with stability under fire conditions. Glass floors need
particular evaluation since glass is substantially
transparent to heat. Glass floor structures also
depend on the use of toughened glass layers and
laminates which are based on organic bonding
interlayers. These interlayers are sensitive to heat
which may be transmitted into the structure in case
of fire. They deteriorate rapidly under heating,
starting with liquid formation and destruction of the
bonding to adjacent glass layers.
The make up of the floor system therefore has to
guard against the possibility of heat transfer into
the structure of the floor itself. The glass floor
therefore typically requires the use of a fire-resistant
interlayer with an insulation performance to restrict
the possibility of heat transfer into the glass floor
structure. Un-insulated basic integrity fire-resistant
glass, on the other hand, would risk structural
instability under load and fire exposure because of
the possibility of heat transfer into the structure.
The loadbearing capability of the floor should be
demonstrated by fire testing under load. The
applicable test standard in the European Community
is EN 1365:2000, part 2, Fire resistance tests for
loadbearing elements: floors and roofs, subject to
loads determined in accordance with EN 1363-1.
Integrated design
Fire safety design depends fundamentally on the
provision of protected escape routes and fire-
resistant compartments to contain fire, limiting the
possibility of fire growth and spread.
But fire protection is not the only requirement.
The internal environment is very much under pres-
sure as occupier densities continue to rise and as
owners look to squeeze the maximum value from
their buildings. Multiple occupancy has become the
norm, combining residential with commercial and
leisure activities in the same building. The design
task has accordingly become more challenging in
seeking to achieve a balance between several
potentially conflicting functional objectives.
Looking to the future
Fire safety design cannot be considered in isolation.
It has to be achieved within the overall context of
the building occupancy and the required internal
environment, without compromising on architectural
style and function. There is a range of functional
objectives to be met: comfort, energy efficiency,
natural lighting, visibility, crowd and impact safety,
openness (without sacrificing security) and sound
insulation are all important. Therefore, flexibility and
adaptability in design are both key requirements.
Fire protection is also becoming more important
and more difficult to achieve: tall, complex and
congested buildings set particular challenges for
safe escape and access by firefighters; and the high
capital and utility value of today's buildings places a
premium on resilient fire protection to protect the
building during what could be extended periods of
intense fire exposure.
Satisfying these fire safety demands together
with other architectural requirements means that
high performance insulation fire-resistant glass has
a major and expanding role to play in the total fire
protection package. Its adaptability and perfor-
mance range means that it can undoubtedly
contribute to the development of effective practical
buildings. As a result, fire safety can advance
without forced compromises on both highly
functional and distinctively stylish design. IFP
INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 21
THE ADAPTABILITY OF FIRE-RESISTANT GLASS
FIRE RATED GLASS
When fire breaks
out, you need a
glass that keeps
its cool.
In the event of fire, Pilkington PyrostopTM
can provide insulation against heat for up to 120 minutes,
with Pilkington PyrodurTM
also able to provide full insulation for a short period of time � protecting the
property and giving people more than enough time to vacate the building safely. As well as acting as
a barrier against hot gases and flames to increase protection, they reduce any panic by turning opaque.
Available in a range of thicknesses to suit every need, Pilkington PyrostopTM
and Pilkington PyrodurTM
can definitely stand the heat. For more information visit www.pilkington.co.uk/fireresistant
email pilkington@respond.uk.com or call 01744 692000 quoting 18180.
Pilkington PyrostopTM
and Pilkington PyrodurTM

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