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BS 476-21:1987 PDF - Fire Resistance Testing of Loadbearing Elements



BS 476 Part 21: What You Need to Know




If you are involved in the design, construction or maintenance of buildings, you may have come across the term BS 476 Part 21. But what does it mean and why is it important? In this article, we will explain the basics of this fire resistance standard, how to comply with it, and what alternatives and solutions are available.




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Introduction




What is BS 476 Part 21?




BS 476 Part 21 is a British Standard that specifies the methods for determining the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of building construction. It covers beams, columns, floors, flat roofs and walls. It is part of a series of standards (BS 476 Parts 20 to 24) that deal with fire tests on building materials and structures.


Why is it important?




Fire resistance is a vital property of any building element, as it determines how long it can withstand the effects of fire and prevent its spread. Fire resistance can save lives, protect property and reduce environmental damage. It can also help to comply with the building regulations and other legislative requirements.


How to comply with it?




To comply with BS 476 Part 21, the building elements must be tested in a laboratory according to the procedures described in the standard. The test involves exposing the element to a standard fire curve (a time-temperature relationship that simulates a typical fire in an enclosed space) and measuring its performance in terms of stability, integrity and insulation. Stability means the ability to support the applied load without collapsing; integrity means the ability to prevent the passage of flames or hot gases; and insulation means the ability to limit the temperature rise on the unexposed surface.


Fire Resistance Test Methods




General principles




The general principles for fire resistance test methods are given in BS 476 Part 20, which applies to all types of building elements and structures. It defines the terms and concepts used in fire testing, such as fire resistance period, failure criteria, specimen preparation, test conditions, test equipment, test procedure, test report and classification.


Loadbearing elements of construction




The specific test methods for loadbearing elements of construction are given in BS 476 Part 21. It describes the detailed test requirements for different types of elements, such as beams, columns, floors, flat roofs and walls. It also specifies how to apply different types of loads (such as dead load, imposed load and wind load) and how to measure the deflection, deformation and displacement of the element during the test.


Non-loadbearing elements of construction




The specific test methods for non-loadbearing elements of construction are given in BS 476 Part 22. It describes the detailed test requirements for elements such as partitions, doorsets, shutter assemblies, ceiling membranes and glazed elements. It also specifies how to measure the integrity and insulation performance of these elements during the test.


Fire Resistance Classification and Performance




British Standard classification




The fire resistance performance of building elements tested according to BS 476 Parts 20 to 22 can be classified according to BS 476 Part 23. The classification system uses a combination of letters and numbers to indicate the fire resistance period (in minutes) for each performance criterion (stability, integrity and insulation). For example, a classification of REI 60 means that the element has achieved 60 minutes of fire resistance for all three criteria.


European Norms classification




The European Norms The European Norms (EN) classification system for fire resistance is based on the standard EN 13501-2, which specifies the methods for determining the fire resistance of building elements and structures. It covers the same types of elements as BS 476 Part 21, but uses different test methods and criteria. It also defines a different classification system, using letters and numbers to indicate the fire resistance period (in minutes) for each performance criterion (loadbearing capacity, integrity and insulation). For example, a classification of R 60 means that the element has achieved 60 minutes of fire resistance for loadbearing capacity only.


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Comparison and equivalence




There is no direct equivalence between the British Standard and the European Norms classification systems, as they are based on different test methods and criteria. However, some general comparisons can be made, based on the available test data and expert opinions. For example, a BS 476 Part 21 classification of REI 60 may be roughly equivalent to an EN 13501-2 classification of R 60 / REI 30, meaning that the element has achieved 60 minutes of fire resistance for loadbearing capacity and 30 minutes for integrity and insulation. However, this is not a definitive or universal rule, and each case should be assessed individually.


Fire Resistance Alternatives and Solutions




Fire engineering approach




One alternative to complying with the prescriptive fire resistance standards is to use a fire engineering approach, which involves a more holistic and flexible assessment of the fire safety performance of a building. Fire engineering is based on scientific principles and methods, such as fire modelling, risk analysis and performance-based design. It can take into account various factors that affect the fire behaviour and spread, such as ventilation, smoke control, fire detection and suppression systems, occupant behaviour and evacuation strategies. Fire engineering can provide more cost-effective and innovative solutions that meet the functional requirements and objectives of fire safety.


Promat fire protection products and systems




Another alternative to complying with the fire resistance standards is to use Promat fire protection products and systems, which are designed to enhance the fire performance of building elements and structures. Promat is a leading manufacturer and supplier of passive fire protection solutions for various applications, such as structural steelwork, timber construction, concrete construction, partitions and ceilings, ductwork and service enclosures. Promat products include fire-resistant boards, sprays, sealants, coatings, mortars, glues and intumescent materials. Promat systems include tested and certified assemblies that provide reliable and effective fire protection for different types of building elements.


Other fire safety design considerations




Besides complying with the fire resistance standards or using alternatives and solutions, there are other fire safety design considerations that should be taken into account when planning and constructing a building. These include:


  • The location, layout and orientation of the building



  • The type, use and occupancy of the building



  • The materials, finishes and furnishings of the building



  • The fire compartmentation and separation of the building



  • The means of escape and access for the occupants and firefighters



  • The active fire protection systems, such as sprinklers, alarms and extinguishers



  • The maintenance and management of the building



  • The compliance with the relevant codes, regulations and guidance



Conclusion




In conclusion, BS 476 Part 21 is a British Standard that specifies the methods for determining the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of building construction. It is important to comply with it or use alternatives and solutions that provide equivalent or better levels of fire safety. The European Norms classification system for fire resistance is based on a different standard (EN 13501-2) that uses different test methods and criteria. There is no direct equivalence between the two systems, but some general comparisons can be made. Fire engineering is an alternative approach that involves a more holistic and flexible assessment of the fire safety performance of a building. Promat is a leading manufacturer and supplier of passive fire protection products and systems that enhance the fire performance of building elements and structures. There are also other fire safety design considerations that should be taken into account when planning and constructing a building.


FAQs




  • What is BS 476 Part 21?



BS 476 Part 21 is a British Standard that specifies the methods for determining the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of building construction.


  • What is EN 13501-2?



EN 13501-2 is a European Norms standard that specifies the methods for determining the fire resistance of building elements and structures.


  • What are the main differences between BS 476 Part 21 and EN 13501 -2?



The main differences between BS 476 Part 21 and EN 13501-2 are the test methods and criteria used to determine the fire resistance of building elements. BS 476 Part 21 uses a standard fire curve and measures the stability, integrity and insulation performance of the element. EN 13501-2 uses different fire curves depending on the type of element and measures the loadbearing capacity, integrity and insulation performance of the element.


  • What is fire engineering?



Fire engineering is an alternative approach to fire safety design that involves a more holistic and flexible assessment of the fire safety performance of a building. Fire engineering is based on scientific principles and methods, such as fire modelling, risk analysis and performance-based design.


  • What are Promat products and systems?



Promat products and systems are passive fire protection solutions that enhance the fire performance of building elements and structures. Promat products include fire-resistant boards, sprays, sealants, coatings, mortars, glues and intumescent materials. Promat systems include tested and certified assemblies that provide reliable and effective fire protection for different types of building elements.


  • What are some other fire safety design considerations?



Some other fire safety design considerations are the location, layout and orientation of the building, the type, use and occupancy of the building, the materials, finishes and furnishings of the building, the fire compartmentation and separation of the building, the means of escape and access for the occupants and firefighters, the active fire protection systems, such as sprinklers, alarms and extinguishers, the maintenance and management of the building, and the compliance with the relevant codes, regulations and guidance.


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