Flame spreading from a building often ends up deadly, taking many lives and damaging valuable assets as well as properties. Most disastrous fires occur when people are asleep in their homes, as the smoke pacifies the people into a deep slumber. Have you ever wondered why despite having partitions fire spreads from one building to another? Well, that’s because most of the building materials aren’t fireproof and to make a building completely fireproof is expensive. For that reason, people use fire-retardant materials for their walls or build structures with suitable construction materials under acceptable budgets, take certain precautions like fire alarms, fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler and emergency exits. Before we dig deeper into the materials that can be used, we need to understand why the fire spreads? The reasons can be anything, but the main reasons which should be kept in mind are other than the size and severity of fire –
1. The design of a building and the distance between the origin of fire with neighbouring structures
2. The intensity of the source radiation
3. The extent of the building surface as to how much it is capable of transmitting heat
To reduce the spread of smoke, heat and fire and minimising fire-related damages installing fireproof materials are the best way. There are several materials which are used during the construction itself, here are a few examples from them which are discussed according to their characteristics.
- CONCRETE
Concretes are considered to be non-combustible due to its low thermal conductivity. Concretes are basically used in a building to reinforce and protect steel structures from fire. For its fire resistance property, concrete plays an intrinsic role in all kind of construction-related works and enjoys a resurgence in the residential constructions. However, it is important to note that not all concretes are created equal. Concrete as a fire retardant material is made with cement and a particular kind with a specific amount of aggregate material.
“Moisture in the aggregate can expand when heated, causing the concrete to sinter after long exposure”.
2. ACP and MCP
Metal Composite Panels are the modern building material that are design-friendly, durable, and strong yet lightweight and Aludecor Aluminium Composite Panels are made fire retardant, with an array of colour, textures and finishes. The melting point of aluminium is about 660 degrees C, making it a good conductor of heat that possesses enough tensile strength. Aludecor is the first Indian brand to indigenously develop and manufacture A2 fireproof* (it has fireproof properties close to metals) MCP. Aludecor Firewall A2 is made keeping high rise buildings in mind which are beyond 15m. According to the CMD of Aludecor, Ashok Kumar Bhaiya
“The A2 classification of the fire-retardant MCP is of huge significance for 15m or higher buildings. It can effectively protect buildings from fire casualty as it releases a negligible amount of heat and doesn’t contribute to flame spread at all. No toxic gases or smoke and flaming droplets are produced”.
3. STONE
Stones are used in a building depending on its characteristics, types and places. With a capacity to withstand fire up to 13000C — 15000C stone is one of the most vital fire retardant material used to envelop buildings since a long time in the history of architecture.
4. STUCCO
Stucco, better known as plaster, is commonly used in construction activity for its strong resistance to heat and fire. Plaster consists of portland cement, lime and sand that can be used to cover any structure for a fire-resistance coverage and also to add an artistic feel. Nowadays vermiculite plasters are also used as fire-resistant material.
5. GYPSUM
With a melting point of about 1000°C — 1500°C, Gypsum is often used as a fire-resistant material in constructional activities. Gypsum boards, otherwise known as ‘dry-walls’ are chemically treated for better protection from fire breakouts, often using multiple layers of Gypsum coating. It is also used underneath many structural materials to defend them from fire hazards as well as earning a higher fire-resistance rating.
To know more about fire-proofing your high-rise buildings check out — https://www.aludecor.com/firewall
