84
3220.043
King, H.I.
ESCSI Lightweight Concrete Information Sheet
Article
ESCSI
1965
February 15
1-11
N
When designing a building structure the architect and engineer must consider the requirements of the governing building code for fire resistance ratings of many elements of the structure. Minimum ratings are usually stated for the structural elements such as columns, floors, roofs and load bearing walls. They are also given for certain non-structural elements, particularly partitions which must provide a fire separation. Minimum ratings need not be the same for all elements within a given structure. Values required are dependent on factors of structural integrity, danger of fire spreading and human safety. In addition code requirements are based on such factors as building location, floor area, height and use and occupancy.Having determined from codes and by judgment the fire resistance rating necessary for a particular element, the architect or engineer must then select a material or assembly which will meet this fire rating in addition to economically fulfilling the functions of structural capability, esthetics, sound control, thermal insulation, etc. Ideally the material or assembly which best suits these functions will have the desired rating; otherwise, some additional materials might have to be incorporated or a compromise effected.
Fire resistance rating means the rating assigned to an element or assembly of materials which
(a) has been tested in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials “Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materians,” ASTM designation Ell9-61, or
(b) has been tested in accordance with Canadian Standards Association “Methods of Tests of Walls, Partitions, Floors, Roofs, Ceilings, Columns, Beams and Girders,” CSA Standard B54.3-1964, or
(c) is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction based on comparison with similar elements or assembly of materials which have been tested in accordance with (a) or (b) above.