Fireproofing Trends for Steel Structures

The trend of applying fire-resistant coatings to steel structures is gradually becoming more favored by construction companies. Not only widely adopted globally, but fire-resistant steel structures are also increasingly utilized in various projects within our country. So, what are the characteristics of this application, and what options are available for businesses?

How popular is the application of fireproof coatings to steel structures in the current market?

Globally, steel structures have a history intertwined with reinforced concrete and have been widely used since the early 1900s for residential construction, maritime vessels, and aerodynamic applications. Compared to reinforced concrete, steel structures possess strong load-bearing capabilities and are significantly lighter in weight.

However, during that period, steel structures were not extensively applied to replace reinforced concrete due to their inadequate fire resistance. On average, a fire can reach temperatures of around 800 degrees Celsius or higher. This temperature exceeds the permissible limit for traditional steel structures, as this solution only withstands fire at temperatures of 550 degrees Celsius for under 15 minutes. This implies that in the event of a fire, those trapped inside have only a brief period of around 15 minutes for evacuation.

From the urgent needs of humans, methods providing fire resistance for steel structures have emerged as a necessity. Up to the present day, fire-resistant steel structures can withstand temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius for several hours, thanks to various methods, such as:

• Using fire-resistant coatings: Fire-resistant coatings can be seen as the initial fire resistance method applied to steel structures worldwide. However, this method involves a complex implementation process and requires regular testing and maintenance.
• Using Spray Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM): SFRM includes main ingredients such as gypsum, vermiculite, or cement. This method is effective in fire resistance but carries inherent risks of harmful toxic gases.
• Using fire-resistant wrapping for steel structures: Fire-resistant wrapping is the most recent and currently most effective method for providing fire protection to steel structures. In the event of a fire, this method can offer protection for steel columns for up to 240 minutes and steel beams for up to 180 minutes.

In Vietnam, Standard QCVN 06:2021/BXD has been issued and requires steel structures used in construction projects to meet minimum fire resistance standards. As a result, the trend of applying fireproof coatings to steel structures is increasingly favored and prevalent in various construction projects, including large-span warehouses, prefabricated steel buildings, high-rise structures, and public facilities.

Characteristics of Fire-Resistant Coatings for Steel Structures

The current popularity of fire-resistant coatings for steel structures entails the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Fire-Resistant Coatings for Steel Structures

• High aesthetic value: This method provides the highest aesthetic appeal for steel structures, preserving their appearance and characteristics.
• Lightweight: Compared to reinforced concrete, fire-resistant coatings for steel structures are significantly lighter, reducing the load on structural components and the foundation.
• Easy and fast installation: The protective wrapping is applied to steel structures using clips and is installed in modular forms, ensuring easy, safe, and swift installation.
• Cost savings: Although the initial cost of protective wrapping may be higher than other methods, it presents a cost-effective choice. Users avoid excessive expenses in areas such as installation, maintenance, and periodic upkeep.
• Ease of application: Fire-resistant wrapping can be applied to various types of H-beams and I-beams that are currently prevalent in the market.

Disadvantages of Fire-Resistant Coatings for Steel Structures

• Limited corrosion resistance: Despite their excellent load-bearing and fire-resistant qualities, fire-resistant coatings for steel structures have limited corrosion resistance.
• Limited availability of standardized fire-resistant materials: There are not many standardized choices of fire-resistant materials applied in protective wrapping for steel structures.

Protective wrapping for steel structures with KH Shield insulation panels

KH Shield insulation panels are fire-resistant materials that are well-suited for the protective wrapping of steel beam and column structures in steel construction. With the exclusive FireShieldPRO® technology, KH Shield insulation panels offer exceptional features, including:

• Compliance with all standards issued by the State for ensuring the quality of fire-resistant materials for construction projects.
• Outstanding fire resistance and insulation capabilities, with the ability to withstand continuous use for 3 hours at temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Celsius.
• Non-combustibility, no generation of black smoke during combustion, and absence of toxic substances.
• Being an environmentally friendly green material with unlimited recyclability.
• Long lifespan, suitable for the sustainable development needs of businesses.

Furthermore, KH Shield insulation panels have also been chosen by major brands and projects such as:

• Aeon Mall Ha Dong – Hanoi
• Long Son Petrochemical Refinery
• Golden Park Tower
• Nam Hoi An Casino
• Apec Mandala Wyndham

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