Life Safety and Fire Resistant Glazing Systems Kevin Hulin CEO, Mann McGowan Group
Agenda GGF Introduction GGF and The Fire Resistant Glazing Group (FRGG) Fire Testing, Reports, Assessments and 3rd Party Certification Factors that influence fire resistance and causes of failure Specifying Fire Resistant Glazing Systems Component substitution Case Studies
GGF Fire Resisting Glazing Group Comprises: Major Glass Producers (UK and Europe) UK Glass Processors Specialist Glass Suppliers Frame manufacturers Major Sealant and Intumescent Manufacturers Fire Test Centres Specialist Glazing Contractors
FRGG Objectives To work with relevant bodies to set appropriate standards for Fire-Resisting Glazing Systems Encourage widespread adoption of these standards Encourage Best Practice at all times Develop recognised training for supervisors and operatives Results in Creating a Fire Safe Environment for Occupiers of Buildings
FRGG Publication A Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and Use of rd Fire-Resistant Glazed Systems 3 Edition published Autumn 2011 Available as a reference document or a downloadable version from GGF website www.ggf.org.uk
Training Diploma in Fire Resistant Glazing L2 Diploma in Fire Resistant Glazing L3 L2 relates to installation L3 relates to supervision and management
Fire Testing Testing to current Standards (UK) BS 476-20 to BS 476-22 BS/EN BS EN 1364-1 for glazed screens BS EN 1634-1 for doorsets including sidelights and fanlights BS EN 1365-2 for load bearing glass floors
Fire Testing Standard Time Temperature Curve (BS) for Fire Testing 1000 900 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 Temperature 739º C 840º C 945º C 90m 1006º C 60 56 52 48 44 40 36 32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 0 0 Temperature - Deg. C 800 Time 15m 30m 60m Time - Minutes
Fire Testing Testing is conducted to destruction
Fire Testing HOW IS FAILURE MEASURED? Integrity Failure Continuous Flaming- sustained flaming > 10 seconds Gap Gauge Failure measure cracks or gaps with gauges Cotton Pad- cotton pad applied against the any glowing or flaming Insulation Failure Either the temperature on non fire side Exceeds 180o C in 1 spot or Exceeds 140o C on average across all thermocouple. Test @ 36mins
Fire Testing BS 476 Part 22 FIRE TEST S t a r t 6 2 M i n u t e s Thermocouple measuring temperature
Glazing under fire test Integrity only glazing Integrity + Insulation glazing
Common reasons why glazed screens fail under fire conditions? Incompatible glazing components Premature ignition on the cold face (timber) Thermal fracture of glass (Delta T) Ordinary window glass or plastic sheets used Incorrect glazing medium used Incorrect installation
Common reasons why fire doors fail under fire conditions? Door leaf distorts away from frame (fixed to building envelope) Shrinkage of framing resulting in excessive gaps Weakness at frame joint(s) Incorrect glazing aperture specification Incorrect intumescent specification Burn through or around locks or hinges
Key factors that influence fire-resistance of a glazed screen Glass type and glazing seal type Maximum pane area- height and width Glass pane aspect ratio Layout and overall size of the screen Frame material (metal- timber) Frame design and construction Type and shape of the glazing beads Extent of glass edge cover Type- location and application of fixings of frame and beads Orientation- vertical- horizontal or inclined
4 Work Plan Stages Define Performance Specification Identify Approved Fire Resistant Glazing System Confirm Material + Glazing System Specification Ensure Correct Installation
Specification Considerations Radiated heat through glazing may cause ignition of combustible materials Testing regime Limitations on glass providing integrity only BS476 Part 22 Integrity only or Integrity and Insulation or EN 1634 ADB vol. 2, page 127,Table A4, explains where non-insulating (integrity only) glass can be used Glazing below 1100mm may need to be Insulating Table references doors and walls separately based on number of stairways BS 9999 Table 29 Page 144
Additional routes to demonstrate fire performance Assessment report Based on an actual test report, an assessment can be carried out to maximise the scope of the test report results and reduce the need for additional testing Certificate from a Third Party Scheme Independent certification schemes to provide specific product certification e.g. fire resisting door-sets certified by BM TRADA QMARK, CERTIFIRE etc. CE Marking Glass and Hardware Fire resisting door-sets- seals currently cannot be CE Marked because there is no harmonised standard
Example Specification GLAZED FIRE RESISTING SCREENS Manufacturer: Product Reference Fire resistance Sound Insulation: Timber Species: Finish: Glazing Details: Extra Features: Fixing: Mann McGowan Installations Ltd Pyrovista 30 30 minutes integrity and insulation as defined by BS 476 Part 22 35dB as defined by BS EN 12758 North American White Oak In the white - factory applied base coat Glass to be selected in accordance with the fire resistance stated above and in conjunction with the safety requirements of BS EN 12600 impact safety. All glass to be glazed with Mann McGowan Pyroglaze seals Manifestations Frames must be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Frame to structural opening gaps must be fire stopped with Pyromas sealant.
System Components and Substitution Develop a Detailed System Specification based on Test Evidence Ensure all components are compatible. Some component substitution may be possible but test evidence will be required Check with the system supplier who understands all the issues e.g. char rates for timber framing or distortion in metal systems etc.
Example of failure due to substitution of non-compatible components 1 Original system specified achieved 62 minutes under test. Contractor changed glass, seals, frame/bead dimensions and fixings. Performance was now only 22 minutes!
Other Specification Considerations Acoustics, Thermal insulation Solar control Containment and barrier loading, Resistance against crowd loading, BS 6180 + GGF Datasheet 2.9 Impact safety to BS 6262 and EN 12600, Manifestation, Decorative, pattern and colour effects Blast and Ballistic protection
Other Considerations Manifestations on FR Glass Permanent is possible with some FR glasses but not others This MUST be checked with the glass producer
Other Considerations Privacy
Case Study Educational Facility (1) 4 Storey Atrium Fire Safety 60 minute integrity and insulation Resistance to Sound Sound Attenuation 41dB Barriers in and About Buildings BS 6180 Impact Safety Class 1BS EN 12600
Educational Facility (2)
Case Study Refurbishment Public Building Glazing 30 minutes integrity only 30 minutes integrity and Safety Glazing to Class A BS 6206 or Class 1 EN12600
Residential Fire 30 minutes integrity Safety Against Impact Class 1 Safety Barrier Drop from ground to lower ground Floor to Ceiling Glazing Height 2950mm Glass to Glass- Sealing
Sport and Leisure Facility 30 minutes integrity + insulation Forms part of the escape strategy Doors had to match screens
Staircase Enclosure Public building 30 minutes integrity Class 1 Safety If the fire breaks out on the 1st floor it stops fire spread to the ground floor If fire breaks out on the ground floor it allows inhabitants to use other escape routes
Summary Always fully specify a fire-resistant glazing system Discuss the scheme in the early stages of the design process Insist on evidence of performance by test report, assessment report or third party certification Specify 3rd party products if a scheme exist Consider other requirements (sound, safety, thermal etc.) Maintenance requirements where necessary Consult and insist on Best Practice when specifying and installing Fire Resisting Glazing at all times Remember - Not all Fire-Resisting glasses and glazing systems are the same
Thank you for your time, I trust you have found the presentation interesting and I will be pleased to answer any questions relating to Fire-Resistant Glazing Kevin Hulin CEO, Mann McGowan Group