Cafco protects ruler’s representation
16/05/2005
Construction of a new Diwan Building, for use of the ruler’s representation, has just begun in the eastern province of Al-Ain in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
All internal and external steel support columns (some curved) on the uniquely designed building are to be fire protected with materials manufactured by Alfreton based passive fire protection material manufacturer Cafco International. The work is to be carried out by Cafco installers Messrs: Intherpro LLC, for Main Contractor Seidco General Contracting Co., Consultant for the project is Keo International.
Internal steel supporting beams will be protected using Cafco 300, a spray/trowel applied, single package factory controlled premix, based on vermiculite and gypsum. As well as steel, the lightweight coating provides efficient fire resistance, at minimal thicknesses, for concrete frames, metal floor and roof decks and return-air plenums. Structures protected with Cafco 300 have been assessed for up to 240 minutes fire resistance as defined in BS 476 parts 6, 7 and 21 for cellulosic fires.
SprayFilm WB3, Cafco’s water based intumescent coating has been specified to provide fire protection to the external curved columns of the building, with a special colour coloured topcoat to matchh the surrounding aluminium cladding systems. SprayFilm WB3, is based upon polyvinyl acetate resins and fillers. When subject to fire, a chemical reaction takes place causing the coating to expand and form an insulating layer, which prevents the temperature of the steel rising to a critical level.
The coating, which has been used for many years on numerous national and international projects, is able to provide between 30 and 120 minutes fire resistance on structural steel, including I-section beams, H-section columns and hollow sections. Whilst at higher ratings such as 120 minutes its final thickness increases, SprayFilm’s high build capability reduces the number of coats required, resulting in lower labour costs. In addition to being fully tested to BS 476: Part 21 and ASTM E119, SprayFilm WB3 has also been assessed in line with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) publication ‘Fire protection for structural steel in buildings’, as referenced in Approved Document ‘B’ of the Building Regulations.
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