Fire Safety

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Fire Safety

Steel is noncombustible, so it does not contribute to the ignition of fires, the spread of fires, or the size and severity of fires, thus reducing risks to occupants, firefighters and property/business owners.
Unprotected steel frames can be used in a wide range of building occupancies and sizes in accordance with building codes.
For larger and higher buildings, fire resistance rated designs for steel building elements and systems are available with fire resistance ratings of up to four hours using a broad variety of fire protection materials, including concrete, masonry, gypsum board, mineral and ceramic fire boards and blankets, sprayed fire resistant materials (SFRM) and intumescent coatings.
Fire resistance rated designs are available for unprotected steel deck with concrete topping floor systems.
Fire resistance rated designs are available for unprotected concrete-filled hollow steel section (HSS) columns.
Detailed design guidance for the selection of fire resistance rated designs is available from:
The same fire protection thickness for structural steel-framed deck/concrete floor ratings as found in UL Design No. D982 is now available in either restrained or unrestrained conditions, according to tests performed at Underwriters Laboratories in 2013. Read more at"Restrained or Unrestrained?" Modern Steel Construction, Sept. 2013.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Canada has implemented load restrictions on structural steel beams in its fire tests for several years. However, the UL has not provided clear load restriction guidelines that are applicable to the U.S. marketplace. Clarification on how to apply load restrictions in the U.S. and suggested solutions for using UL Designs for fire protection with today's steel design codes are available. Read more at"UL Design Considerations," Modern Steel Construction, October 2015.

Latest News

Registration is Open for 2020 CFSEI Expo to be Held May 19-20 in Tampa, Florida

February 12, 2020

The CFSEI Expo is designed for architects, builders/contractors and engineers, with an educational program geared toward both skilled cold-formed steel framing professionals as well as newcomers.

Robert J. Connor Named as Recipient of 2020 Richard S. Fountain Award

February 10, 2020

Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Richard S. Fountain Award was established in 2001 to recognize leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications.

CFSEI to Host Webinar on "Cold-Formed Steel Classroom: Connection Design 101" on February 27, 2020

January 15, 2020

The webinar is designed for architects, engineers, building officials and contractors; participants are eligible for 1.5 PDHs.

NCSPA Announces Michael McGough as New Executive Director

January 14, 2020

Since joining the NCSPA in 2007, McGough has been serving as the organization's chief engineer and technical director.

CFSEI Accepting Entries for 2020 Awards Program Through February 17

January 6, 2020

This year’s awards will be presented in three categories: Projects/Design Excellence, Creative Detail, and the John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service.