Requirement to Fireproof Structural Steel Building

[cgseso]

When do we need to fireproof a structural steel building? Is there a building code provision that allow us not to fireproof a structural steel building given several conditions?

 

[hokie66]

That would depend on your building code.

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

if only it were as easy as your question implies.... fireproofing is a rabbit hole. the deeper you get the more questions that come up. Building officials, designers, manufacturers, and applicators are all over the place with what they understand to be correct.

 

[Yao1989]

It really depends on your building code.

A few rule of thumb that only applies to my practice area in Canada, but I'd imagine similar concept applies elsewhere, any element that carries a suspended floor above where people need to escape during a fire need to be fire protected. If there is enough concrete topping on deck, sometimes it may not need to be fire sprayed and only beams and column need to be sprayed.

but yeah, everything depends, like what hokie & darth says its a rabbit hole and really depends on the building code you are using.

 

[Hokie93]

The required fire rating (0-hour, 1-hour, 2-hour, etc.) of the various building elements is typically determined by the project architect, possibly in consultation with a fire protection engineer. If the project in question is being designed under the International Building Code, you might want to review Chapters 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Or, better yet, discuss it face-to-face with a knowledgeable architect or fire protection engineer who is willing to act as a mentor.

 

[JLNJ]

First of all, there is no such thing as a fireproof building. Different materials have a fire resistance rating, determined by testing.

Whether or not a building needs a rated structure depends, primarily, on two things: the size of the building and its use. Bigger buildings are more likely to be rated, as are buildings with certain uses (such as Hazardous).

It's fairly straight-forward and logical and right in the code. If your architect can't explain it to you, look for a different architect.