Author: Ibrahim

In general, it is a poor conductor of heat and has good fire-retardant properties. The actual degree of fire resistance of this material depends on the nature of the aggregates used and its density. In the case of RCC and prestressed construction, it also depends on the position of the steel in the concrete. It…

In some developed countries, aluminum is being used for strengthening purposes in multi-story structures due to its light weight and anti-corrosion properties. However, its performance as a fire-resistant material is very poor and its use (as a composite) should be limited to structures with low fire hazards. It is a good conductor of heat and…

Wrought iron behaves almost like steel when subjected to fire except that it has less ductility and less strength in compression and tension than steel. Cast iron is rarely used in construction from a fireproofing point of view, as it shrinks and splinters when cooled suddenly. For use of cast iron in fireproof construction, it…

Steel, although a non-combustible material, has a very low fire resistance value. With an increase in temperature, it becomes softer and, therefore, decreases in resistance to the effects of tension and compression. At about 600 °C, its yield stress drops to only one-third of its value at normal temperature. When the steel members come in…

Like brick, it is a clay product that has better fireproofing properties than brick. Due to its high cost, its use in the construction of fire resistant floors is limited.

First-class bricks are practically fireproof because they can withstand exposure to fire for a long time. Due to its poor thermal conductivity, bricks can withstand high temperatures up to 1300 degrees Celsius without any serious effects. The fire resistance of the best bricks for use in construction depends on the size of the quality brick…

The use of stone in fireproof construction should be minimized as this material cannot withstand the effects of sudden cooling. After heating, if it is cooled, it breaks into pieces. Granite, when subjected to excessive heat, crumbles into sand or cracks and breaks into pieces with a series of explosions and fractures. The use of…

Wood, although itself a combustible material, provides considerable resistance to fire when used in proper sizes. Wood also has self-insulating and slow-burning properties. When a fire starts, wood burns first. This charring provides a protective coating to the interior of the wood and prevents it from burning, even at temperatures up to 500°C. At still…

While planning and designing buildings, it should be the aim of every engineer and architect that the buildings provide adequate fire resistance to provide protection to the occupants in the event of a fire. This objective is achieved by proper planning, use of fire resistant materials and construction techniques and providing quick and safe means…

Depending on the location of the air conditioning equipment, air conditioning systems are classified as follows: Central System: In this system, all the air conditioning equipment is installed at a focal or central point and then the conditioned air is distributed through ducts to all the rooms or enclosures. This type of system requires less…