Degree of fire resistance of buildings and structures: methods of determination

Fires cause serious losses to businesses, organizations and individuals. To exclude the possibility of fire, a number of technical and organizational measures are taken. The degree of fire resistance of buildings and structures is determined by the ability of elements and structures to withstand the effects of fire. Normative documentation prescribes the definition of this parameter according to five main characteristics.

The degree of fire resistance of a building SNiP treats as the ability of building structures to maintain their bearing properties for a certain time. Fire-technical services make expertise of buildings, buildings and structures. All stages of work are subjected to testing, from design to commissioning. In addition, periodic inspections of facilities are carried out.

Classification: goals and objectives

All industrial and other economic buildings, public and residential buildings have project documentation. The degree of fire resistance of buildings and structures depends on many different factors, and first of all on the materials used in the construction process. Natural and artificial stone, metal, reinforced concrete and ceramics do not burn, and buildings with a predominance of such structures belong to the highest category.

On a step below there are houses from the materials listed above and equipped with overlappings from wood. The combustible elements are protected with plaster or are subjected to special treatment with chemical compounds. Frame buildings of metal structures with enclosing parts of high and medium-strength materials belong to the third category. In this class there are several subgroups.

The degree of fire resistance of buildings and structures of the fourth class is quite low. These structures are erected on a wooden frame using barrier structures from raw materials with a low ability to withstand open flame. In all categories, the carrier and external elements are crucial in determining the class. Internal and internal partitions are taken into account to a lesser extent.

Increase of fire resistance of buildings and their elements

Determination of the degree of fire resistance of the building is necessary to take measures to reduce the possibility of ignition and flame propagation. This is done if the structure does not meet the requirements of fire and technical safety. There are different ways and methods to increase the degree of resistance of buildings to fire, and their use depends on a number of factors and characteristics of the building itself.

Maximum attention is paid to the elements of buildings made of combustible materials, and primarily from wood. In order to increase their resistance, special chemical compounds - flame retardants are processed. Other techniques provide for the insulation of ceilings and partitions by applying plaster, erecting walls of red clay bricks.

Conclusion

A high degree of fire resistance of buildings and structures is necessary in those cases when hazardous production, health and education establishments are located in them. The application of measures to increase the resistance of buildings to ignition makes it possible to ensure the safety of personnel.