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 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.

CCFSS Extends Deadline for Specialty Conference Abstracts to January 15, 2020

December 31, 2019

The International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures will be held October 21-22, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

CFSEI to Host Webinar on "Steel Deck on Cold-Formed Steel Framing" on Dec. 19

December 3, 2019

The webinar is designed for architects, engineers, building officials and contractors and awards 1.5 PDHs.