Fire-resistant cladding of (main load-bearing) structures: The assurance of optimum passive fire protection

In order to guarantee that all the people in the building can escape safely in the event of a blazing fire and that the fire department can search the building, the entire steel or concrete structure must remain standing for a predetermined period of time. REPPEL BV makes an essential contribution to this. "With expert advice from our fire specialists, execution through specialized application companies and a complete range of fire-resistant spray mortars, sheet materials, coatings and penetrations, we offer building owners and building users the assurance of optimum passive fire safety," says Technical Sales Manager Fire Protection Willem-Jan Spek.

"In the advisory phase, we identify, among other things, the applicable fire requirements and practical conditions of the structure. We also have an eye for the aesthetic wishes of the architect and building owner: will certain construction parts remain visible? Or will suspended ceilings be used? Based on this information, we inventory and calculate what is technically, economically and aesthetically feasible."

Easy, clean and dry assembly

The most familiar form of fire-resistant cladding is sheet material. "In cooperation with our suppliers, we offer an extensive range of sheet materials for fire-resistant cladding of steel columns and beams," Spek said. "We also offer solutions for fire-resistant walls, ceilings, compartmentalization, shafts and roof and wall terminations. Depending on the project, we often apply PROMATECT, PREGYFEU or STEEL X 60 sheet material. The advantage of sheet material is that it is easy, clean and dry to install. In doing so, proper layer thickness is guaranteed at all times."

Optimal fire safety at low layer thicknesses

Fire-resistant spray mortars are commonly chosen for fireproofing of concrete and steel structural components in so-called non-visibility applications. 

"These spray mortars are also very popular in (round) concrete tunnel structures and in the petrochemical industry," Spek said. "We use mortars from PROMAT, ISOLATEK and EDILTECO. The basis of the PROMAT and ISOLATEK spray mortars is the lightweight, non-combustible VERMICULITE granular insulation material. The unique material properties of this product, combined with efficient processing, guarantee optimum fire safety at low layer thicknesses. EDILTECO's PROTHERM LIGHT is an innovative mortar based on EPS beads and cement. In case of fire, the EPS beads will burn and leave air holes between the cement. This air then acts as an insulator. Also unique to the mortar is that it can be supplied in a white version, due to the use of white cement."

Top coat in any RAL color

"Our fire-resistant coating systems are an excellent choice for round columns and steel beams and columns that remain in view. A characteristic of the fire-resistant coatings is their passive-active action. The coatings react under the influence of heat and inflate to form a centimeter-thick foam layer, which requires sufficient space around the structure. The coatings are durable, seamless and impact-resistant. An aesthetic advantage is also that steel profiles can easily be finished with a top coat in any RAL color."

Inspection and maintenance

"For each project, we consider which type of product is the best choice in the particular application," Spek said. "We upgrade structures in this way to a fire resistance of up to 120 minutes." 

All REPPEL BV fire-resistant insulation products are processed by specialized application companies. "After the application or during the building life, we check the layer thicknesses and adhesion of the products for the client. This ensures optimum passive fire safety of the (main load-bearing) construction."