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

CFSEI Announces 2019-2020 Executive Committee Members

July 17, 2019

The committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the technology transfer activities related to cold-formed steel design through seminars, webinars and the publication of Technical Notes.

NCSPA Posts Educational Video on the Engineering and Installation Fundamentals of Corrugated Steel Drainage Products

July 16, 2019

The video focuses on the engineering and installation fundamentals of corrugated steel drainage products.

CFSEI Announces Winners of 2019 Design Excellence and Innovative Detail Awards

July 9, 2019

Architects, engineers and owners will be inspired by these creative projects which demonstrate the beauty, versatility and cost-effectiveness of cold-formed steel design.

CFSEI Names Recipient of the 2019 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service

July 9, 2019

Steven Walker, P.E., was recognized for his significant contributions of time, talent and resources to the cold-formed steel industry.

SJI to Host Webinar on Retrofitting of Existing Buildings With Steel Joists

July 8, 2019

The webinar will have three parts and awards 1.5 PDHs.