Building design – Structural beams and columns
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Building Regulations require buildings to be designed and constructed in a way that they maintain their load carrying function for at least a minimum specified period of time if exposed to a fire situation. Where the design includes fire compartmentation, the elements forming the boundaries of the fire compartment, including the joints, should also be able to maintain their separating function for the required period of time.
Under the Building Regulations, any building element with a fire specific purpose should comply with three main criteria (E, I and R).
It is the responsibility of the designer to understand the design criteria for fire and to design the building accordingly.
Exposed metal fasteners can be insulated from fire by insulating materials: wood-based panels, gypsum plasterboard and cork.
Exposed metal fasteners must be covered when a specified period of fire resistance is required from a joint.
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