Fire outbreaks pose a significant threat to all structures, causing immense loss of life and property. Statistics reveal that the situation of fire and explosions in Vietnam is becoming increasingly complex, with both the number and severity of incidents on the rise. In response to these alarming figures, it is crucial to heighten fire prevention and firefighting awareness, actively taking measures to safeguard lives and assets. Equipping buildings with passive fire protection (PFP) systems is essential to ensure their safety.
What is Passive Fire Protection? The goal of passive fire protection
Passive Fire Prevention (Passive Fire Protection) – abbreviated PFP are technical measures integrated into building structures to prevent and slow the spread of fire, fire spread, smoke generation, and prolong collapse time. The structure’s collapse helps isolate fire sources and gives people time to escape the fire in case of fire or explosion.
The main objectives of passive fire protection are:
- Protect human life: Provide time for people in the construction to evacuate safely in the event of a fire.
- Limit property damage: Minimize property damage caused by the fire.
- Protect the building structure: Maintain the stability of the building structure for a certain period to enable firefighting and rescue operations.
Advantages:
- Long-term effectiveness: Passive fire protection systems are effective even without human intervention.
- Applicable to various types of buildings: They can be used in a variety of structures such as residential homes, apartments, offices, hospitals, schools, and industrial plants, including oil and gas facilities.
- Cost savings: Passive fire protection is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to active fire protection measures.
Disadvantages:
- High initial investment cost: The initial construction cost of passive fire protection systems is higher compared to other fire protection measures.
- Requires design and installation by experts: The design and installation of passive fire protection systems need to be carried out by specialists to ensure they meet fire protection standards and operate effectively.
Passive fire protection method:
- Fireproofing Sheet
- Intumescent Coatings
- Cementitious and fibrous spray or troweled
- Passive Fire Protection Pillow
Application of Passive Fire Protection for Steel Structural Systems
Steel structural systems are widely used in construction due to their many advantages, such as high durability, quick construction, and cost savings. However, steel is a good conductor of heat and can easily deform and collapse when exposed to high temperatures in the event of a fire. Therefore, applying passive fire protection (PFP) measures to steel structural systems is crucial to ensure the safety of the entire work.
Black Cat Insulation Technical Joint Stock Company specializes in consulting services for passive fire protection construction for steel structure systems.
Passive Fire Protection Methods for Steel Structural Systems:
- Cementitious and fibrous spray or troweled: Used to directly protect steel structures. We are a qualified contractor to provide: Pyrocrete – Perlite, Fendolite M II… meeting the high-performance fire protection needs of critical areas.
- Intumescent Coatings: These are specially designed coatings to prevent the spread of fire and minimize damage caused by fire. When exposed to high temperatures or flames, they form a protective layer that slows down the burning process and protects the underlying structure. They provide passive fire protection for load-bearing structures, especially steel structures, and can be used on various materials such as steel, concrete, and metal surfaces.
Some projects implemented by Black Cat ® JSC, consulting and executing passive fire protection for steel structures serving in Vietnam:
Passive fire protection plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of steel structural systems, enhancing the overall fire resistance of the entire building. The selection of appropriate fire protection measures should be based on the specific factors of each project and carried out by qualified experts. Invest in a passive fire protection system now to safeguard your building from the potential dangers of fire.