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As a leading supplier of
all categories of passive fire protection (PFP) materials, it is perhaps
not surprising that we are continually asked to mix and match the
company's various systems in order to solve particular design problems.
In most cases, when it
comes to the selection of particular types of PFP system for specific
installations, it is simply 'horses for courses'. Essentially, for
the passive fire protection of steel frame buildings you have two
choices. You can fix a board system, or you can use a spray system
of one type or another. Put simply, a board solution is employed
where dry installation is required, a sprayed mineral wool is used where
there is a thermal insulation requirement and a water-based intumescent
coating is employed for columns that will be visible when construction
is complete, etc., etc.
Each system provides
excellent fire protection benefits, but each also has its drawbacks.
There are also other possible pitfalls, created as a result of the
construction industry's incessant drive toward reducing costs. It
is high time we reminded ourselves of some of these, since it is far too
easy to focus effort on 'how much' and to forget about 'how
appropriate'.
Boards
Board systems are many and
varied. Low cost mineral wool-based products are generally used on
beams where they will often be hidden by a suspended ceiling.
Gypsum and calcium silicate based materials, supplied self finished, are
used on columns and other low level applications where appearance and
resistance to impact damage are more important.
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