Most fire resistant masonry units 1

[Pixy]

In reinforced concrete, the aggregate can expand during fire and the cement shrink resulting in loss of aggregate interlock...

So you see, structural engineers must also be expert in fire characteristics of masonry wall and not leave it to the fire department and others who may not even know what is meant by aggregate interlock.

I read about Autoclaved Aerated Concrete masonry units. It is said:

https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/01.02-AAC-MASONRY-UNITS.pdf

FIRE RESISTANCE

"AAC has one of the highest hourly fire-resistance ratings per inch of any building material. A 4” AAC wall carries a 4-hour (UL) rating. AAC is non-combustible – it will not burn. AAC units offer excellent fire protection for firerated walls, stairwells, columns, beams, corridors and shaft walls."

AAC is said to be 80% air. But why does it offer more fire resistance than normal masonry? Can't the cement part shrink de-stabilizing the entire block? Structural analysis of block configuration and internal strain and stress must best be understood by those who are best in them, structural engineers.. not interior designer or fireman.

I'm looking for the lightest and most fire resistance masonry in the world, then put this on top of the parapet braced by the i-beam. Problem solved. If such materials can be found.

 

[dik]

Silica/quartz based aggregate, I understand, is the worst, when it changes 'phases'.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Do you feel any better?

-Dik

 

[rscassar]

In Australian standards, masonry units with high basalt content gives a better performance for fire conditions. Difficult to get masonry manufacturers to provide the basalt content of their manufactured units though.

 

[HTURKAK]

I will suggest you ,to use locally available fire resistance masonry rather than looking in the world. Just for info ; Perlite concrete, Foam concrete , Expanded clay agg. concrete .. These have superior fire resistance property than AAC.

You may search the web if you need info . for these materials,

- Perlite concrete

http://www.perlite.com.eg/Download/Construction Perlite.pdf

- Expanded clay concrete , Keramsite concrete

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expanded_clay_aggregate

,

https://www.researchgate.net/public...rch_on_building_material_-_ceramsite_concrete

- Foam concrete

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foam_concrete

,Neopor Schaumbeton

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schaumbeton

 

[masonrygeek]

Take a look at NCMA's TEK on fire resistance ratings to show you which aggregates are more heat resistant:

https://ncma.org/resource/fire-resistance-ratings-of-concrete-masonry-assemblies/.

You'll see that expanded slag or pumice aggregates require the least thickness for the various fire ratings. Those aggregates may or may not be available in your area. Autoclaved aerated concrete block does offer higher fire performance, but it is not readily available in the US.

Why are you looking of the highest and most fire resistant masonry as most of the concrete block will provide the fire resistance you are looking for. If you want more fire resistance, then use fire or refractory brick....