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

STI to Host Webinar on "Navigating AISC 360-16 HSS Connection Design: Design Examples" on December 4, 2019

November 8, 2019

This session will present several design examples to illustrate the differences between AISC 360-10 and AISC 360-16 in HSS connection design.

Guarding Homes Against Climate Extreme Disasters Starts at Neighborhood Level

November 5, 2019

The Metal Roofing Alliance urges homeowners to take grassroots action to ensure HOAs prioritize protection for 2020 and outlines practical steps to take.

AISI and CCFSS Announce the Publication of "Cold-Formed Steel Design-Fifth Edition"

October 29, 2019

The book is recognized by professionals around the world as the definitive text on cold-formed steel design.

CCFSS Issues Call for Papers for 2020 International Specialty Conference

October 17, 2019

Abstract submissions are due by December 31, 2019.

SJI to Host Webinar on Steel-Framed Storm Shelters on October 16, 2019

October 10, 2019

The webinar will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT and awards 1.5 PDHs.