Fire proofing steel

Google "UL X528" or call an architect. UL ratings are constructed as tested, so this isn't a judgement or engineered decision. If in a general sense, you are asking if gyp bd if fire-proof, the answer is yes because it's a by-product of coal.

I have a note which says all columns to be fire proofed are receiving intumescent paint, my question is , is this require even the column covered up with gypsum board or the column without gypsum board.

Thanks in advance!!

As RPMG stated, look up the UL rating. Better yet, ask the architect how they intend to meet fire resistance criteria in the code. These assemblies are tested and, if they pass, are approved and published. The have to be built exactly as the assembly details indicate (though they often have a variety of options to fit it to your circumstance). If the UL listing requires both intumescents and type X gyp, then use both. If not, then don't use it. They're available for free online, but you need to know which UL the architect is using - nobody here can make that call for you.

RPMG said:

Google "UL X528" or call an architect. UL ratings are constructed as tested, so this isn't a judgement or engineered decision. If in a general sense, you are asking if gyp bd if fire-proof, the answer is yes because it's a by-product of coal.

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That's really helpful.

Thanks in advance!!

Unfortunately, the architect now out of station, Is there any better way to find a solution.

Thanks in advance!!

What do you mean by "out of station?" If you mean you can't reach them, then look through their drawings. Not sure about where you are, but in most US jurisdictions the architect has to fill out a "code sheet" which is essentially a checklist of how the address the primary requirements of the building code. Fire resistant ratings is one of them. Then they have a sheet somewhere that lists their fire ratings and how they achieve them.

If that doesn't work and you're going to take responsibility for the fire rating, then go to the UL Product iQ website. You can search for a UL rated assembly for the type of construction and the minimum time for the fire rating (1 hour, 2 hour, etc.). Have you tried searching for the one RPMG indicated? If I'm not mistaken, it's the exact assembly you need (as long as the rating is long enough - that you'll have to figure out based on your local requirements and building type/usage).

phamENG said:

Have you tried searching for the one RPMG indicated?

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Yes, i tried.

Still have a doubt is both Gysum board and intumescent required?

Will try your way.


Thanks in advance!!

I am not familiar with fire protection. But, how long the gypsum board can last for direct intense fire? If it can survive without doubt, then you don't need paint protection, otherwise, you should provide.

Intumescent paint would only be required if specified in the UL assembly. However if the Architect is MIA, how are they satisfying the occupant safety, egress, fire rating etc. parts of the code? Who is taking responsibility for this? I sure hope it is someone familiar with it.

For assumption i think, if architect want both UL assembly and intumescent paint, then this will work?

Thanks in advance!!

Something to bear in mind is intumescent paint foams up when exposed to fire. This foam then acts as insulation to the steel providing the steel with the fire rating required. Generally speaking, the intumescent paint requires the space/ability to expand and without that provides little to no fire rating, or possibly in the worst case compromises the fastening of the gypsum board to the steel.

As mentioned above, this should not be a question as all fire assemblies are tested as fire assemblies and need to be constructed exactly as the UL rating indicates otherwise cannot be considered as providing any fire rating. Example, if you cannot find a UL rating for 2 layers of gypsum and intumescent paint over steel HSS column then this assembly would have a fire rating of 0. Personally, I would wait until the architect is available to ensure that the correct fire rating is obtained.