want businesses to consider the long term financial implications and we’re tryin
Due for publication shortly, the Steel Construction Institute’s report: Economic Fire Resistance of Steel Structures, shows that for office, assembly and recreation buildings needing 30-minute fire resistance, using heavier, unprotected steelwork is still more cost effective than using fire protection materials. It goes on to say that the unprotected method is a direct application of BS 5950-8 (the code of practice for the design of fire resistant steelwork) and requires no specialist fire knowledge.
The report cites the introduction of DD 9999 (a BSI ‘draft for development’ on fire safety in buildings) which means that most two- and three-storey buildings will now fall into the 30-minute category, and that these buildings account for some 60% of all construction by floor area.
“The 30 minutes of unprotected fire protection offered by steel is somewhat over shadowed by the fact that concrete offers up to four hours inherent fire resistance,” added Stephen Elliott. “Furthermore, it is questionable whether clients or insurance companies who see their buildings collapse after just 30 minutes will view building with unprotected steel as being economic.
“Of course it’s a matter of [our] self-interest, but in terms of long term fire protection, concrete is a far better construction material than steel.”
A spokesman for the SCI was unwilling to comment on BAR’s remarks, saying only that it would be making a “robust” statement in due course.
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection, which has members producing both steel and concrete , called for an end to arguments between the two camps.
“The continued comments from the concrete industry with regard to the fire performance of steel framed buildings are, in the opinion of the ASFP, doing little to raise the level of intelligent debate with regard to the fire safety of structures in the UK, commented chief executive Graham Ellicott.
“I would ask that the concrete and steel industries put aside their petty bickering and point scoring and agree to enter into a serious debate about raising the level of fire safety in the UK’s buildings,” he added.