{"id":204658,"date":"2023-05-11T13:04:44","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T17:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=204658"},"modified":"2023-05-04T13:20:15","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T17:20:15","slug":"considerations-for-fire-protection-in-specifying-metal-building-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/considerations-for-fire-protection-in-specifying-metal-building-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"Considerations for fire protection in specifying metal building systems"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photos courtesy Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0By Vincent E. Sagan, PE, F.ASCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fire protection of metal buildings is a top-of-mind topic for many designers and specifiers. This is evident in the technical queries submitted to the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). Fire safety codes and how to meet their requirements in metal buildings make up a large percentage of these inquiries. Presented in this article are answers to some of the most-commonly asked questions when it comes to fire protection and metal buildings.<\/p>\n

Fire protection requirements in metal buildings<\/strong><\/p>\n

Building codes requirements for fire protection depend on multiple factors, with the main ones being construction materials, area, height, the building\u2019s occupancy, its end-use, and how close it is to property lines and other buildings. Single-story metal buildings can generally be classified as Type IIB Construction, which does not require fire protection. However, the building\u2019s use and location may increase the need for fire protection in certain parts of the construction. For example, if a new metal building is less than 9 m (30 ft) away from a neighboring structure, it will typically need an exterior wall with a fire-resistance rating. If a structure has multiple purposes, it may require additional fire-rated walls or additional passive elements. One example of a multipurpose space could be a brewery that also houses retail, private meeting rooms, and restaurants. Another example of this would be an office space which includes a daycare and a cafeteria.<\/p>\n

If architects and designers determine requirements for an assembly on a specific building that differs from the requirements of the assemblies on the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) product iQ website, they must identify how these differences may affect the performance, as well as the increase or decrease in its fire resistance and its hourly rating. The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) must approve the design and any variations to it. This official procedure may require an independent professional engineer to evaluate the assembly before approval.<\/p>\n

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Rendering of Alamo Beer Co., in San Antonio, Texas. <\/span>Rendering courtesy Lake|Flato. <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Passive or active building protection<\/strong><\/p>\n

Passive fire protection installations are permanent within the building and intended to prevent the spread of fire and building collapse without external activation or human interaction. Examples include the application of gypsum board or spray-applied fire resistive materials (SFRM) over the steel framing, limiting the use of combustible materials in a building, and the creation of fire and smoke barriers. Active protection involves systems which automatically engage after fire ignition, such as a sprinkler system or alarms, and human interactions, such as access to the local fire department.<\/p>\n

Complementary fire and life safety features enable adequate fire response and allow occupants to exit a building safely in the event of a fire emergency. These features include:<\/p>\n