Concrete and Fire
The effects of heat and fire on a steel framed structure have been well documented over the years and more recently similar studies have been carried out on reinforced concrete. Concrete is considered to have good fire resistance properties, relative to similar construction materials, the efficiency of concrete when exposed to fire is usually referred to as a period of time. If installed and constructed correctly, reinforced and precast concrete structures can be one of the most effective fire resistant construction materials available.
Some of the key factors that make concrete such an effective material for using to prevent the spread of fire are:
- Concrete is not flammable and therefore will not add fuel to a fire.
- Concrete has a high resistance to heat and can stop fire spreading if correctly constructed and sealed.
- Concrete can be used as a protective material in a fire and can be used to encase steel columns.
- Concrete can help to compartmentalise a fire.
- Concrete will not give off any smoke or toxic gases in a fire.
- Concrete is not affected by water used to extinguish a fire.
- The strength of concrete and its resistance to fire greatly reduces the risk of structural collapse in a building.
When installed and constructed correctly, precast concrete products can offer an excellent solution for companies looking for fire resistant wall materials. Our prestressed concrete panels and precast retaining walls are both suitable products for this type of application.
Our range of precast products include: Agricultural Products; Industrial Products and Security Products.