YELLOW BOOK

Fire protection for

structural steel in
buildings
Volume 1
6th Edition

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 1 Yellow Book Fire Protection for Structural Steel
www.asfp.org.uk 6th Edition Volume 1
ASFP YELLOW BOOK

Amendments to Vol 1 Ed 6 (Amendments to Vol 2 and 3 included in the front of each product section)

DATE SECTION AMENDMENT SUMMARY SOURCE

2025 Edition 6 Volume 1 – First Issue AT

Note:
Amendments may only be inserted by ASFP Secretariat with approval of the ASFP Technical Officer.
Volume 1 contains methodologies for designers and installers of structural fire protection
Volume 2 contains information on the testing of reactive coatings
Volume 3 contains information on the testing of passive systems

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 2 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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 The Association was formed in 1975, and currently represents UK contractors and manufacturers of
specialist passive fire protection products, with associate members representing regulatory,
certification, testing and consulting bodies. It seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the
nature of fire and the various forms, functions and benefits provided by passive fire protection. It is
willing to make its specialist knowledge on all aspects of fire protection available and can assist
specifiers and main contractors in identifying products suitable for specific requirements, both in the
UK and related overseas markets. The Association encourages experimental work related to passive
fire protection and promotes consideration and discussion of all issues affecting the fire protection of structural steel and
buildings.
Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)
Unit A West Oak House, Westwood Business Park, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8HS
Tel: 0247 693 5412 www.asfp.org.uk

The Steel Construction Institute (SCI) develops and promotes the effective use of steel in
construction. It is an independent, membership based organisation. SCI’s research and
development activities cover multi storey structures, industrial buildings, bridges, civil engineering
and offshore engineering. Activities encompass guidance on structural design in carbon and
stainless steels, dynamic performance, fire engineering, sustainable construction, architectural
design, building physics (acoustic and thermal performance), value engineering, and information technology.
Membership is open to all organisations and individuals that are concerned with the use of steel in construction.
Members have access to specialist advisory service, free issue of every new SCI publication and free access to Steelbiz,
an online technical information system (www.steelbiz.org).
Steel Construction Institute
Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7QN
Tel: 01344 636525 www.steel-sci.org

The British Constructional Steelwork Association is the national organisation for the steelwork
contractors in the UK and Ireland. Its member companies undertake the design, fabrication and erection
of steelwork for all forms of construction in building and civil engineering. Associate Members are those
principal companies involved in the direct supply to all or some members of components, materials or
products. Corporate Members are clients, professional offices, educational establishments etc which
support the development of national specifications, quality, fabrication and erection techniques, overall
industry efficiency and good practice.
British Constructional Steelwork Association
4 Whitehall Court, Westminster, London, SW1A 2ES
Telephone: 020 7839 8566 http://www.steelconstruction.org/

The Fire Test Study Group (UK) (FTSG) is a forum for technical discussions and liaison between
consulting fire test laboratories involved in producing test and assessment information for the purposes
of building control. The member laboratories are all UKAS Accredited. The primary objective of the
group is to ensure common technical interpretations of the fire test standards and a common approach
to technical appraisals or assessments of products made by FTSG members.
FTSG members participate on all relevant BSI committees, the equivalent ISO & CEN technical committees and are
involved in European Commission technical discussions on harmonisation.
FTSG members strongly support the publication of this edition of the “Yellow Book” as it provides specifiers and
regulatory bodies with independently validated data and a comprehensive guide to the performance of materials used
to provide fire protection to structural steel.
Certification bodies allied to FTSG member laboratories have agreed to certificate structural fire protection products
using the procedures defined in the Yellow Book.
Fire Test Study Group (FTSG) (UK) Ltd
c/o Exova Warringtonfire, Holmesfield Road, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 2DS
Tel: 01925 655116 www.ftsg.co.uk

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Acknowledgements

Permission to reproduce extracts from BS 5950-8: 2003, Structural use of steelwork in buildings – Part 8; Code of
Practice for fire resistant design is granted by BSI. British Standards can be obtained from BSI Customer Services, 389
Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.
The publishers wish to express their appreciation of the work undertaken by the ASFP Technical Committee and Task
Group 1 (Reactive Products) and Task Group 2 (Non-reactive Products) in the drafting of this 6th edition of the Yellow
Book. Particular appreciation is expressed to the following individuals who served on an editing group from Task
Groups 1 & 2:

Ian Bradley – PFP Specialists – current chair of TG1

Carol Pinder – Sherwin Williams – past chair of TG1
John Adams – Promat – Current chair of TG2
Dmitry Podolski – Warringtonfire
Andrew Taylor – Technical Lead at ASFP – major editing of text.

Disclaimer

Although care has been taken to ensure, to the best of our knowledge, that all data and information contained in this
document is accurate to the extent that it relates to either matters of fact or accepted practice or matters of opinion
at the time of publication, neither the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Limited nor the co-publishers will be
liable for any technical, editorial, typographical or other errors or omissions in or misinterpretations of the data and
information provided in this document.
Since this document may be subject to change and updating, it is an uncontrolled document. The data is only correct
at the dates of the fire assessment and acceptance into this publication. The latest version of this publication is
downloadable from the ASFP web site at www.asfp.org.uk/page/ASFPTechnicalDocuments. The latest date is
indicated at the bottom of each page. The ASFP offers no responsibility for products delivered to the market, or for
any aspect of ‘withdrawn’ products.
Compliance with this ASFP document does not of itself infer immunity from legal obligation
© 2024 Association for Specialist Fire Protection
ISBN: 978 1 870409 47 6 (6th Edition published 2 January 2025 replaces the 5th Edition)

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 FIRE AND YOUR LEGAL LIABILITY
The estimated total economic and social cost of fire in England in year ending March 2020 was £12.0 billion. That’s why
we must all play our part.

Why is this of relevance to me?

If you are involved in provision of a fire protection package, at any level, then you share liability for its usefulness and
its operation when it’s needed in fire, and that liability will still be there in the event of a court case.

I place the order; it is not my responsibility to install the works!

If it is your responsibility to specify the materials and/or appoint the installation contractor, it is also your responsibility
to ensure that they can prove competency for the fire protection materials used, or the works to be carried out. It’s no
longer simply a duty of care or voluntary – it’s a legal obligation.

If you knowingly ignore advice that leads to a failure in the fire performance of any element of installed fire protection
within a building, then you are likely to be found to be just as culpable as the deficient installer.
You share liability for the provision of information required under Building Regulation 38 that tells the user of the
building about the fire prevention measures provided in the building. Otherwise, the user cannot make an effective risk
assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Scotland Act 2005, and the Fire & Rescue
Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

What is expected of me?

In the event of fire, and deaths, a court will want to know how every fire protection system was selected; the basis for
selection of the installer, whether adequate time was provided for its installation, and whether there was adequate
liaison between the different parties to ensure it was installed correctly. No ifs, no buts – it’s all contained in the
Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2007.

The CDM 2007 regulations, enforced by Health and Safety Executive concentrate on managing the risk, and the health
and safety of all those who build, those that use the building, those who maintain it and those that demolish it – cradle
to grave. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces further duties on individuals and organisations that commission,
design and undertake the construction of new buildings to ensure that they comply with Building Regulations.
Dutyholders are all of the below:

• Client – Who commissions the building works

• Principal Designer – Who is in control of the design work
• Designers – Those who carry out design work
• Principal Contractor – Who is in control of the construction and refurbishment work
• Contractors – Those who carry out construction and refurbishment work

The regulations also set out the competence requirements (i.e. the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours) that
dutyholders will need to have to undertake work or to ensure that those they appoint are also competent to carry out
that work. Dutyholders will need to work together to plan, manage, co-ordinate and monitor the design, construction
and any refurbishment work, to make sure it complies with all relevant building regulations

Be aware – the time to consider the above is before the event, not after it!

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Fire protection for structural steel in buildings
Foreword

I am pleased to introduce the sixth edition of the ASFP ‘Yellow Book’, the original of which was introduced some 40
years ago. Throughout that period, it has become the definitive reference to the provision of fire protection to
structural steel in buildings, and a source of industry best practice and guidance.
This edition incorporates a significant number of important changes including:
• Updates to reflect changes in the UK and EU regulatory environment since the 2010 previous edition.
• A revised method of assessment of products for the protection of structural steelwork, reflecting the
continuing trend to adopt EN standards within the UK marketplace.
• A revised set of default steel temperatures, recommended for use in the absence of calculated value.
• A revision to the provisions covering cellular beams, clarifying the definition of a cellular beam, the typical
notation used, how product thicknesses are derived method, how temperatures are calculated and what
temperature to use in the absence of calculated temperature values.
• Clarifications on the applicability of assessments to non structural steel sections, and less common sections
such as deep web beams, concrete filled tubes, etc.
• A change in structure to separate testing and assessment recommendations out and allow volume 1 to focus
on recommendations for designers and users so that it is easier for the reader to find the relevant texts.
I commend the ‘Yellow Book’ to all, as an authoritative source of guidance, referenced in Approved Document B 2024,
on the safe provision of fire resistance for structural steel frames in buildings.

Ian Bradley
Chair of TG1

On the behalf of

John Adams
Chair of TG2

and

Carol Pinder
Prior chair of TG1

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CONTENTS
1 Scope ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
2 Definitions ...............................................................................................................................................10
3 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Protection Methods ...........................................................................................................................13
3.2 Fire Testing .......................................................................................................................................14
3.3 Assessment of fire protection materials (general) .............................................................................17
4 Certification of Products .........................................................................................................................17
4.1 Certification Using YB6 vol 2 and 3 testing and assessment............................................................17
4.2 UKCA / CE Product marking based on UKTA / ETA Product assessment .......................................17
4.2.1 Contents of EAD350402-00-1106 Reactive coatings for fire protection of steel elements ....................... 18
4.2.2 Contents of EAD350140-00-1106 Renderings and rendering kits intended for fire resisting applications
18
4.2.3 Contents of EAD350142-00-1106 Fire protective board, slab and mat products and kits......................... 19
4.2.4 What manufacturers must do for CE Marking ........................................................................................... 19
4.2.5 What manufacturers must do for UKCA Marking ...................................................................................... 19
4.2.6 Certification Output ................................................................................................................................... 19
5 Applicable Regulations and Codes ........................................................................................................21
5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................21
5.2 Building regulations ...........................................................................................................................21
5.2.1 Building Regulation 38 - England & Wales only ......................................................................................... 22
5.3 Golden Thread (High Risk Building – England only) .........................................................................22
5.4 Other Regulations .............................................................................................................................22
5.4.1 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 ...................................................................... 22
5.4.2 Risk based fire safety legislation ................................................................................................................ 23
5.5 Supporting Documents for risk based fire safety legislation .............................................................23
5.6 Insurers’ requirements.......................................................................................................................24
6 ASFP documents....................................................................................................................................24
6.1 Codes of practice .............................................................................................................................24
6.2 Fire Prevention Association ..............................................................................................................24
7 Specification of Passive Fire Protection .................................................................................................25
7.1 General ..............................................................................................................................................25
7.2 Presentation and use of certificated product data .............................................................................25
7.3 Tendering for projects and the use of limiting temperatures .............................................................26
8 Critical Steel Temperatures ....................................................................................................................26
8.1 General ..............................................................................................................................................26
8.2 Codes used to derive critical temperatures for hot rolled structural steelwork .................................26
Annex A - Section factor ..................................................................................................................................28
A.1 General ..............................................................................................................................................28
A.2 Section factor for partially exposed members ...................................................................................29
A.3 Section factor (A/V) for wind and stability bracing ............................................................................29
A.4 Tapered sections ...............................................................................................................................30
A.5 Trusses and Lattice members ...........................................................................................................30
A.6 Light gauge cold formed members ....................................................................................................30
A.7 Cellular and castellated beams .........................................................................................................30
A.8 Upstand Beams .................................................................................................................................31
Annex B - Engineered approaches to structural fire protection .......................................................................32
B.1 General ..............................................................................................................................................32
B.2 Default limiting and critical temperatures ..........................................................................................32
B.3 Class 4 sections ................................................................................................................................33
B.4 Strength of steel at elevated temperature .........................................................................................33
B.5 Loads in fire and variations in critical/limiting temperatures..............................................................33
B.6 Deck voids above composite and non-composite beams .................................................................35
B.7 Roof structure ....................................................................................................................................35
B.8 Cast Iron Columns .............................................................................................................................35

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Annex C - The fire protection of beams with web openings (cellular beams) .................................................36
C.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................36
C.2 Critical steel temperature ..................................................................................................................37
C.3 Section factor ....................................................................................................................................38
C.3.1 Reactive fire protection systems ................................................................................................................ 38
C.3.2 Passive fire protection systems .................................................................................................................. 39
C.4 Determination of passive fire protection product thickness...............................................................40
C.4.1 Reactive fire protection systems ................................................................................................................ 40
C.4.2 Passive fire protection systems .................................................................................................................. 48
Annex D - Calculation of section factor (A/V) & tables of section factor for common sections .......................49
Annex E - Key points on specification and application for reactive coatings ..................................................73
Annex F - Key points on specification and application for passive materials .................................................76
F.1 Method of fixing and support - Reinforcement for non-reactive sprayed fire protection ...................76
F.2 Section factor (A/V) for structural hollow sections for non reactive materials ...................................76
F.3 Surface preparation ...........................................................................................................................77
F.4 Primer compatibility ...........................................................................................................................77
F.5 Deep web sections ............................................................................................................................78
Annex G - Key points on specification and application of boards and mats ...................................................79
G.1 Surface preparation ..............................................................................................................................79
G.2 System Specifics ..................................................................................................................................79
Annex H- Bibliography and References .........................................................................................................80

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1 Scope
This publication defines the procedures for designing and installing proprietary fire protection of structural steelwork,
primarily to provide compliance with Building Regulations. Volumes 2 and 3 also provides a comprehensive guide to
the testing and assessment of materials and systems.
This document does not deal with the preparation requirements of steelwork and bolted connections; these are
addressed in ASFP Technical Guidance Document 11 and Technical Guidance Document 16, respectively. It should be
noted, however, that the performance of some types of passive fire protection is dependent on the manner of
substrate preparation. It is essential for specifiers to understand the preparation conditions within the scope of
certification of a product, and to seek guidance where these conditions cannot be achieved.
Detailed information covering best practices in the design, installation quality provisions for application of passive fire
protection systems is available in separate ASFP Technical Guidance Documents and Advisory Notes. These are listed
in the bibliography at the end of this document.
All these documents are available for free download from www.asfp.org.uk/page/ASFPTechnicalDocuments.

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2 Definitions
CEN
European Committee for Standardisation. This committee is responsible for the preparation of European
Standards.
Composite beam
A beam comprising a hot rolled steel I or H section connected via shear connectors to a precast concrete or
composite floor slab where the steel section and floor slab are designed to act together.
Composite floor
a floor comprising a concrete topping cast onto a profiled metal decking.
Note: The composite action of such floors is in the nature of the connection with the steel beams supporting
them whereby studs (shear connecters) are fixed through the profiled floor into the beam.
Cellular beam
structural steel beams with opening(s), usually circular or rectangular, in the web.
Castellated beam
a rolled steel beam the web of which is first divided by a lengthwise hexagonal cut, then welded together so as
to join the peaks of both halves, thus increasing its depth
Critical temperature
The temperature at which failure of the structural steel element is expected to occur against a given load level
(see also limiting temperature below). Critical temperatures and limiting temperatures are effectively the same
with the latter being used in BS 5950-8 and the former in the Eurocodes. Throughout this document we have
adopted the terminology critical temperature.
Design temperature
The ‘design temperature’ is the temperature determined by calculation at which failure of the structural steel
element is expected against a given load level at a particular location in a building (see critical temperature)
Fire load
The energy per square metre of floor area of the combustible material present within the internal bounding
surfaces of a room, compartment or building.
Fire resistance period
The fire resistance period of each tested loaded steel section is the duration of the test until the specimen is no
longer able to support the test load.
Intumescent coating / reactive coating
A coating which reacts to heat by swelling in a controlled manner to many times its original thickness to
produce a carbonaceous char, which acts as an insulating layer to protect the steel substrate.
Limiting steel temperature
The maximum temperature of the critical element of a steel member prior to failure, under fire conditions. (see
critical temperature).
Orientation
Plane in which the exposed face of the test specimen is located, either vertically or horizontally during testing.
Passive (non-reactive) fire protection products (e.g. boards, mats and sprays)
Products which do not change their physical form on heating, providing fire protection by virtue of their
physical or thermal properties
Plate thermometer
A 100 x 100mm insulated thin steel plate to which a thermocouple is attached, used to measure the
temperature in a fire test furnace.

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Reactive fire protection products (e.g. intumescent coatings)
Products which are specifically formulated to provide a chemical reaction upon heating such that their physical
form changes and in so doing provide fire protection by thermal insulating and cooling effects.; e.g.
intumescent products
Section factor (A/V, or Hp/A)
The rate of increase in temperature of a steel cross-section is determined by the ratio of the heated surface
area (A) to the volume (V). This ratio, A/V, has units of mˉ¹ and is known as the ‘Section Factor’. Members with
low section factors will heat up more slowly. In the UK, the term Hp/A has been used for many years to denote
the section factor, but in the European fire test standards the section factor is referred to as A/V. It should be
noted that the terms A/V and Hp/A have very similar meaning and consequently, in order to avoid confusion to
the user of this publication, only the term A/V will be used.
In profiled protection: The ratio of the inner surface area of the fire protection material per unit length, to the
cross sectional volume (area) of the steel member per unit length.
In boxed protection: The ratio of the inner surface area of the smallest possible rectangle or square
encasement that can be measured round the steel member per unit length to the cross sectional volume (area)
of the steel member per unit length.
Note that the section factor for cellular beams is calculated differently – see Annex C - .
Steel UB or UKB
Hot rolled universal beam manufactured to the dimensions in BS 4: Part 1: 2005
Steel UC or UKC
Hot rolled universal column manufactured to the dimensions in BS 4: Part 1: 2005
Stickability
Ability of a fire protection material to remain coherent and in position for a defined range of deformations,
furnace and steel temperatures, such that its ability to provide fire protection is not impaired.
Structural Hollow Sections (SHS)
Hot formed/finished or cold formed structural hollow sections manufactured to dimensions in BS EN 10210-2
UKAS
United Kingdom Accreditation Service
Note:
I or H (re-entrant) sections are commonly referred to as ‘open’ sections; and hollow sections are commonly
referred to as ‘closed’ sections throughout Europe.

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3 Introduction
In the event of fire, Building Regulations require that buildings shall be designed and constructed so that their
‘stability will be maintained for a reasonable period’. In other words, they should not collapse prematurely to provide
time for the occupants to escape and for the fire service to obtain access. In most modern buildings, the loadbearing
function is provided by a steel framework to which the rest of the building is attached. The extent to which an
element requires fire resistance depends upon such factors as size, height, use and occupancy of the building and the
function of the element.

Fire resistance of loadbearing and/or separating elements shall be assessed using exposure to a standard fire curve,
and against one of three principal performance characteristics – Loadbearing capacity (designated R in BS EN13501-2),
Integrity (E in BS EN 13501-2) and Insulation (I in BS EN 13501-2).

Loadbearing capacity R is the ability of the element of construction to withstand fire exposure under specified
mechanical actions, on one or more faces, for a period of time, without any loss of structural stability. This document
provides guidance to ensure that Loadbearing capacity requirements of a structural steel frame are achieved.

Integrity and Insulation are relevant for separating elements. Integrity E is the ability of the element of construction
that has a separating function, to withstand fire exposure on one side only, without the transmission of fire to the
unexposed side as a result of the passage of flames or hot gases. They may cause ignition either of the unexposed
surface or of any material adjacent to that surface.

Thermal insulation I is the ability of the element of construction to withstand fire exposure on one side only, without
the transmission of fire as a result of significant transfer of heat from the exposed side to the unexposed side.
Transmission shall be limited so that neither the unexposed surface nor any material in close proximity to that surface
is ignited. The element shall also provide a barrier to heat, sufficient to protect people near to it.

Where a load bearing element also provides a separating function, further consideration should be given to the
integrity and insulation requirements, above and beyond the guidance in this document, which is focussed on the
loadbearing capacity of structural steel.

Fires in buildings regularly exceed air temperatures of 1000 degrees centigrade within a relatively short period of time
(30 – 60 minutes). Heavily loaded hot rolled structural steel sections will lose their design margin of safety, typically
40%, at temperatures around 550°C regardless of the grade, and as steel temperature rises further the loss of strength
is rapid and significant see Figure 1 below. Consequently, it is necessary to limit the temperature rise of the steel so
that sufficient strength remains for the structural frame to continue to be able to provide its loadbearing function.

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 1.00

0.90

0.80

0.70
Reduction Factor (-)
0.60

0.50

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
Steel Temperature (°C)

Yield strength Young's Modulus

Figure 1 - Reduction factors for the stress-strain relationship of carbon steel at elevated temperatures
(adapted from EN 1993-1-2:2005, Figure 3.2)

The most practical way to limit the rise in steel temperature is to insulate the steel from the effects of fire.
Traditionally, ‘fire protection’ comprising non-combustible boards and cementitious sprays were applied to the
structural frame on-site. These materials are still commonly used and are particularly suitable for harsh environments.

Reactive coatings such as intumescent passive fire protection continue to be a popular solution for protecting
structural steelwork in UK construction. This is because they can be prepared offsite and they have good aesthetic
properties, although they can be more sensitive to site (and end-use) conditions and good application.

Whatever type of fire protection is used, fire resistance performance is evaluated by testing a variety of individual
structural members in special ‘fire test’ furnaces. An analysis is then made of the temperatures reached by these
members and predictions are made (by calculation and other methods) of the amount of material needed for the
almost infinite number of sizes and shapes of steel sections available to designers.

3.1 Protection Methods

A wide range of materials is available to enhance the fire resistance of structural steel members. They can be applied
in a variety of ways to meet specific site requirements. In considering any fire protection system it is important to
distinguish between profile, box and solid methods of application (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Sprayed materials would
normally be applied to follow the profile of the section. Board materials would normally be used to form a box around
the section and concrete can be used to form solid protection.

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 Profile Box Solid
(with or without gap over flanges)
Figure 2 - Protection technique for three-sided protection

Profile Box Solid

(with or without gap over flanges)
Figure 3 - Protection technique for four-sided protection

Specially designed and constructed suspended ceilings utilising lightweight metal support components, insulating tiles
and panels, and sprayed or trowelled compounds on suspended lath, tested in accordance with BS 476-23 or
EN 13381-1 may also be used for the protection of structural steel but they are outside the scope of this publication.

3.2 Fire Testing

Fire tests on elements of building construction have been carried out in accordance with a number of British and
European test methods. The BS 476 series used in the UK and many other countries where British Standards are
traditionally used is being gradually superseded by European fire testing standards which are used in the European
Single Market. The direction of travel within the development of building regulation guidance (Approved Document B
in England, Wales and national equivalents in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as detailed in
Section 5) has been towards adoption of the EN test methods. At the time of writing, the Government has recently
announced the intention to remove recognition of the BS476 suite of fire resistance testing from AD-B (in England)
with effect from September 2029. Republic of Ireland has also recently removed recognition of BS476 from TGD-B. It is
expected that the other devolved administrations will follow this approach shortly.

The development of the European standards is primarily intended to remove technical barriers to trade within Europe.
The international fire testing standard, ISO 834, is similar to the other standards and is in the process of being revised
to bring it more in line with the European standard.
The size and construction of a test specimen is ideally identical with the element in its intended orientation in a
building. In the fire resistance test, loaded beams are tested horizontally in conjunction with a floor slab (

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Figure 4) and protection applied to three sides. Columns are tested vertically (Figure 5). with the protection applied to
all four sides. It is therefore common to meet the terms “three sided” and “four sided” exposure when dealing with
fire protection to steelwork. For more information on testing of PFP systems see Yellow Book 6 th Edition Volume 2
(reactive coatings) and Volume 3 (Passive systems)

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 Seal Seal
Load

Furnace cover slab Furnace cover slab

Figure 4 - General arrangement for fire tests on beams (in this instance protected with a board)

A A

SECTION A-A

Figure 5 - General arrangement for fire tests on loaded columns

The results of a standard fire resistance test relate to the steel section size and loading, together with the thickness
and performance of the protection system. To repeat the procedure to explore those important and numerous
variables for all steel sections and protection parameters would be prohibitive. Consequently, assessment procedures
have been developed which allow the performance of a range of steel sections to be estimated from the information
gained from a limited number of tests.

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3.3 Assessment of fire protection materials (general)
Methods of assessing the performance of fire protection materials have been developed which enable the thickness of
protection for a wide range of situations to be predicted. The procedure is in two parts. Firstly, a carefully designed
programme of fire tests is carried out on both loaded and unloaded specimens and, secondly, a mathematical or other
procedure is applied to the results of the tests which enables predictions of required thickness to be made. These
programmes of tests are designed to determine both the insulation characteristics of a fire protection material and its
physical performance under fire conditions for a range of steel sizes, in terms of section factor, protection thicknesses
and fire resistance periods. They aim to generate the maximum amount of data from the minimum number of tests.

A method of assessing fire protection materials has been developed and used in the UK for a number of years. It was
used to generate the data in the earlier editions of this publication and is one of the methods used in this edition.
Further details are contained in volume 2 and volume 3.

European methods of testing and assessing fire protection materials have been developed and published since 2010.
These methods have been formally standardised in EN 13381-4 (non-reactive products) and EN 13381-8 (reactive
products). In a similar programme of tests to those already used in the UK, both loaded and unloaded specimens are
tested and an appraisal of the fire protection material is derived. The method has a number of technical differences
from the UK procedure which make an exact comparison difficult. Further details are in Yellow Book 6th Edition
volume 2 (Reactive coatings) and volume 3 (Passive systems).

4 Certification of Products
The evaluation of proprietary fire protection may be undertaken essentially by two routes:

– A traditional ‘Yellow Book’ assessment which may be based on thermal data derived from testing to BS 476 or
BS EN 13381 test methods.
– An assessment to BS EN 13381-4 (non-reactive products) or BS EN 13381-8 (reactive products) which can only
be based on thermal data derived from testing to EN test methods.

4.1 Certification Using YB6 vol 2 and 3 testing and assessment

Many products are tested and assessed in accordance with the protocols laid down in Yellow Book 6 volumes 2 and 3.
ASFP manufacturer members have committed to using a third party certification scheme based on these tests and
assessments. Certification of products is undertaken by a certification body operating a product certification scheme
accredited by UKAS, the government body that monitors certification bodies. Third party certification guarantees the
quality of the product as it leaves the factory or as supplied to site by a mixture of:

• Selection of samples for testing by the certification body

• Audits of the manufacturers factory production control systems
• Traceability of product from raw material to final product
• Requirement of manufacturer to operate an ISO 9001 quality management system

4.2 UKCA / CE Product marking based on UKTA / ETA Product assessment

At the time of writing, the quality marking of almost all passive fire protection products for the protection of structural
steel in buildings is done on a voluntary basis. There is no mandatory requirement to achieve a UKCA or CE mark in
accordance with either the UK’s or EC’s Construction Products Regulations (CPR).

Any such voluntary UKCA or CE mark would be realised by obtaining a UK Technical Assessment (UKTA) or a European
Technical Assessments (ETA) prepared by an Approval Body against the relevant Assessment Document requirements.
As of December 2023, the relevant assessment rules were declared in the European Assessment Document (EAD)
texts. www.eota.eu/en-GB/content/eads/56.

The EADs relevant to fire protection for structural steelwork are:

• EAD350402-00-1106 (Reactive Coatings for fire protection of steel elements)
• EAD350140-00-1106 (Renderings and rendering kits intended for fire resistance applications)
• EAD350142-00-1106 (Fire protective board, slab and mat products and kits)
Since the UKs departure from the EU, the EADs referenced above have been listed on the UK Government website as
an appropriate assessment method for the preparation of the new UK Assessment Documents, for products to be

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placed on the GB Market. Separate rules currently apply in Northern Ireland. For more information See
https://asfp.org.uk/page/UKCAandCEMarkingUpdate on the ASFP website.

Each EAD addresses the Basic Works Requirements, as defined in the EU Construction Products Regulations, deemed
applicable to the product and contains the testing and other procedures necessary to demonstrate its fitness for
purpose as indicated below.

The situation regarding Construction Products regulations in Great Britain is expected to change at some point shortly
after publication of this guide. The UK government is expected to bring forward new regulations on this topic at some
point during 2025. In addition, the European Union is also looking to amend their Construction Products regulations
with effect from January 2026. ASFP will update https://asfp.org.uk/page/UKCAandCEMarkingUpdates in this respect
to keep advice up to date, and users are encouraged to review that web site for the latest information.

4.2.1 Contents of EAD350402-00-1106 Reactive coatings for fire protection of steel

elements

Table 1 – Basic works requirements of EAD350402-00-1106

Basic Works Requirement (Essential How Basic Works Requirement (Essential Characteristics under CPR)
Characteristics under CPR) are addressed in the EAD
Safety in case of fire Reaction to Fire and Resistance to Fire performance
Hygiene, health and environment Release of dangerous substances
Safety and Accessibility in use Adhesion, Durability, Serviceability
Corrosion resistance, Behaviour under different environmental
conditions, Resistance to chemicals. Identification.

4.2.2 Contents of EAD350140-00-1106 Renderings and rendering kits intended for fire
resisting applications

Table 2 - Basic works requirements of EAD350140-00-1106

Basic Works Requirement How Basic Works Requirement (Essential Characteristics under CPR)
(Essential Characteristics under CPR) are addressed in the EAD
Safety in case of fire Reaction to Fire and Resistance to Fire performance
Hygiene, health and environment Release of dangerous substances
Safety in use Mechanical resistance and stability, Resistance to impact/movement,
Adhesion
Safety and Accessibility in use Thermal insulation, Durability, Serviceability:
Resistance to UV exposure, Deterioration cause by: heat, rain, high
humidity, heat and cold, freezing and thawing. Resistance to corrosion
of a steel substrate/fixings induced by the rendering. Mechanical
resistance and serviceability, resistance to impact/movement, air
erosion, adhesion (bond strength). Identification.
Protection against Noise Airborne sound Insulation, Sound Absorption, Impact sound insulation.
Energy economy and heat retention Thermal insulation, water vapour permeability, water absorption.

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4.2.3 Contents of EAD350142-00-1106 Fire protective board, slab and mat products and
kits

Table 3 - Basic works requirements of EAD350142-00-1106

Basic Works Requirement How Basic Works Requirement (Essential Characteristics under CPR)
(Essential Characteristics under CPR) are addressed in the EAD
Safety in case of fire Reaction to Fire and Resistance to Fire performance
Hygiene, health and environment Release of dangerous substances, Water vapour permeability
Safety in use Mechanical resistance and stability, Pull-through and/or shear load
resistance of mechanical fasteners. Resistance to soft and/or hard body
impact. Resistance to eccentric load, Adhesion
Protection against Noise Airborne sound Insulation, Sound Absorption, Impact sound insulation.
Energy economy and heat retention Thermal resistance, water vapour transmission coefficient,
Durability and serviceability, Moisture transfer. Identification.

4.2.4 What manufacturers must do for CE Marking

Many products are covered under the CPR and consequently manufacturers will need to find out how it affects them
by undertaking the following:

• Determine if the product is covered by a European Assessment Document (EAD)

• Determine the status of the EAD – is it listed on the EOTA website and cited in the OJEU?
• Determine how many products can be grouped together into families to reduce the amount of testing and
other procedures
• Approach an ETA Issuing Body (for products covered by an EAD)
• An ETA issuing Body will organise the testing and issue a Certificate of Constancy of Performance.
The manufacturer/supplier can then make a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE mark the product
accordingly

At the time of writing a revised text for the Construction Products Regulation is available. This will also require a
manufacturer/supplier to make a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) along with the DoP.

4.2.5 What manufacturers must do for UKCA Marking

Many products are covered under the EU CPR are also covered under UK CPR consequently manufacturers will need
to find out how it affects them by undertaking the following:

• Determine if the product is covered by a European Assessment Document (EAD)

• Determine the status of the EAD – is it listed on UK Government website
• Determine how many products can be grouped together into families to reduce the amount of testing and
other procedures
• Approach an UKTA Issuing Body (for products covered by a listed EAD)
• A UKTA issuing Body will organise the testing and issue a Certificate of Constancy of Performance.
The manufacturer can then make a Declaration of Performance and UKCA mark the product accordingly

4.2.6 Certification Output

An example of the typical layout of a product certificate for a structural passive fire protection product is shown below
in table 4. The table indicates the required thickness of the product, tabulated in terms of Fire resistance Period,
Design Temperature and Section Factor. Tables are typically preceded by a header indicating the type of structural
member to which it is applicable, e.g. 4 sided columns, and may be followed by notes that further qualify applicability.

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 Table 4 - Typical certification layout

Fire resistance period is as laid down in building regulations, see section 5.

Calculation of design temperatures is covered in more detail in section 7 and Annex B - .
Section Factor calculations are explained in Annex A - , and there are tables for the standard UK rolled sections in
Annex D - .

In application of the certificated data, interpolation of the various tabulated values may be used between adjacent
values of temperatures and/or section factors.

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5 Applicable Regulations and Codes

5.1 Introduction
The documents listed in this section are most of the publications relevant to the
performance requirements of structural fire protection in the event of a fire. These
documents are the source of regulatory advice that explain how to construct a building
so that in the event of a fire it will maintain structural stability for a reasonable period
of time.

5.2 Building regulations

Building regulations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland are applicable to most
building work that is undertaken. The Regulations for England and Wales are functional
and deal with life safety standards for design and building work in the construction of
domestic, commercial and industrial buildings. The regulatory systems in Scotland
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland differ from those in England and W ales.

A summary of the applicable legislation and appropriate statutory guidance documents for fire safety is given in Table
5 below.

Table 5 - Summary of Building Regulations

Country England Wales Scotland N Ireland Ireland

Building Control
Building Regulations 1991,
Building Building Building
Building (Scotland) 1997 – 2011.
Regulations Regulations Regulations (N
Regulations Regulations Building Control
2010 2010 Ireland) 2000
2006 (Amendment)
Regulations 2014
Approved Approved
Document B Document B Technical Technical
Statutory or (2019 edition (2019 edition Handbook 2024 Booklet E 2012 Technical
Supporting incorporating incorporating Incorporating Guidance
Guidance docs the 2020, 2022 the 2020, 2022 https://is.gd/WI amendments Document B 2024
and 2024 and 2024 JIWz booklet 2022
amendments) amendments)

Building
Fire Services Acts
Regulation 38 or Yes Yes No* No
2003
equivalent**

Building safety
Yes Yes – in Part Yes -in Part No No
Act**

CDM regulations
2015 2015 2015 2007 BCAR
or equivalent

*although Scottish Building Standards Officers can apply ‘continuing requirements’ and fire safety design documents are part of those. In addition
the Scottish Executive is considering an equivalent to Regulation 38.
**The building safety act provisions for High rise residential building registration, supervision and recording of PFP within the golden thread apply in
England.

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5.2.1 Building Regulation 38 - England & Wales only
If a building was constructed after April 2007, Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations applies in England and Wales.
This requires that sufficient fire safety information be provided for persons to operate and maintain the building in
reasonable safety. An overview of what information is required in terms of PFP measures is provided in the Annex R38
of Approved Document B Volume 2: Fire Safety (English and Welsh versions). The information, which should have
been passed on by the main contractor in compliance with Regulation 38 is vital to ensure that an appropriate and
effective Fire Risk Assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order can be undertaken (see 5.4.2)
Such information, whether arising from the CDM Regulations or Regulation 38 will include details of fire-resisting
construction on escape routes, fire compartmentation and other PFP information specified to satisfy AD-B and should
include the fire test and assessment reports and any third party certification.

5.3 Golden Thread (High Risk Building – England only)

The ‘Golden Thread’ is the term used to describe the information and documents that must be collated and stored in
order to safely occupy, manage and operate a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) throughout its lifecycle. It is created by the
Client who must establish the electronic format, with version control, to be used throughout all stages of a project, as
set out in The Building (Higher-Risk Building Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023. This supersedes the provisions of
regulation 38 for High Risk Relevant Buildings.

Once handed over to the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) for the building, it must be maintained to reflect any
changes within the building and its use. The Golden Thread is intended to be the ‘single source of truth’ or Common
Data Environment for an HRB, containing details of everything that could have an impact on the safety of the building
and the people that use it. This includes the products, materials, and systems used; methods of construction; plant,
equipment and services installed; and operation and maintenance information.

A high risk building is defined as one which is taller than 18m or 6 storeys, and contains more than 1 residential unit.
Care homes and Hospitals in construction also come under this requirement.

5.4 Other Regulations

5.4.1 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 were revised in 2015. Whilst mainly aimed at clients,
designers and contractors, manufacturers of construction products also have obligations under these Regulations:

Manufacturers supplying standardised products for use in any construction

project are not designers; however, the person who selects the product is a
designer and must take account of health and safety issues arising from the
installation and use of those products. In a situation where a product is
required to be purpose built (bespoke), then the person who prepares the
specification or drawings is a designer and so is the manufacturer if he
develops the specification into a detailed design. The connection is that
the designer’s decisions can affect the health and safety of workers and
others who will construct, maintain, repair, clean, refurbish and eventually
demolish the building or structure, as well as those who will use it as a
completed workplace.

Further information can be obtained from “CDM2015 Principles in Practice, Industry Guidance for Designers”
published by Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) which can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/4fs74Q0. Note
that this is still draft guidance which is subject to change. Further Industry Guidance publications include guidance for
Contractors (download from https://bit.ly/4fs74Q0), Principal Contractors (download from https://bit.ly/4fs74Q0),
Workers (download from https://bit.ly/4fs74Q0) and the new role of Principal Designers (download from
https://bit.ly/4fs74Q0). The existing role of CDM Co-ordinator is not taken forward with the new Regulations.

In addition to the above guidance the HSE has published “Draft Guidance on The Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 2015” which provides draft Legal (L) Series guidance on the legal requirements of the
Regulation. A copy of this publication can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/3YtfD6v.

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For the first time, all the above will now apply to domestic client projects, although the client duties will normally be
transferred to the contractor or principal contractor, or if the client wishes to make a specific appointment, the
designer.

5.4.2 Risk based fire safety legislation

The move within regulatory guidance from prescriptive rules to performance-based designs and risk assessment
during occupation puts greater responsibility for safety onto building owners or occupiers. The establishment of the
‘Responsible Person’ under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (or RR(FS)O) and national equivalents in
Scotland and Ireland means that those who are responsible for the operation of a business within a building need to
be aware of their responsibilities which include the installation and maintenance of passive fire protection systems.
The Responsible Person is the employer, where there is one, and where there is not it will be the person
responsible for the activity undertaken on the premises which might give rise to a risk to those present. It includes;
a) the employer in relation to any workplace which is to any extent under his control;
b) in relation to any premises where there is no employer:
i the person (whether the occupier or owner of the premises or not) who has the overall
management of the premises; or
ii where there is no one with overall management responsibility, the occupier of the premises; or
iii where neither (i) or (ii) apply, the owner of the premises
A brief summary of the appropriate legislation is given in Table 6 below.

Table 6 - Summary of the applicable legislation pertaining to fire risk assessments in the UK and Ireland.

Country England & Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland

Relevant Act Regulatory Reform Fire Safety (Scotland) Fire and Rescue General Application
(Fire Safety) Order Regulations & Fire Services (Northern Regulations 2007
(FSO), as amended in Scotland Act Ireland) Order 2006 under the Safety,
England by the Fire Health and Welfare
safety (England) Act at Work Act 2005.
2002 Fire Services Acts
1981 & 2003
Person responsible Responsible Person Duty holder Appropriate Person Responsible Person
(Employer/landlord)
Person to do risk Responsible or Responsible or Responsible or Responsible or
assessment Competent person Competent person Competent Person Competent person
People affected in Relevant persons Relevant Persons Relevant Persons Employees and
building persons connected
with the workplace

5.5 Supporting Documents for risk based fire safety legislation

The following supporting documents may be useful, but is not an exhaustive list:
The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has published a series of
guides which introduce employers, managers, occupiers and owners to the new fire safety
regime as it affects a variety of types of premises, under the generic title ‘Fire safety risk
assessment’. Documents can be downloaded from: https://bit.ly/3Ah1Ho1.
Other general supporting documents can be found in 0.

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5.6 Insurers’ requirements
Insurers’ requirements for the protection of property may be higher than those
required for life safety. Business continuity is also a consideration which can lead to
higher specification of passive fire protection.

Useful information can be found at www.riscauthority.co.uk including free downloads

of relevant documentation including:

• Insurers’ version of England Approved Document B https://bit.ly/3YLCRpR

• BDM2 - Fire protection of buildings - Core Document – Compartmentation
https://bit.ly/4e4YR37
• BDM6 - Fire protection of buildings - Core Document - Protection of openings and
service penetrations from fire https://bit.ly/3UvpsQ8
a) ‘Essential principles’
b) ‘Design Guide for the protection of buildings – Protection of openings and service
penetrations from fire’

6 ASFP documents
Building owners (and their agents) and/or the Responsible Person under the Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (and national equivalents in Scotland, Wales and
Ireland) are responsible for the maintenance of fire-stopping systems within the building
and this should form part of the risk assessment carried out under these regulations.
Similar provisions apply in Scotland and Ireland. The ASFP publication: Guide to
inspection passive fire protection for fire risk assessors gives detailed information on
how to inspect passive fire protection to be able to adequately undertake a risk
assessment under those regulations. https://bit.ly/3C8OEWk

6.1 Codes of practice

• Department of Health HTM 05 Series, available from https://bit.ly/4f2hqq7 including
o HTM_05-01 Managing healthcare fire safety
o HTM_05-02_2015 Guidance in support of (Fire safety in the design of
healthcare premises)
o HTM_05-03_Part_A_Final General fire safety
o HTM_05-03_Part_J Guidance on fire engineering of healthcare
o HTM_05-03_Part_M_Final Guidance on the fire safety of atria

• Building Bulletin 100 – Designing & managing against the risk of fire in schools Design
principles for smoke ventilation in enclosed shopping centres
• BS 9999:2017 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of
buildings
• BS 9991:2015 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings.
Code of practice

6.2 Fire Prevention Association

• FPA Design Guide for the Fire Protection of Buildings – Essential principles,
https://bit.ly/4f8DGyK
• Guidance on the Preparation of a Generic Fire Design Guide. University Health and
Safety Association https://bit.ly/3YvLKT7

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7 Specification of Passive Fire Protection

7.1 General
It is crucially important for those specifying a passive fire protection system to liaise with the fire engineer to ensure
that important design considerations are not omitted or misinterpreted. These include:

1. The fire resistance period for each member, e.g. 30, 60, 120 minutes.
2. Whether the design code is based on the Eurocodes, the now withdrawn BS 5950, or another design standard.
Depending on which of these is used may change any project specific critical temperature.
3. The associated limiting temperature for the design. See Annex B -
4. Whether cellular beams are to be considered. See Annex A -

ASFP Advisory Note 12, Annex 1 (reproduced in Annex E - ) contains a list of questions which should be addressed by the
specifier or a competent person on his/her behalf to ensure that any submission will correctly provide details for the
fire protection. Some misuses of supporting data are listed below. This list is not exhaustive:

1. Using test evidence obtained from fire tests on beams (tested with a concrete slab on top which limits fire
exposure to only 3 sides) for scenarios where the structural member is fully exposed to fire on all 4 sides, e.g.
a roof beam or a column.
2. Using test evidence obtained from fire tests on beams (tested with a concrete slab on top) for scenarios
where the structural member is carrying a different type of floor slab e.g. CLT, steel chequerplate or flexible
wooden joist floor.
3. Where data from an I section is used for application on hollow sections
4. Where data from one type of section e.g. beams or columns is used to justify use on other types of section e.g.
large flat horizontal plates or the underside of metal decking
5. Use of unsuitable limiting temperatures on portal rafters
6. Use of unjustifiably high limiting temperatures to justify a lower thickness of products and thus a cheaper
solution.
7. The use of maximum tested thicknesses on steel sections which are not covered by the certification i.e. section
factor higher than listed.
8. Use of limiting temperatures and design protocol for solid beams for application on cell beams which require
a more complex evaluation.
9. Extending or extrapolating product performance data beyond the certificated/listed range
10. Use of ambient strength utilisation below 100% (full strength). This should only be acceptedwhen provided by
the project design team as it could lead to unacceptable and insufficient levels of protection.

It is realised that many of the factors above require specialist knowledge to be able to evaluate and consequently it is
recommended that a specialist manufacturer or a suitably qualified engineer (e.g. Chartered engineers recognised by
the Engineering Council or other suitable competent person) be consulted.

7.2 Presentation and use of certificated product data

Manufacturers shall request the certification body that they use for third party product certification/CE marking to
present their product performance data (whether to national or European requirements) in the form of a multi-
temperature assessment in tabular format as illustrated in Section 4.2.6, Table 4, i.e. for each fire resistance period
(30min, 60min, 90min, etc.). The required product thickness is presented as a function of temperature and at
increments of steel section factor of 5 over the range of the assessment.

Where the scope of the product test and assessment is such that data is not available at any coordinate within a Multi
Temperature Analysis (MTA), that coordinate cell shall be completed with 'N/A', indicating not available - except that
for any single section factor row in the table, the minimum derived thickness related to any temperature in that row
can be used to complete the row for higher temperatures.

In application of the certificated data, interpolation of the various tabulated values may be used between adjacent
values of temperatures and/or section factors.

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7.3 Tendering for projects and the use of limiting temperatures
To be able to tender for projects, manufacturers shall be provided with not only the required fire resistance
performance but also the associated limiting temperature (i.e. the temperature determined at the fire limit state for
any/all structural members). This temperature shall be calculated and specified by a suitably qualified engineer (e.g.
Chartered engineers recognised by the Engineering Council). When it is not provided, manufacturers may utilise a
default critical temperature related to the building occupancy type connected to national design code requirements.
These temperatures shall be given by a competent authority (e.g. the ASFP in the UK) or by national approvals or by
regulation. Irrespective, the calculated or default critical temperature related to a product thickness shall be explicitly
stated in the tender offering. For more information on the selection and use of limiting temperatures, see Section 7
and Annex B - .

8 Critical Steel Temperatures

8.1 General
In this publication, the thicknesses of fire protection materials to maintain structural steel sections below specified
temperatures for specified fire resistance period are given in product data tables. These are either published in the
manufacturer’s literature or are hosted on certification body websites. They may also be loaded into software to aid
with the estimation process.

8.2 Codes used to derive critical temperatures for hot rolled structural steelwork
For UK construction projects, the only structural design standards referenced in guidance to meet the requirements of
the national building regulations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are the Eurocodes. The Eurocode
documents relevant to steel protection in fire scenarios are:

• BS EN 1991-1-2:2024 Actions on structures. General actions. Actions on structures exposed to fire

• BS EN 1993-1-2:2024 Design of steel structures. General rules. Structural fire design
• BS EN 1994-1-2:2005 Design of composite steel and concrete structures. General rules. Structural fire design.

The Eurocode documents contain provisions to allow choices to be made at a national level for some clauses. This
allows a National Standards Body (NSB) such as the British Standards Institute (BSI) to publish a National Annex
document relating to any part of the Eurocode where Nationally Determined Parameters (NDP) provide alternative
solutions to selected clauses within the main text.

The primary document used to derive the default critical temperatures in Table 7 is the UK National Annex document
NA to BS EN 1993-1-2:2005 UK National Annex to Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures. Part 1-2: General rules –
Structural fire design. This document provides values for protected steel structures appropriate in UK construction.

The national annex document provides values categorised by the structural function of the steel member in addition
to values that are dependent on the level of structural design load deemed appropriate for the evaluation. For the
purposes of this document, the appropriate design load level for the fire scenario is taken to be no less than 0.6 × the
capacity of the member at ambient temperature.

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 Table 7 – Default critical temperatures

Default critical temperature

Simple Description Structural Use / Description of Member
(°C)
I section and Hollow section beams in bending
3-sided beam 580
supporting concrete slabs or composite slabs.
I section and hollow section beams in bending
4-sided Beam 550
not supporting concrete slabs

Hangers and tension braces Members in tension only of any shape 550

Column (including Hollow

Columns), trusses and other Compression members of any shape (*) 500
bracings

(*) Truss / bracing members are typically in tension but can also be under compression, dependant upon the load
path. Therefore, the conservative compression member temperature is adopted.

Note: The 5th Edition of Yellow Book gave different critical temperatures for both BS 5950 and Eurocode design
standards in addition to the building occupancy type and section profile type. It was felt that these recommendations
were complicated and open to misinterpretation. Therefore, a simpler approach is adopted for this document. The
values above have been derived to align with current UK standards whilst also being deemed appropriate for
withdrawn UK design standards such as BS 5950. The rationale behind these values, and the assumptions
underpinning the temperatures are explained in Annex B.2.

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Annex A - Section factor

A.1 General
The section factor of a hot rolled open section, a hot finished/formed hollow section or fabricated girder is defined as
the surface area of the member per unit length (Am) divided by the volume per unit length (V). It is measured in units
of m-1. This definition can be found in Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures, Part 1-2: General rules, Structural fire
design.

Historically section factor has been calculated in line with the definitions in the 1990 version of BS 5950 Structural use
of steelwork in building, Part 8: Code of practice for fire resistant design. Although subtly different, the Eurocode
definitions and the historic BS 5950 definitions give the same answer for uniform cross-sections. Section factors vary
from 25m-1 for very large sections to over 300m-1 for small, slender sections. By convention, section factor is usually
written A/V.

Section Factor = A/V

Where
A = Surface area of steel exposed to fire per unit of length
V = Volume of the section per unit length

High A Low A
Low V High V
Fast Heating Slow Heating

Figure A.1 – Concept of section factor

A steel section with a large surface area (A) will receive more heat than one with a smaller surface area. Also, the
greater the volume (V) of the section, the greater is the heat sink. It therefore follows, that a small thick section will
have a slower rate of temperature increase in a fire when compared to a large thin one. The Section Factor (A/V) is
thus a measure of the rate at which a section will heat up in a fire. The higher the value of the section factor, the
greater will be the protection thickness required for a given fire resistance period. Values of section factor for the
range of sections for fire exposure on both three and four sides are given in Annex D - , Table D.2 to Table D.13. Table
D.1 also illustrates the appropriate ‘perimeter dimension’ to be used when calculating the section factor for a variety
of steel sections in different situations.

In calculating the section factor values the full volume, V, is used whether the section is exposed on three or four sides
as the whole of the steel section will be receiving heat. The value of A is the exposed surface area and that depends
on the configuration of the fire protection. In the case of a ‘box’ protection, the surface area is taken as the sum of
the inside dimensions of the smallest possible rectangular or square encasement (except for circular hollow sections -
see Annex D whilst for a ‘profile’ protection, it is taken as the external surface area of the steel section itself. Where a
section supports a floor or is against a wall which itself provide fire protection, the surface in contact is ignored in
calculating A. For ‘solid’ protection the section factor value should be taken as that for box protection.

Where a spray or trowelled system has been tested as a profile protection, the use of the same material as a box
protection is permissible, provided there is adequate evidence of physical performance (commonly referred to as
‘stickability’). In the absence of a full programme of tests on the system as a boxed protection, the thickness should
be derived on the basis of the section factor for the profiled application.

In some cases the appropriate section factor may not be based on simple geometric considerations. Guidance on some
common cases is given below.

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A.2 Section factor for partially exposed members
When a section is partially exposed to fire, for instance when a column is built into a wall or a beam is embedded in a
floor slab, and robust construction materials such as brick, block or concrete have been used, the section factor may
be traditionally calculated as shown in Annex D - , Table D.1. In such situations the same principle is used as for other
configurations, where A is the surface area of the part of the section exposed to the fire and V is the volume of the
section. The section factor will change depending upon the degree of exposure and the equations given in Annex D - ,
Table D.1 can be used.

It should be noted that the calculation method in Table 7.4 of Eurocode EN 1993-1-2:2024 uses a more conservative
value for the Section factor[A/V] as calculated by division of the exposed steel perimeter [A EXP] by the exposed steel
cross section area [VEXP] rather than the entire volume of the steel section, despite the fact that heat is conducted into
the entire volume of the steel section and also into the mass in contact with the embedded steel surface. That is, for
partially exposed unprotected steel, the Eurocode section factor (A/V) = (AEXP / VEXP).

The method generally used in Annex D - , Table D.1 may not be generally applicable when steel is not embedded in
fire resisting construction. In such cases it would be prudent to assume that the entire perimeter of the steel may
become exposed to fire, and the section factor should then be calculated assuming full exposure.

Where the steel section penetrates through both sides of a fire resisting construction, consideration has to be given to
requirements in addition to structural stability. For example, it is possible that a column with a fire resistant wall built
within its flanges or level with the outer flanges may not comply with the appropriate integrity and/or insulation
requirements for elements performing a fire separation function if the fire protection is sufficient to prevent structural
collapse only.

This occurs because the insulation and integrity criterion must be satisfied for both steel member and wall. The
thickness of protection to the exposed steel should be sufficient to ensure that the rise in mean surface temperature
of the protection on the side remote from the fire does not exceed 140°C, and the rise in maximum surface
temperature does not exceed 180°C above ambient.

In assessing fire protection requirements to maintain the structural performance of the column, the exposed steel on
each side of the wall will have its own heated surface area, A, and therefore its own A/V, consequently different
protection thicknesses may be required on each side depending upon the degree of exposure.

A.3 Section factor (A/V) for wind and stability bracing

The apparent cost of fire protecting bracing members is often expected to be high because the members are
comparatively light and therefore have high section factors and correspondingly require high thicknesses of fire
protection. The fire Eurocodes give no guidance on this, however, BS 5950 Structural use of steelwork in building,
Part 8: Code of practice for fire resistant design recommends that the fire protection thickness should be based on the
section factor of the steel member, or a value of 200m-1, whichever is the smaller value, linked to a critical
temperature of 500°C. This standard also states that in some cases, it might not be necessary to apply fire protection
to bracing members and consideration should be given to:

a) Shielding bracing from fire by installing it in shafts or within walls.

b) The use of infill masonry walls, which can provide the sufficient shear capacity during a fire instead of relying
on the steel bracing systems.
c) The possibility that only bracing systems within a fire compartment might be subjected to elevated
temperatures and the other unaffected bracing systems might be sufficient to provide the required stability at
the fire limit state.
d) The possibility that the steel beam to column connections might have sufficient stiffness to ensure stability at
the fire limit state

The recommendations in previous editions for fire protection to bracing members are retained in Table A.1, reproduced
from BS 5950-8. Further information is contained in ASFP Advisory Note 23.

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 Table A.1 - Assessment of fire protection requirements for bracing

Building Degree of fire protection to bracing system

Single storey
None
Not more than 8m to eaves
Single storey
Generally none
More than 8m to eaves
Generally none. Walls and frame stiffness will contribute considerably to
Two storey
stability.
Protected to achieve required fire resistance. However the selection of
Other multi-storey thickness may be based on allowable reductions in applied loads in fire
given in BS 5950-8: 2003 or BS EN 1990.

A.4 Tapered sections

Use the maximum section factor for the tapered steel section.

A.5 Trusses and Lattice members

Ideally, wherever possible, a lattice beam should be judged by a full test as a loaded member. However, with existing
fire testing equipment this is not always practicable and recourse to appraisal using section factors can be made.

When the elements of a lattice beam are to be individually protected, the thickness of protection required for each
element should be based on the section factor of the individual element. Where a lattice beam is to be protected by
encasing the entire beam by either boards, or sprays applied to an expanded metal lathing, no recommendation can be
given and each case must be considered on its own merits, according to any test information available.

In the absence of a detailed analysis, a default critical/limiting temperature consistent with that used for columns
exposed on four sides is recommended when assessing the fire protection requirements for the individual elements of
a lattice girder. These are detailed in Section B.2. In all cases it is important that the final appraisal be based on a broad
consideration of the lattice design.

A.6 Light gauge cold formed members

This type of section would normally necessitate separate appraisal because of the high values of A/V and the manner in
which the sections are formed which can influence their failure criteria. Research is continuing to formulate
recommendations for the applications of data given in this publication. Some information on the protection of cold
formed members is given in the SCI publication 129 - Building design using cold formed members: Fire Protection.

Cold formed sections are generally formed from thin gauge steel. This loses strength in fire more quickly than hot rolled
steel. In general, limiting temperatures for cold formed sections are 50 oC to 100oC lower than for hot rolled sections.
This, combined with the relatively high section factors for cold formed sections, means that fire protection thicknesses
are relatively high.

A.7 Cellular and castellated beams

Cellular beams are characterised by holes, usually but not always regularly spaced, in the web. They have the
advantages that they can span longer distances than conventional hot rolled sections and services can be installed
through the web openings, thus reducing the overall floor depth. They are usually created by one of two methods. The
first involves cutting along the web of a hot rolled section (usually a universal beam or column) to a particular profile,
separating the two parts and then welding these Tee sections to form a deeper or shallower beam section. Usually, a
single section size is used for both halves of the cellular beam but asymmetric sections can be created by using
different rolled sections for each part of the new section. The second method uses a combination of three plates
welded together to form a built up I profile with the apertures cut into the web plate.

These sections are produced by specialist companies such as Westok and FABSEC (other manufacturers are available)
and are purchased by the steelwork contractor to be fabricated into elements for a specific project. Rectangular and

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‘elongated’ aperture shapes are available, although circular are the most common. Historically, the first cellular beams
used hexagonal openings and were known as castellated beams. These are now very rare.

In modern cellular beam construction, a large range of aperture sizes and spacing/pitch is available and the area of
steel between them is known as the web post. With regard to fire protection, the most important feature is that,
unlike rolled sections which usually fail in bending in fire and for which the most important temperature is generally
that of the lower flange, for cellular and castellated beams, the failure mode is generally web post buckling and it is
the temperature of that part of the beam which is usually the most important. The dimensions of the residual ‘web
post’ can therefore significantly affect the performance of the cellular beam in fire.

The issue of testing and assessment of fire protection systems for use with cellular beams is discussed in Volumes 2
and 3.

Details of how to calculate section factor, critical temperatures and subsequent fire protection thicknesses for cellular
and castellated beams is covered in Annex C of this document.

A.8 Upstand Beams

Some floor construction designs involve laying a metal deck onto an outstand formed by the bottom flange of an
asymmetric steel profile or onto an outstand formed by welding a plate to the bottom flange of a serial beam or
column section. The concrete floor slab is then laid onto the deck embedding the beam in concrete as shown in the
figures below.

Figure A.2 – Examples of floor constructions incorporating upstand beams

In situations where fire protection is required, typically only the exposed bottom steel plate requires protection. Any
protection thickness should be based on section factor (A/V), where the heated perimeter is the sum of the width of
the steel plate (or flange) plus the two times the plate (or flange) thickness. The cross-sectional area can be taken as
the overall area of the steel member. It is noted that EN 1993-1-2 provides a method to determine the section factor
of an I-section flange exposed to fire on one-side. The only difference is that it takes the cross-sectional area more
conservatively as that of the lower flange/plates only. Either approach may be considered acceptable.

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Annex B - Engineered approaches to structural fire protection

B.1 General
The following fire Eurocodes are available for the design of structural steel in fire in the UK:
• BS EN 1991: Actions on Structures, General actions, Part 1.2, Actions on structures exposed to fire;
• BS EN 1993: Design of steel structures, General rules, Part 1.2, Structural fire design;
• BS EN 1994: Design of composite steel and concrete structures, General rules, Part 1.2, Structural fire design,

These codes concern themselves mainly with the design of individual elements of construction in fire. The behaviour
of frames and assemblies in fire is usually dealt with using advanced fire engineering methods.

Although the Eurocodes and the British Standard are quite different in scope and complexity, they are based on a
common understanding of the strength of structural steel in fire and also the factors which affect inherent fire
resistance.

All Eurocodes have National Annexes. These are “official” national deviations from the published documents. A National
Annex normally contains small changes to certain factors to bring the Eurocode in line with existing national standards.
They also contain guidance on the use of Informative Annexes with particular emphasis on those which may and may
not be used.

The basic concepts of how to use these codes to define limiting (failure) temperatures for structural steel are explained
below.

B.2 Default limiting and critical temperatures

It is recommended that the critical temperature of all sections should be fully evaluated by a detailed engineering
calculation conducted by a suitably qualified engineer e.g. a chartered engineer recognised by the Engineering Council
with appropriate fire design and engineering experience. In the absence of such calculations, the default temperatures
below may be adopted. These have been compiled based upon structural loading limitations to utilization (in fire)
values of no greater than µ0 = 0.6 for all scenarios.

Table B.1 - Default critical temperatures*

Default critical temperature

Simple Description Structural Use / Description of Member
(°C)

I section and Hollow section beams in bending

3-sided beam 580
supporting concrete slabs or composite slabs.

I section and hollow section beams in bending

4-sided Beam 550
not supporting concrete slabs

Hangers and tension braces Members in tension only of any shape 550

Column (including Hollow

Columns), trusses and other Compression members of any shape (*) 500
bracings

(*) Truss / bracing members are typically in tension but can also be under compression, dependant upon the load
path. Therefore, the conservative compression member temperature is adopted.

Designers should be aware that Table NA.1 in the UK National Annex for EN 1993-1-2 may also be used to determine
limiting steel temperatures for structural members with respect to their utilisation in fire and for compression
members, their non-dimensional slenderness ratio.

The advice in the above table applies to standard sections only manufactured from carbon steel designed in
accordance with EN 1993 and EN 1994. Users are advised to seek detailed advice for special cases such as those listed
below:-

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Beams with web openings (Cellbeams) – See Appendix C of this document
Class 4 sections
Corrugated webs – see ASFP Advisory Note 27.
Cold rolled steel sections.
Filled Hollow sections.

The above list is not exhaustive.

B.3 Class 4 sections

It should be noted that the fire Eurocodes have introduced the issue of section classification into the calculation of
critical temperatures. This was absent from BS 5950 Part 8. Hot rolled structural sections and hot finished/formed
structural hollow sections are determined to be Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on factors such as the ratio of the
outstand of a flange or the depth of a web to its thickness. This is explained in BS EN 1993 Design of steel structures.
Part 1.1: General rules and rules for buildings, which states that “The role of cross section classification is to identify
the extent to which the resistance and rotation capacity of cross sections is limited by its local buckling resistance.” Of
particular importance is the identification of Class 4 sections which are defined as being those “...in which local
buckling will occur before the attainment of yield stress in one or more parts of the cross-section.”

Such sections are relatively rare but they will cause particular problems because critical temperatures can be as low as
350oC. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that section classification is calculated differently in BS EN 1993 Part
1.2 than in BS EN 1993 Part 1.1. Thus, it is possible that a structural section that is Class 1, 2 or 3 in ambient design
could be Class 4 in fire.

Fire protecting Class 4 sections is very difficult and their use should be avoided if at all possible. More details on this,
including an explain of how section classification works, are available at
www.steelconstruction.info/Eurocode_classification_of_sections_in_fire

B.4 Strength of steel at elevated temperature

As hot rolled/formed structural steel is heated it will retain its yield strength until it reaches a temperature of about
400°C and then, on further heating, it becomes steadily weaker. The variation of strength retention with temperature
for the most commonly used grades of structural steel is given in Table B.2. The values given are taken from BS EN
1993-1.2 and can be applied to the following structural steel grades: S235; S275; S355; S420 and S460 of EN 10025
and all grades of EN 10210 and EN 10219. The effective yield strength factors below are relevant when considering
bending and tension failures. Youngs modulus factors are relevant when considering structural stiffness and buckling
failure and are included in the table below.

Table B.2 - Variation of the effective yield strength factor of normal structural steels with temperature from the
Eurocodes

Temperature
20 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
(°C)
Effective yield
1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.0 0.78 0.47 0.23 0.11
strength factor
Youngs modulus
1.00 1.00 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.31 0.13 0.09
factors
Note: The factors are applied to the ‘cold’ strength of the steel to obtain the elevated temperature strength.
For example, at 600°C the effective yield strength of S275 steel is 0.47 x 275 = 129.25 N/mm2

B.5 Loads in fire and variations in critical/limiting temperatures

The fire Eurocodes reflect the fact that fire is an accidental limit state and that extremes of fire and extremes of load
are unlikely to occur simultaneously. Ambient temperature design to the structural Eurocodes is generally carried out
using safety factors of 1.35 and 1.5 for dead and live loads (referred to in the Eurocodes as permanent and variable
actions) respectively. However, in BS EN 1993-1-2, to reflect the low probability of high loads at the time of a fire,
reduced dead and live load factors may be used.

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The reduction factor (fi) for load combination in fire from BS EN 1990 is usually taken as:

G k + fi Q k,1
fi =
 G G k +  Q,1Q k,1

where:
Qk,1 is the principal variable action
Gk is the characteristic value of a permanent action
G is the partial factor for permanent actions (1.35)
0,1 is the combination factor for the characteristic permanent action (0.7 for most other buildings)
Q,1 is the partial factor for variable action (1.5)
fi is the combination factor for frequent values, given either by 1,1 or 2,1, see EN1990
 is a reduction factor for unfavourable permanent actions (0.925).

Typical values for an office are:

GA = 1,0 G = 1,35

Q = 1,5  = 0.925
0,1 = 0.7 fi = 1,1 = 0.5
Assuming that the permanent load, Gk, is equal to the variable load Qk

G k + fi Q k,1
fi = = 0.545
 G G k +  Q,1Q k,1

Summarised, what this means is that a fully loaded structural section, in an office building, when designed to the
Eurocodes, and with equal permanent and variable loads, can be assumed to be loaded to 54.5% of its full capacity
when designing for fire. Interpolating between the data given in Table B.2 it can be seen that the critical (failure)
temperature for a fully exposed structural section should be approximately 576 oC. This means that the values
contained in Table 7 and B1 can be seen to be conservative recommendations for Eurocode designed structures.

It should be noted that the values for 0,1, fi and1,1 vary for different building occupancies and so default critical
temperatures differ between occupancies in the Eurocodes. This is explored further in ASFP Advisory Note 23.

The assessment of default limiting (failure) temperatures in BS 5950 Part 8 is simpler than it is in the fire Eurocodes. In
that code, the relationship between the load in the fire condition and the load in ambient design is termed the load
ratio. It is normally considered that a fully loaded section has a load ratio of 0.6 (i.e. in fire, it is loaded to 60% of its
ambient load carrying capacity). This comes from an analysis of the dead and live load factors for cold (1.4 and 1.6
respectively) and fire design (1.0 and 0.8):

(1.0 + 0.8)/(1.4 + 1.6) = 0.6

By interpolating the data in Table B.2, it can be seen that, for a section which is exposed on all four sides in a fire, and
which is loaded to 60% of its room temperature capacity, it would fail at approximately 550 oC. This explains why the
historical default limiting (failure) temperature for columns in BS 5950 Part 8 is approximately this value (See ASFP
Advisory Note 23).

For offices, the live load factor in fire is 0.5 and so the default load ratio is:

(1.0+0.5)/(1.4+1.6) = 0.5

A joint test programme carried out by Tata Steel (then British Steel) and the Building Research Establishment in the
1980s showed that where a section has a temperature profile (i.e. a variation in temperature) through the cross-
section, this can have a marked effect on its performance in fire. If the section is not uniformly heated then, when the
hotter part of the section reaches the temperature at which it will begin to yield plastically, it will transfer load to
cooler regions of the section, which will still act elastically. As the temperature rises further, more load is transferred
from the hot region by plastic yielding until eventually the load in the cool regions becomes so high that they too
become plastic and the member fails.

One of the most common situations in which temperature gradients have a significant effect on the fire
resistance of structural steel is where beams support concrete slabs. The effect of the slab is both to protect the

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upper surface of the top flange from the fire and to act as a heat sink. This induces significant temperature
differences between the upper and lower flanges in standard fire tests. Test data shows that the critical/limiting
temperature (in this case, the lower flange temperature) of fully loaded plain beams carrying concrete slabs is
always higher than an equivalent section exposed to a fire on all four sides.

If a column or beam is not fully loaded then the critical/limiting temperatures will be higher than the defaults. If these
non-default critical/limiting temperatures are known, they can be used to reduce the thickness of fire protection,
assuming that the manufacturer has carried out an appropriate multi-temperature assessment.

The appraisal of the critical/limiting temperature, other than defaults, of any structural section can be carried out
using the fire Eurocodes and BS 5950 Part 8. However, these calculations should be only be carried out by a qualified
structural design engineer or a structural fire engineer i.e. one with suitable experience and registered with the UK
Engineering Council.

B.6 Deck voids above composite and non-composite beams

ASFP is currently updating the advice on the filling of deck voids above composite beams supporting composite steel
deck floors. Until this note is published, please refer to Annex A.3.5 of the 5 th edition of the yellow book.

B.7 Roof structure

Guidance on the protection of roof steelwork and its supporting structure is given in common guidance documents,
e.g. BS 9999 states that the structure of a roof, and the structure that supports only a roof, only requires fire
resistance if the roof:

a) Forms part of an escape route; or

b) Functions as a floor, e.g. as a car park or plant room; or
c) Is part of a portal frame structure where the roof and the supporting columns form a single element or
structure; or
d) Is integral to the stability of a fire-resisting external wall.

Where there is any uncertainty in the need for protection to roof and supporting steelwork, the Fire Safety Strategy
for the building should be checked to ascertain the design philosophy adopted.

B.8 Cast Iron Columns

A recent paper on the fire resistance of cast iron was authored by Maraveas, Wang and Swailes (Fire safety Journal 82
(2016) 37-48), which concludes that the Eurocode 2 Part 1-2 analytical method for steel columns can be safely used
for cast iron columns. Where cast iron beams are encountered, consult specialist advice.

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Annex C - The fire protection of beams with web openings (cellular
beams)

C.1 Overview
Long-span beams with web-openings are common in the UK. They may have numerous openings in the web to
accommodate service items such as pipes and ducts. The provision of the openings for the service items allows longer
spans and a reduced storey height for more economic building construction. The opening shapes can include circles,
elongated circles, rectangles, hexagons, and sinusoidal apertures. Circular openings are most commonly used and are
often known as “cellular beams”. Openings may be regular in their layout or may be defined at irregular or discrete
locations, including placement at different heights over the web depth and combinations of different opening shapes.

Beams with web-openings are manufactured in three different ways. Holes may be cut directly in the web of a serial
section such as a universal beam or column. Alternatively, they can be manufactured by cutting shaped apertures of
an appropriate pattern in the web of two parent serial sections and re-welding the parts together to form a deeper
web member with openings. Finally, they can also be manufactured by welding three plates together to form a
fabricated plate girder, with holes pre-cut in the plate forming the web. Depending on the design requirement, these
beams can potentially be asymmetric, i.e. the upper and lower flanges may be of different size, while beams made
from two serial section sizes may also have different upper and lower web thicknesses.

Figure C.1 shows an illustrative opening layout for regularly spaced circle and rectangle shapes. Some of the key
variables associated with members with web-openings are indicated. These include the opening height ho, the
opening length lo, the centre-to-centre spacing s, and the web-post width so. For regularly spaced openings, the web-
post width so = s – lo. For irregular openings, different web-post widths may occur along the length of the member.

Figure C.1 - Illustrative opening layouts for circular and rectangular shapes, showing key dimension variables

Web-openings may be present in beams that support and act in composite and non-composite action with concrete
slabs. This is associated with 3-sided exposure to fire. Web openings may also be present in beams not supporting
concrete, and in columns. In both cases, this leads to 4-sided exposure scenarios.

Evaluation of fire protection for members with web openings can be a complex undertaking with various options to
arrive at a solution. Designers should be aware of the different terminology and approaches relative to a solid-web
beam protection evaluation. The following sections provide guidance on this.

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C.2 Critical steel temperature
The introduction of openings in the web of a steel beam means its structural performance is different to an equivalent
solid-web beam at both ambient and fire conditions. Structural modes of failure can relate to the design and spacing
of the openings. These failure modes may potentially occur at lower steel temperatures than a solid-web beam of the
same size under the same degree of loading.

The critical temperature of a member with web-openings and its corresponding failure location should be calculated
by competent designers using a suitable structural model. Alternatively, some fire protection suppliers, steel
fabricators, and fire protection estimation service providers may have verified software to undertake this complex
calculation.

The ASFP sponsored the SCI to produce a structural fire calculation model to aid designers and to provide a consistent
approach for composite beams with circular and rectangular openings. The SCI have published this method in report
RT1356. The latest version can be found on Steelbiz at https://portal.steel-sci.com.

The approach within RT1356 requires temperatures to be defined at various positions of both the cross-section of a
beam, and along its length. The structural calculation may be undertaken for either an unprotected beam, or using
information from relevant fire testing to generate a product-specific temperature map across the member, including
variation around and between openings. In the case of the former, the output will typically be a critical steel
temperature associated with a governing structural failure mode, while in the case of the latter, the output will be
specific thickness of material to ensure load-bearing capacity for a given loading scenario.

A new Eurocode, EN 1993-1-13 provides structural design guidance for members with web-openings under ambient
conditions. This will be complemented by guidance for structural fire design for members with web-openings in
EN 1993-1-2 and EN 1994-1-2 for steel members and composite steel beams respectively.

The conservative default temperatures for solid-web beams, as defined in Table 7 and Table B.1 are not appropriate
for direct use for members with web-openings.

The ASFP considers 500°C as an appropriate critical steel temperature to adopt in the absence of a specified value.
This temperature should be considered for all elements of the member, i.e., web and flanges. This temperature was
determined by ASFP members following a study of a large range of UK designs of beams with web-openings under a
range of loading scenarios including severe loading conditions at the fire limit state. In all cases, the geometric design
parameters such as opening sizes, spacing of openings, and end-post widths aligned with the requirements of the
Steel Construction Institute’s (SCI) Publication 355 for the ambient design of the beam. The study showed that for all
designs considered, the critical temperature was always 500°C or greater. The value of 500°C is considered applicable
for use with both 3-sided and 4-sided exposed members with web-openings.

Where structural analysis determines a critical steel temperature less than 500°C, then the lower temperature shall
take precedence for the purpose of determining fire protection requirements.

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C.3 Section factor
The section factor of a beam with web-openings is different from the conventional approach for solid-web members.
Additionally, the section factor calculation is different for both reactive and passive fire protection systems, as defined
below.

C.3.1 Reactive fire protection systems

Beams with web-openings are considered from an elemental perspective, i.e., their web and flanges are considered
separately. This is due to the fact that the potential structural failure mode location may occur in different parts of
the member. Additionally, the fire testing assessment methodology for beams with web-openings defines material
thicknesses with respect to the individual elements.

Figure C.2 shows the elemental portions of a member with web-openings, together with dimension variables. The
respective elemental section factor equations are given in Table C.1.

Figure C.2 - Elemental portions of a member with web-openings protected with a reactive coating

Table C.1 - Elemental section factors equations

Uniform web Asymmetric web

Elemental section
A/V (m-1) A/V (m-1)

2ℎ − 2𝑡𝑓,𝑡𝑡 − 2𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 2ℎ𝑤,𝑡𝑡 2ℎ𝑤,𝑏𝑡

Web 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 [ , ]
(ℎ − 𝑡𝑓,𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 )𝑡𝑤 ℎ𝑤,𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑤,𝑡𝑡 ℎ𝑤,𝑏𝑡 𝑡𝑤,𝑏𝑡

2𝑏𝑓,𝑏𝑡 + 2𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 − 𝑡𝑤 2𝑏𝑓,𝑏𝑡 + 2𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 − 𝑡𝑤,𝑏𝑡

Bottom flange
𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 𝑏𝑓,𝑏𝑡 𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 𝑏𝑓,𝑏𝑡

Note 1: for the case of four-sided exposure, the top flange section factor may be evaluated using the same principles as the bottom flange but
substituting the subscripts ‘tt’ for top tee with ‘bt’ for bottom tee.
Note 2: Root radii values may also be accounted for explicitly within the above equations if desired.

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C.3.2 Passive fire protection systems
When passive fire protection systems (non-reactive) are used, the section factor of a member with web-openings is
considered differently to when reactive coatings are used. As depicted in Figure C.3, the section factor needs to
consider the tee above an opening, the tee below an opening, and the lower tee web. The maximum value of section
factor for each portion is adopted as the section factor for the member. This is given as an equation below Figure C.3.
Where openings are irregular in layout and opening height, then careful consideration needs to be given to the
possible variation in section factor values along the length of the beam with respect to the tees above and below the
openings.

Figure C.3 - Portions of a member with web-openings supporting a concrete slab and protected with a passive fire
protection system

𝐴 𝑏𝑓,𝑡𝑡 + 2𝑡𝑓,𝑡𝑡 + 2𝑑𝑤,𝑡𝑡 2𝑏𝑓,𝑏𝑡 + 2𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 + 2𝑑𝑤,𝑏𝑡

= 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 [ , , 1400𝑡𝑤,𝑏𝑡 ]
𝑉 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑥 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑓,𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑓,𝑡𝑡 + 𝑑𝑤,𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑤,𝑡𝑡 𝑏𝑓,𝑏𝑡 𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑡 + 𝑑𝑤,𝑏𝑡 𝑡𝑤,𝑏𝑡

Note 1: Where 1400/tw,bt is used, then the web thickness is measured in mm.
Note 2: Root radii values may also be accounted for explicitly within the above equations if desired.

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C.4 Determination of passive fire protection product thickness
The determination of product thickness on a member with web-openings is different for reactive and passive fire
protection systems. The approach for each is given below.

C.4.1 Reactive fire protection systems

Historic fire testing and research has shown that some reactive coatings may demonstrate reduced performance in
the form of peel-back around openings. For reactive coating products, their performance on members with web-
openings must be verified. To do this, a testing and assessment methodology is given in section 4.1 of the previously
published ASFP Yellow book 5th Edition. These rules are to be republished within 6th Edition Yellow Book Volume 2.
The testing aims to characterise the thermal performance of different geometrical designs of steel beam and web-
openings with an applied fire protection material. There are two main outputs from the resultant assessment: -

1. A set of web modification factors for circular and rectangular openings for various fire resistance periods. As
a minimum, the test needs to consider the resultant steel temperature at the centre of various web-post
widths relative to an equivalent solid web reference area. Additional web modification factors may be
considered above and below openings.

2. A reassessment of certified solid-web beam protection dry film thicknesses (DFTs) into their constitutive
elemental web and bottom flange DFTs. The reason for this is that the critical failure of a member with web-
openings is likely to be associated with a location of either the web or flange. Separate DFT tables for the
web and flanges provide the ability to protect against the relevant failure mode. These tables are often
referred to as elemental multi-temperature analysis (EMTA) DFT tables.

The web modification factors and the EMTA DFTs are used to define a resultant protection thickness for a member
with web-openings. This can be done is one of two ways: -

1. A structural model may be used to determine load-bearing capacity when protected with a certain DFT. For a
given DFT, the EMTA tables and the web modification factors can be used to determine a resultant thermal
map over the steel member at the location of the flanges, web, and at positions around and between
openings. The temperature profile is then used to assess load-bearing capacity for the relevant applied
structural load. The DFT may be iterated accordingly to find the optimal thickness for the design. Note that
this method is not associated with a single critical steel temperature for the member due to the thermal
mapping process. This approach is not detailed further within this document, but its process is recognised
and outlined in BS EN 13381-9.

2. Where a structural analysis does not directly consider a product-specific thermal map over the steel section,
then a design assessment may be undertaken on an initially unprotected beam to define the resultant critical
steel temperature and its failure location. This information can then be used in conjunction with the web
modification factors and then EMTA DFT tables to arrive at a fire protection product thickness.

For the scenario described in point 2, flowcharts to determine product thickness are given in Figure C.4 and Figure C.5
for a 3-sided beam and a 4-sided member respectively.

It is important that any determined thickness does not exceed the maximum assessed DFT for the specific product for
beam protection (stickability). Similarly, it is important that the presence of trapezoidal decking voids for composite
beams are considered, as discussed in section B.6. Where any DFT uplift is applied to mitigate against unfilled
trapezoidal voids, then the resultant DFT must also not exceed the maximum assessed DFT for the specific product for
beam protection.

Illustrative example web modification factors, a web EMTA DFT table, and a bottom flange EMTA DFT table are given
in Table C.2, Table C.3, and Table C.4 respectively. For manufacturers that do not make these datasets publicly
available, it is expected that they will be made available to project design teams and approving authorities, as
required. The ASFP maintains a register of reactive coating products that have been subject to testing on members
with web-openings. This is available at https://asfp.org.uk/page/CellBeamRegister.

For the purposes of product thickness evaluation, where the location of the critical web-post is unknown, it is
recommended to take the minimum web-post on the member. Furthermore, where the location of the critical web-
post is unknown and the opening types are irregular in nature with multiple different shape apertures, then the use of
a web modification factor for rectangular openings is conservatively recommended.

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Some structural models may report a critical steel temperature for a given failure mode in conjunction with other
steel temperatures at other locations over the cross-section. Care should be taken to ensure that these other
coexistent temperatures are not interpreted as a critical steel temperature. For example, a beam’s web failure may
be associated with a critical temperature of 528°C, which occurs when the bottom flange is at 432°C. The bottom
flange temperature is the coexistent temperature as a function of the thermal regime applied to the cross-section –
for example flanges are typically thicker than webs and will therefore heat at a slower rate. A DFT based on the
bottom flange temperature in this instance would be overly conservative, and in some cases may not even be able to
be protected as it may fall outside of certified limits.

The flowcharts in Figure C.4 and Figure C.5 adopt distinct approaches for failure locations either in the web, flange or
at an unknown location. These relate to the structural failure mode of the member which should be identified as an
output of the structural analysis in fire. Common failure modes include: -

• Global bending moment

• Global shear
• Bending moment at openings
• Shear at openings
• Vierendeel bending moment at openings
• Lateral torsional buckling
• Web-post shear
• Web-post bending
• Web-post buckling

While some failure modes may be considered as a combination of web and flange performance, for simplicity in
correlating structural design output to a DFT, it may be considered that flange failure is associated with global bending
and lateral torsional buckling. All other failure modes can then be associated with web failure. In the case of
Vierendeel bending at openings, the corresponding critical temperature should be retained, but the failure mode
associated with next highest utilisation should be used to define the failure location.

Where a single critical steel temperature is specified with no indication of failure location, the failure location may
conservatively be assumed to be ‘unknown’ with respect to the flowcharts in Figure C.4 and Figure C.5. Alternatively,
where ambiguity exists, clarification may be sought from the originator of the information.

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Figure C.4 - Flowchart to establish a thickness of reactive fire protection on 3-sided members with web-openings

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Figure C.5 - Flowchart to establish a thickness of reactive fire protection on 4-sided members with web-openings

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To aid understanding, the following worked examples consider both a 3-sided and 4-sided reactive coating thickness
derivation. These examples use the illustrative example product datasets given in Table C.2, Table C.3 and Table C.4
to arrive at an appropriate thickness.

3-sided DFT

A fabricated beam PG 500x300x10x15 (h = 500mm, bf = 300mm, tw = 10mm, and tf = 15mm) has regularly spaced
circular openings of diameter, ho = 300mm, at centres of s = 450mm. The critical steel temperature is 500°C and is
associated with web-post buckling, i.e. web failure. The required fire resistance period is 60-minutes. A DFT is
requested for a 3-sided composite beam exposure with a re-entrant profiled deck.

• The flowchart of Figure 4 is used.

• The web-post width, so = ho – s = 450 – 300 = 150mm.
• The product-specific web-post modification factor for circular openings, a web-post width of 150mm, and 60-
minutes fire resistance is 1.042 as per Figure 6.
• The critical temperature of the web is modified to be 500°C  1.042 = 480°C.
• The web section factor is 200m-1 in accordance with the equations in Table 1.
• From Figure 7, for a section factor of 200m-1 and a temperature of 480°C, the web DFT is 1.222mm by
interpolation.
• There is no need to evaluate a bottom flange DFT since the critical steel temperature is associated with web-
post buckling, i.e., a web failure.
• A DFT of 1.222mm is to be used to protect the beam. The re-entrant profile deck design is considered akin to
a solid concrete deck and therefore no further DFT modification is required to account for the presence of
unfilled trapezoidal voids.

4-sided DFT

A fabricated beam PG 500x300x10x15 (h = 500mm, bf = 300mm, tw = 10mm, and tf = 15mm) has regularly spaced
circular openings of diameter, ho = 300mm, at centres of s = 450mm. The critical steel temperature is 500°C. No
information is provided relative to the failure mode. The required fire resistance period is 60-minutes. A DFT is
requested for a 4-sided exposure.

• The flowchart of Figure 5 is used. Note that the failure mode taken as ‘Unknown’.
• The web-post width, so = ho – s = 450 – 300 = 150mm.
• The product-specific web-post modification factor for circular openings, a web-post width of 150mm, and 60-
minutes fire resistance is 1.042 as per Figure 6.
• The critical temperature of the web is modified to be 500°C  1.042 = 480°C.
• The web section factor is 200m-1 in accordance with the equations in Table 1.
• From Figure 8, for a section factor of 200m-1 and a temperature of 480°C, the web DFT is 1.584mm by
interpolation. Note that this DFT is from the flange EMTA table.
• The bottom flange section factor is 138m-1 in accordance with the equations in Table 1.
• From Figure 8, for a section factor of 138m-1 and a temperature of 500°C, the bottom flange DFT is 0.934mm
by interpolation.
• Due to the geometry of the beam, the top flange section factor for this beam is the same as the bottom
flange, i.e. 138m-1.
• From Figure 8, for a section factor of 138m-1 and a temperature of 500°C, the top flange DFT is 0.934mm by
interpolation.
• The greater of the web, bottom, and top flange DFTs is 1.584mm and should be used to protect the beam.
This value is less than the maximum assessed for the product for beam protection and is therefore suitable
for use.

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 Table C.2 - Illustrative example web-post modification factors for circular and rectangular openings

Web Modification Factor - Circular Openings Web Modification Factor - Rectangular Openings

Time Period (minutes) Time Period (minutes)

Web-post width (mm) Web-post width (mm)
30 45 60 30 45 60
130 1.092 1.070 1.044 130 1.120 1.097 1.071
140 1.090 1.068 1.043 140 1.117 1.095 1.070
150 1.087 1.066 1.042 150 1.114 1.093 1.069
160 1.084 1.065 1.041 160 1.111 1.091 1.067
170 1.081 1.063 1.040 170 1.108 1.089 1.066
180 1.070 1.055 1.037 180 1.097 1.081 1.063
190 1.059 1.048 1.033 190 1.085 1.074 1.059
200 1.048 1.039 1.029 200 1.074 1.065 1.055
210 1.036 1.031 1.026 210 1.062 1.057 1.052
220 1.025 1.024 1.022 220 1.051 1.050 1.048
230 1.011 1.012 1.011 230 1.042 1.037 1.036
240 1.000 1.000 1.000 240 1.024 1.018 1.017
250 1.000 1.000 1.000 250 1.000 1.000 1.000
300 1.000 1.000 1.000 300 1.000 1.000 1.000
350 1.000 1.000 1.000 350 1.000 1.000 1.000
500 1.000 1.000 1.000 500 1.000 1.000 1.000

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 Table C.3 - Illustrative example web EMTA DFT table

Web - 60 minutes Fire Resistance

Required Thickness (mm) for a Critical Steel Temperature (°C)

Section Factor
(m-1) 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750

100 2.408 1.093 1.093 0.449 0.340 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275
105 2.475 1.186 1.186 0.474 0.360 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275
110 2.543 1.245 1.245 0.500 0.380 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275
115 - 1.265 1.265 0.525 0.400 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275
120 - 1.286 1.286 0.551 0.420 0.290 0.275 0.275 0.275
125 - 1.307 1.307 0.576 0.440 0.307 0.275 0.275 0.275
130 - 1.328 1.328 0.602 0.460 0.325 0.275 0.275 0.275
135 - 1.348 1.348 0.627 0.479 0.342 0.275 0.275 0.275
140 - 1.369 1.369 0.653 0.499 0.359 0.275 0.275 0.275
145 - 1.390 1.390 0.678 0.519 0.377 0.275 0.275 0.275
150 - 1.410 1.410 0.704 0.539 0.394 0.275 0.275 0.275
155 - 1.431 1.431 0.729 0.559 0.411 0.275 0.275 0.275
160 - 1.452 1.452 0.754 0.579 0.429 0.275 0.275 0.275
165 - 1.472 1.472 0.780 0.599 0.446 0.275 0.275 0.275
170 - 1.493 1.493 0.805 0.619 0.464 0.275 0.275 0.275
175 - 1.514 1.514 0.831 0.639 0.481 0.291 0.275 0.275
180 - 1.535 1.535 0.856 0.659 0.498 0.309 0.275 0.275
185 - 1.555 1.555 0.882 0.679 0.516 0.327 0.275 0.275
190 - 1.576 1.576 0.907 0.699 0.533 0.344 0.275 0.275
195 - 1.597 1.597 0.933 0.719 0.551 0.362 0.275 0.275
200 - 1.617 1.617 0.958 0.739 0.568 0.380 0.275 0.275
205 - 1.638 1.638 0.984 0.759 0.585 0.398 0.275 0.275
210 - 1.659 1.659 1.009 0.779 0.603 0.415 0.275 0.275
215 - 1.680 1.680 1.035 0.799 0.620 0.433 0.275 0.275
220 - 1.700 1.700 1.060 0.819 0.637 0.451 0.275 0.275
225 - 1.721 1.721 1.086 0.839 0.655 0.469 0.275 0.275
230 - 1.742 1.742 1.111 0.858 0.672 0.486 0.275 0.275
235 - 1.762 1.762 1.137 0.878 0.690 0.504 0.282 0.275
240 - 1.783 1.783 1.162 0.898 0.707 0.522 0.293 0.275
245 - 1.804 1.804 1.188 0.918 0.724 0.540 0.305 0.275
250 - 1.893 1.825 1.213 0.938 0.742 0.557 0.317 0.275
255 - 1.990 1.845 1.239 0.958 0.759 0.575 0.329 0.275
260 - 2.086 1.866 1.270 0.978 0.777 0.593 0.341 0.275
265 - 2.182 1.887 1.301 0.998 0.794 0.611 0.352 0.275
270 - 2.278 1.907 1.331 1.018 0.811 0.628 0.364 0.276
275 - 2.374 1.928 1.362 1.038 0.829 0.646 0.376 0.286
280 - 2.471 1.949 1.393 1.058 0.846 0.664 0.388 0.295
285 - - 1.969 1.424 1.078 0.863 0.682 0.400 0.305
290 - - 1.990 1.454 1.098 0.881 0.699 0.411 0.315
295 - - 2.011 1.485 1.118 0.898 0.717 0.423 0.325
300 - - 2.032 1.516 1.138 0.916 0.735 0.435 0.335

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 Table C.4 - Illustrative example bottom flange EMTA DFT table

Bottom Flange - 60 minutes Fire Resistance

Required Thickness (mm) for a Critical Steel Temperature (°C)

Section Factor
(m-1) 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750

100 - 0.992 0.822 0.661 0.467 0.445 0.435 0.359 0.340

105 - 1.043 0.865 0.697 0.491 0.468 0.457 0.377 0.358
110 - 1.094 0.909 0.734 0.516 0.491 0.479 0.396 0.377
115 - 1.146 0.952 0.770 0.540 0.514 0.502 0.414 0.395
120 - 1.197 0.995 0.806 0.564 0.537 0.524 0.432 0.413
125 - 1.274 1.038 0.842 0.589 0.560 0.547 0.451 0.431
130 - 1.353 1.082 0.878 0.613 0.583 0.569 0.469 0.450
135 - 1.433 1.125 0.914 0.637 0.606 0.592 0.487 0.468
140 - 1.513 1.168 0.950 0.661 0.629 0.614 0.506 0.486
145 - 1.593 1.214 0.986 0.686 0.652 0.636 0.524 0.504
150 - 1.672 1.269 1.022 0.710 0.675 0.659 0.542 0.522
155 - 1.752 1.324 1.058 0.734 0.699 0.681 0.560 0.541
160 - 1.832 1.379 1.094 0.759 0.722 0.704 0.579 0.559
165 - 1.912 1.434 1.131 0.783 0.745 0.726 0.597 0.577
170 - 1.992 1.489 1.167 0.807 0.768 0.748 0.615 0.595
175 - 2.071 1.545 1.203 0.831 0.791 0.771 0.634 0.614
180 - 2.151 1.600 1.247 0.856 0.814 0.793 0.652 0.632
185 - 2.231 1.655 1.292 0.880 0.837 0.816 0.670 0.650
190 - 2.311 1.710 1.337 0.904 0.860 0.838 0.689 0.668
195 - 2.390 1.765 1.381 0.929 0.883 0.861 0.707 0.687
200 - - 1.820 1.426 0.953 0.906 0.883 0.725 0.705
205 - - 1.876 1.470 0.977 0.929 0.905 0.744 0.723
210 - - 1.931 1.515 1.002 0.952 0.928 0.762 0.741
215 - - 1.986 1.560 1.026 0.975 0.950 0.780 0.760
220 - - 2.041 1.604 1.050 0.998 0.973 0.799 0.778
225 - - 2.096 1.649 1.074 1.021 0.995 0.817 0.796
230 - - 2.151 1.693 1.099 1.044 1.018 0.835 0.814
235 - - 2.207 1.738 1.123 1.067 1.040 0.854 0.832
240 - - 2.262 1.783 1.147 1.090 1.062 0.872 0.851
245 - - 2.317 1.827 1.172 1.113 1.085 0.890 0.869
250 - - 2.372 1.872 1.196 1.136 1.107 0.909 0.887
255 - - 2.427 1.916 1.244 1.159 1.130 0.927 0.905
260 - - - 1.961 1.301 1.182 1.152 0.945 0.924
265 - - - 2.006 1.358 1.209 1.175 0.964 0.942
270 - - - 2.050 1.415 1.271 1.197 0.982 0.960
275 - - - 2.095 1.473 1.334 1.251 1.000 0.978
280 - - - 2.139 1.530 1.396 1.316 1.019 0.997
285 - - - 2.184 1.587 1.458 1.381 1.037 1.015
290 - - - 2.229 1.645 1.521 1.447 1.055 1.033
295 - - - 2.273 1.702 1.583 1.512 1.074 1.051
300 - - - 2.318 1.759 1.646 1.577 1.092 1.070

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C.4.2 Passive fire protection systems
In a similar sense to reactive coatings, the determination of an appropriate thickness of passive fire protection
systems such as boards and cementitious coatings for members with web-openings is different to that for solid-web
members.

The performance of the product must be verified on steel sections with web-openings. It is acceptable to follow the
test and assessment protocol for reactive coatings, as given in section C1.4.2 of Yellow Book volume 1 Edition 5.
However, within the UK, it is also considered acceptable to adopt the principle of using a thickness modification factor
of 1.20 (20% increase) as previously described in ASFP Yellow book 5th Edition. In order to adopt this approach, fire
testing and assessment of a solid web section against a 20% increased thickness section with web openings must have
been carried out in accordance with section 4.2 of ASFP Yellow Book 5th Edition. The advice in this test and assessment
protocol is to be reproduced in Volume 3 of this 6th edition of the Yellow Book.

Where testing and assessment aligns with the protocol for reactive coatings, then the determination of a product
thickness follows the exact same process as that for reactive coatings, as described in section C.4.2 of Yellow Book
volume 1 Edition 5.

Where testing and assessment has followed the thickness modification factor approach, then a thickness of fire
protection material for a member with web-openings is taken from the relevant thickness table for solid-web
members and then multiplied by 1.20. The section factor to describe the member with web-openings is based on
methodology presented in section C.3.2.

It is important that any determined thickness does not exceed the maximum assessed thickness for the specific
product for beam protection. Similarly, it is important that the presence of trapezoidal decking voids for composite
beams are considered, as discussed in section B.6. Where any thickness uplift is applied to mitigate against unfilled
trapezoidal voids, then the resultant thickness must also not exceed the maximum assessed for the specific product
for beam protection.

For the benefit of project design teams, manufacturers are expected to clarify the basis of their fire test and
assessment approaches for members with web-openings. This includes making any relevant dataset available to
project design teams and approving authorities, as required.

To aid understanding, the following worked example considers a 3-sided thickness derivation using the thickness
modification approach.

A fabricated beam PG 500x300x10x15 (h = 500mm, bf = 300mm, tw = 10mm, and tf = 15mm) has regularly spaced
circular openings of diameter, ho = 300mm, at centres of s = 450mm. The critical steel temperature is 500°C and is
associated with web-post buckling, i.e. web failure. The required fire resistance period is 60-minutes. A thickness is
requested for a 3-sided composite beam exposure with a re-entrant profiled deck.

3-sided DFT

• Since the openings are consistent in size over the span of the beam, in accordance with section 1.3.2, the
following contour profile section factors are calculated: -
o A/V top tee = 93m-1
o A/V bottom tee = 150m-1
o A/V lower web = 1400 / 10 = 140m-1
• The highest section factor is 150m-1 based on the lower tee profile.
• The critical temperature is 500°C.
• From solid-web beam thickness tables for 60-minutes fire resistance, a section factor of 150m-1 and a
temperature of 500°C requires a product thickness of 8mm.
• The 20% thickness modification for beams with web-opening is applied: 8mm  1.20 = 9.6mm
• The resultant thickness of 9.6mm is to be used to protect the beam. This value is less than the maximum
assessed for the product for beam protection and is therefore suitable for use. The re-entrant profile deck
design is considered akin to a solid concrete deck and therefore no further thickness modification is required
to account for the presence of unfilled trapezoidal voids.

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Annex D - Calculation of section factor (A/V) & tables of section factor
for common sections
Table D.1 6:
Figure - Protection configurations
Protection configurations with
with values
values of perimeter
of perimeter A use
Hp for in the calculation
in the calculationofofsection
section factor A/V (A/V)
factor Hp/A
Note: the values areNote: the valuesinare
approximate approximate
that in thatand
radii at corners radii at corners
roots and roots
of all sections of all
may be sections
ignored.are ignored
In this figure Hp/A = A/V

Steel section Profile protection

Universal beams, universal 4 sides 3 sides 3 sides 2 sides 1 side

columns and joists
(plain and castellated)
d

t Partially exposed Partially exposed

D

2B + 2D + 2(B - t) B + 2D + 2(B - t) B + 2d + (B - t) B + D + 2(B - t)/2

B Hp B
= 4B + 2D - 2t = 3B + 2D - 2t = 2B + 2d - t = 2B + D - t

4 sides 3 sides 3 sides

Structural and rolled tees

t Flange to soffit Toe of web to soffit

D

B + 2D + (B - t)
Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D
= 2B + 2D - t

4 sides 3 sides 3 sides

Angles

B
t
D Flange to soffit Toe of flange to soffit

t B + 2D + (B - t)
Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D
= 2B + 2D - t

4 sides 3 sides 3 sides

Channels

t
D Web to soffit Flange to soffit
2B + 2D + 2(B - t) 2B + D + 2(B - t) B + 2D + 2(B - t)
Hp
= 4B + 2D - 2t = 4B + D - 2t = 3B + 2D - 2t

Hollow sections, 4 sides 3 sides

square or rectangular

D Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D

Hollow sections,
circular
D

Hp D

Example a) Profile protection - 4 sided exposure b) Profile protection - 3 sided exposure

using 203 x 203 x 52 kg/m Hp = 4B + 2D - 2t Hp = 3B + 2D - 2t
universal beam
Hp =H4B+2D-2t=[4x204.3]+[2x206.2]-[2x7.9]
p = 4 x 203.9 + 2 x 206.2 - 2 x 8.0 Hp Hp ==3B+2D-2t=612.9+412.4-15.8
611.7 + 412.4 - 16
203.9mm;D =
B = 204.3mm D206.2mm
= 206.2mm = 817.2+412.2-15.8=1213.8mm=1.214m
= 1212 mm = 1.212 m ==1009.5mm=1.01m
1008 mm = 1.008 m -1
tt==7.9mm
8.0 mm. A =A66.282cm 2
= 66.4 cm² Hp/A = 1.214/0.006282 – 183.2m-1 Hp/A = 1.01/0.0066282 = 152.4m
Hp/A = 1.212/0.00664 = 182.5 m -1 Hp/A = 1.008/0.00664 = 151.8 m -1

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 Table D.1 continued… Figure 6 (continued)
Note: the values are approximate in that radii at corners
In thisand roots
figure of all=sections
Hp/A A/V may be ignored.

Steel section Box and solid protection

Universal beams, universal 4 sides 3 sides 3 sides 2 sides 1 side

columns and joists
(plain and castellated)
d

Partially exposed Partially exposed

Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D B + 2d B+D B

4 sides 3 sides 3 sides

Structural and rolled tees

Flange to soffit Toe of web to soffit

Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D B + 2D

4 sides 3 sides 3 sides

Angles

Flange to soffit Toe of flange to soffit

Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D B + 2D

4 sides 3 sides 3 sides

Channels

Web to soffit Flange to soffit

Hp 2B + 2D 2B + D B + 2D

Hollow sections, 4 sides 3 sides

square or rectangular

Hp 2B + 2D B + 2D

Hollow sections,
circular Note. The air space created in boxing a section improves the insulation and a
value of Hp/A, and therefore Hp, higher than for profile protection
would be anomalous. Hence Hp is taken as the circumference of the
tube and not 4D.
Hp D

Example continued c) Box - 4 sided exposure d) Box - 3 sided exposure

c) = 2B + 2D– =4 407.8
BoxHpprotection sided +exposure
412.4 d) HpBox
= Bprotection – 3 +sided
+ 2D = 203.9 412.4exposure
Hp = 3B +=2D – 2tmm
820.2 = 612.9 + 412.4
= 0.820 m – 15.8 Hp = =B 616.3
+2D =mm
204.3 + 412.4
= 0.616 m
= 1009.5mm = 1.01m = 616.7mm = 0.617m
Hp/A = 0.82/0.00664 = 123.5 m -1 Hp/A = 0.616/0.00664 = 92.8 m -1 -1
Hp/A = 0.821 / 0.0066282 = 123.9m-1 Hp/A = 0.617/0.0066282 = 93.04m

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 50 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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Table D.2 - UK Beams (UKB) Dimensions to BS4 Part 1:2005
Section factor A/V(Hp/A)
Profile Box
3 4
3 sides 4 sides
sides sides

Designation Depth of Thickness

Width of Area of
Mass per section Web Flange
Serial size section B section
metre D t T
mm kg mm mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
487 1036.1 308.5 30.0 54.1 619.89 45 50 40 45
438 1025.9 305.4 26.9 49.0 556.62 50 55 40 50
393 1016.0 303.0 24.4 43.9 500.24 55 65 45 55
1016 × 349 1008.1 302.0 21.1 40.0 445.15 65 70 50 60
305 314 1000.0 300.0 19.1 35.9 400.41 70 80 55 65
272 990.1 300.0 16.5 31.0 346.86 80 90 65 75
249 980.2 300.0 16.5 26.0 316.88 90 95 70 80
222 970.3 300.0 16.0 21.1 282.82 95 110 80 90
388 921.0 420.5 21.4 36.6 494.22 60 70 45 55
914 × 419
343 911.8 418.5 19.4 32.0 437.30 70 80 50 60
289 926.6 307.7 19.5 32.0 368.27 75 80 60 65
253 918.4 305.5 17.3 27.9 322.83 85 95 65 75
914 × 305
224 910.4 304.1 15.9 23.9 285.64 95 105 75 85
201 903.0 303.3 15.1 20.2 255.92 105 115 80 95
226 850.9 293.8 16.1 26.8 288.56 85 100 70 80
838 × 292 194 840.7 292.4 14.7 21.7 246.82 100 115 80 90
176 834.9 291.7 14.0 18.8 224.02 110 125 90 100
197 769.8 268.0 15.6 25.4 250.64 90 100 70 85
173 762.2 266.7 14.3 21.6 220.37 105 115 80 95
762 × 267
147 754.0 265.2 12.8 17.5 187.19 120 135 95 110
134 750.0 264.4 12.0 15.5 170.58 130 145 105 120
170 692.9 255.8 14.5 23.7 216.83 95 110 75 90
152 687.5 254.5 13.2 21.0 194.08 105 120 85 95
686 × 254
140 683.5 253.7 12.4 19.0 178.43 115 130 90 105
125 677.9 253.0 11.7 16.2 159.48 130 145 100 115
238 635.8 311.4 18.4 31.4 303.33 70 80 50 60
610 × 305 179 620.2 307.1 14.1 23.6 228.08 90 105 70 80
149 612.4 304.8 11.8 19.7 190.04 110 125 80 95
140 617.2 230.2 13.1 22.1 178.19 105 120 80 95
125 612.2 229.0 11.9 19.6 159.34 115 130 90 105
610 × 229
113 607.6 228.2 11.1 17.3 143.94 130 145 100 115
101 602.6 227.6 10.5 14.8 128.92 145 160 110 130
100 607.4 179.2 11.3 17.2 128.00 135 150 110 125
610 × 178 92 603.0 178.8 10.9 15.0 117.00 145 160 120 135
82 598.6 177.9 10.0 12.8 104.00 160 180 130 150
273 577.1 320.2 21.1 37.6 348.00 60 70 40 50
219 560.3 317.4 18.3 29.2 279.00 70 85 50 65
533 × 312
182 550.7 314.5 15.2 24.4 231.00 85 100 60 75
151 542.5 312.0 12.7 20.3 192.00 105 120 75 90
138 549.1 213.9 14.7 23.6 176.00 95 110 75 85
122 544.5 211.9 12.7 21.3 155.39 110 120 85 95
533 × 210 109 539.5 210.8 11.6 18.8 138.86 120 135 95 110
101 536.7 210.0 10.8 17.4 128.67 130 145 100 115
92 533.1 209.3 10.1 15.6 117.38 140 160 110 125
table continued overleaf
Association for Specialist Fire Protection 51 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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 Section factor A/V(Hp/A)
Profile Box
3 4
3 sides 4 sides
sides sides

Designation Depth of Thickness

Width of Area of
Mass per section Web Flange
Serial size section B section
metre D t T
mm kg mm mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
533 × 210 82 528.3 208.8 9.6 13.2 104.69 155 175 120 140
85 534.9 166.5 10.3 16.5 108.00 140 155 115 130
533 × 165 75 529.1 165.9 9.7 13.6 95.20 160 175 130 145
66 524.7 165.1 8.9 11.4 83.70 180 200 145 165
161 492.0 199.4 18.0 32.0 206.00 75 85 60 65
133 480.6 196.7 15.3 26.3 170.00 90 100 70 80
106 469.2 194.0 12.6 20.6 135.00 110 125 85 100
98 467.2 192.8 11.4 19.6 125.26 120 135 90 105
457 × 191
89 463.4 191.9 10.5 17.7 113.76 130 145 100 115
82 460.0 191.3 9.9 16.0 104.48 140 160 105 125
74 457.0 190.4 9.0 14.5 94.63 155 175 115 135
67 453.4 189.9 8.5 12.7 85.51 170 190 130 150
82 465.8 155.3 10.5 18.9 104.53 130 145 105 120
74 462.0 154.4 9.6 17.0 94.48 145 160 115 130
457 × 152 67 458.0 153.8 9.0 15.0 85.55 155 175 125 145
60 454.6 152.9 8.1 13.3 76.23 175 195 140 160
52 449.8 152.4 7.6 10.9 66.64 200 220 160 180
85 417.2 181.9 10.9 18.2 109.00 125 140 95 110
74 412.8 179.5 9.5 16.0 94.51 140 160 105 125
406 × 178 67 409.4 178.8 8.8 14.3 85.54 155 175 115 140
60 406.4 177.9 7.9 12.8 76.52 170 195 130 155
54 402.6 177.7 7.7 10.9 68.95 190 215 145 170
53 406.6 143.3 7.9 12.9 67.90 180 200 140 160
406 × 140 46 403.2 142.2 6.8 11.2 58.64 205 230 160 185
39 398.0 141.8 6.4 8.6 49.65 240 270 190 215
67 363.4 178.1 9.1 15.7 85.49 140 160 105 125
57 358.0 172.2 8.1 13.0 72.55 165 190 120 145
356 × 171
51 355.0 171.5 7.4 11.5 64.91 185 210 135 160
45 351.4 171.1 7.0 9.7 57.33 205 235 150 180
39 353.4 126.0 6.6 10.7 49.77 210 235 165 195
356 × 127
33 349.0 125.4 6.0 8.5 42.13 250 280 195 225
54 310.4 166.9 7.9 13.7 68.77 160 185 115 140
305 × 165 46 306.6 165.7 6.7 11.8 58.75 185 210 135 160
40 303.4 165.0 6.0 10.2 51.32 210 240 150 185
48 311.0 125.3 9.0 14.0 61.23 160 180 120 145
305 × 127 42 307.2 124.3 8.0 12.1 53.40 180 200 140 160
37 304.4 123.4 7.1 10.7 47.18 200 225 155 180
33 312.7 102.4 6.6 10.8 41.83 215 240 175 200
305 × 102 28 308.7 101.8 6.0 8.8 35.88 250 280 200 230
25 305.1 101.6 5.8 7.0 31.60 280 315 225 255
43 259.6 147.3 7.2 12.7 54.77 170 195 120 150
254 × 146 37 256.0 146.4 6.3 10.9 47.16 195 225 140 170
31 251.4 146.1 6.0 8.6 39.68 230 270 165 200
28 260.4 102.2 6.3 10.0 36.08 220 250 175 200
254 × 102
25 257.2 101.9 6.0 8.4 32.04 250 280 190 225
table continued overleaf

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 52 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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 Section factor A/V(Hp/A)
Profile Box
3 4
3 sides 4 sides
sides sides

Designation Depth of Thickness

Width of Area of
Mass per section Web Flange
Serial size section B section
metre D t T
mm kg mm mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
254 × 102 22 254.0 101.6 5.7 6.8 28.02 280 320 220 255
30 206.8 133.9 6.4 9.6 38.21 205 240 145 180
203 × 133
25 203.2 133.2 5.7 7.8 31.97 245 285 170 210
203 × 102 23 203.2 101.8 5.4 9.3 29.40 235 270 175 205
178 × 102 19 177.8 101.2 4.8 7.9 24.26 260 305 190 230
152 × 89 16 152.4 88.7 4.5 7.7 20.32 270 315 195 235
127 × 76 13 127.0 76.0 4.0 7.6 16.52 280 325 200 245
NB - Data on older and other steel sizes can be found on ASFP website/technical section

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 53 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
www.asfp.org.uk January 2025
Table D.3 - Columns (UKC) Dimensions to BS4 Part 1:2005

Section factorA/V(Hp/A)
Profile Box
3 4 3 4
sides sides sides sides

Designation Thickness
Depth of Width of
Mass Area of
section section Web Flange
Serial size per section
D B t T
metre
mm kg mm mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
1086 569.5 454.4 78.0 125 1387 15 20 10 15
990 549.7 448.3 71.9 115 1263 20 20 10 15
900 531.4 442.3 65.9 106 1150 20 25 15 15
818 514.1 436.9 60.5 97 1044 20 25 15 20
744 497.8 432.1 55.6 88.9 948 25 25 15 20
677 483.1 427.8 51.2 81.5 863 25 30 15 20
356 × 406 634 474.6 424.0 47.6 77.0 807.548 25 30 15 20
551 455.6 418.5 42.1 67.5 701.930 30 35 20 25
467 436.6 412.2 35.8 58.0 594.909 35 40 20 30
393 419.0 407.0 30.6 49.2 500.574 40 50 25 35
340 406.4 403.0 26.6 42.9 433.036 45 55 30 35
287 393.6 399.0 22.6 36.5 365.708 50 65 30 45
235 381.0 394.8 18.4 30.2 299.432 65 75 40 50
202 374.6 374.7 16.5 27.0 257.219 70 85 45 60
177 368.2 372.6 14.4 23.8 225.506 80 95 50 65
356 × 368
153 362.0 370.5 12.3 20.7 194.803 90 110 55 75
129 355.6 368.6 10.4 17.5 164.335 110 130 65 90
283 365.3 322.2 26.8 44.1 360.426 45 55 30 40
240 352.5 318.4 23.0 37.7 305.789 50 60 35 45
198 339.9 314.5 19.1 31.4 252.414 60 75 40 50
305 × 305 158 327.1 311.2 15.8 25.0 201.364 75 90 50 65
137 320.5 309.2 13.8 21.7 174.415 85 105 55 70
118 314.5 307.4 12.0 18.7 150.202 100 120 60 85
97 307.9 305.3 9.9 15.4 123.448 120 145 75 100
167 289.1 265.2 19.2 31.7 212.855 60 75 40 50
132 276.3 261.3 15.3 25.3 168.134 75 90 50 65
254 × 254 107 266.7 258.8 12.8 20.5 136.381 95 110 60 75
89 260.3 256.3 10.3 17.3 113.311 110 135 70 90
73 254.1 254.6 8.6 14.2 93.100 130 160 80 110
127 241.4 213.9 18.1 30.1 162.00 65 80 45 55
113 235.0 212.1 16.3 26.9 145.00 75 90 45 60
100 228.6 210.3 14.5 23.7 127.00 80 100 55 70
86 222.2 209.1 12.7 20.5 109.636 95 115 60 80
203 × 203
71 215.8 206.4 10.0 17.3 90.427 110 135 70 95
60 209.6 205.8 9.4 14.2 76.373 130 160 80 110
52 206.2 204.3 7.9 12.5 66.282 150 180 95 125
46 203.2 203.6 7.2 11.0 58.731 170 200 105 140
51 170.2 157.4 11.0 15.7 65.20 120 145 75 100
44 166.0 155.9 9.5 13.6 56.10 135 165 85 115
152 × 152 37 161.8 154.4 8.0 11.5 47.112 160 195 100 135
30 157.6 152.9 6.5 9.4 38.263 195 235 120 160
23 152.4 152.2 5.8 6.8 29.245 250 305 155 210

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 54 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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Table D.4 – Joists Dimensions to BS 4 Part 1:1993

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile Box
3 4 3 4
sides sides sides sides

Designation Depth of Thickness

Width of Area of
Mass per section Web Flange
Serial size section B section
metre D t T
mm kg mm mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
203 × 152 52.3 203.2 152.4 8.9 16.5 66.6 115 140 85 105
152 × 127 37.3 152.4 127.0 10.4 13.2 47.5 130 155 90 120

Table D.5 - Parallel Flange Channels Dimensions to BS 4 Part 1:2005

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile Box
4 4
3 sides 3 sides
sides sides

Designation Depth Width Thickness

Mass of of Area of
Serial section section Web Flange section
per
size D B t T
metre
mm Kg mm mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
430 ×100 64.40 430 100 11.0 19.0 82.09 135 95 75 150 115 75 75 130
380 × 100 54.00 380 100 9.5 17.5 68.74 150 110 85 165 125 85 85 140
300 × 100 45.50 300 100 9.0 16.5 58.00 150 115 85 165 120 85 85 140
300 × 90 41.40 300 90 9.0 15.5 52.78 160 120 90 175 130 90 90 150
260 × 90 34.80 260 90 8.0 14.0 44.38 170 135 100 190 135 100 100 160
260 × 75 27.60 260 75 7.0 12.0 35.14 205 150 115 225 170 115 115 190
230 × 90 32.20 230 90 7.5 14.0 40.97 170 140 100 195 135 100 100 155
230 × 75 25.70 230 75 6.5 12.5 32.69 200 155 115 225 165 115 115 185
200 × 90 29.70 200 90 7.0 14.0 37.86 170 140 100 195 130 100 100 155
200 × 75 23.40 200 75 6.0 12.5 29.87 200 160 115 225 160 115 115 185
180 × 90 26.10 180 90 6.5 12.5 33.19 185 155 110 210 135 110 110 165
180 × 75 20.30 180 75 6.0 10.5 25.91 215 175 125 245 170 125 125 195
150 × 90 23.90 150 90 6.5 12.0 30.41 180 160 110 210 130 110 110 160
150 × 75 17.90 150 75 5.5 10.0 22.77 220 190 130 255 165 130 130 200
125 × 65 14.80 125 65 5.5 9.5 18.80 225 195 135 260 170 135 135 200
100 × 50 10.20 100 50 5.0 8.5 13.00 255 215 155 295 190 155 155 230
NB – Data on older and other steel sizes can be found on ASFP website / technical section

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 55 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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Table D.6 - Equal Angles (UKA) Dimensions to BS EN 10056-1:1999

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile Box
3 sides 4 sides 3 sides 4 sides

Size Thickness Mass per Area of

D×D t metre Section
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
24 71.1 90.6 65 85 85 65 90
20 59.9 76.3 75 100 105 80 105
200 × 200
18 54.2 69.1 85 110 115 85 115
16 48.5 61.8 95 125 125 95 130
18 40.1 51.0 85 110 115 90 120
15 33.8 43.0 100 135 135 105 140
150 × 150
12 27.3 34.8 125 165 170 130 170
10 23.0 29.3 150 195 200 155 205
15 26.6 33.9 105 135 140 105 140
12 21.6 27.5 125 165 170 130 175
120 × 120
10 18.2 23.2 150 200 200 155 205
8 14.7 18.7 185 245 250 190 255
15 21.9 27.9 105 135 140 110 145
12 17.8 22.7 130 165 170 130 175
100 × 100
10 15.0 19.2 150 200 205 155 210
8 12.2 15.5 185 245 250 195 260
12 15.9 20.3 130 165 175 135 175
10 13.4 17.1 150 200 205 160 210
90 × 90
8 10.9 13.9 190 245 250 195 260
7 9.6 12.2 215 280 285 220 295

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 56 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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Table D.7 - Unequal Angles (UKA) Dimensions to BS EN 10056-1:1999

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile Box
4 4
3 sides 3 sides
sides sides

Designation
Mass
Thick Area of
Size per
ness section
D×B metre
t
mm mm kg cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
18 47.1 60.0 115 115 90 80 115 90 85 90 85 115
200 ×
15 39.6 50.5 135 135 105 95 135 110 100 110 100 140
150
12 32.0 40.8 165 165 130 120 170 135 125 135 125 170
15 33.7 43.0 135 135 115 90 135 115 95 115 95 140
200 ×
12 27.3 34.8 165 165 140 110 170 145 115 145 115 170
100
10 23.0 29.2 200 200 165 130 200 170 135 170 135 205
15 26.6 33.9 135 135 110 95 140 115 95 115 95 140
150 ×
12 21.6 27.5 170 170 140 115 170 140 120 140 120 175
90
10 18.2 23.2 200 200 165 140 205 170 145 170 145 205
15 24.8 31.7 135 135 115 90 140 120 95 120 95 140
150 ×
12 20.2 25.7 170 170 140 115 170 145 115 145 115 175
75
10 17.0 21.7 200 200 170 135 205 175 140 175 140 210
12 17.8 22.7 170 170 140 115 170 145 120 145 120 175
125 ×
10 15.0 19.1 200 200 165 140 205 170 145 170 145 210
75
8 12.2 15.5 250 250 205 170 250 210 180 210 180 260
12 15.4 19.7 170 170 135 125 175 140 125 140 125 180
100 ×
10 13.0 16.6 205 205 160 145 205 165 150 165 150 210
75
8 10.6 13.5 250 250 200 180 255 205 185 205 185 260
10 12.3 15.6 205 205 165 140 205 170 145 170 145 210
100 ×
8 9.9 12.7 250 250 200 175 255 210 180 210 180 260
65
7 8.8 11.2 285 285 230 200 290 235 205 235 205 295
NB – Data on older and other steel sections can be found on ASFP website/technical section

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 57 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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Table D.8 - Tees (UKT) Split from UK Beams Dimensions to BS4 Part 1:2005

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile Box
3 sides 4 sides 3 sides 4 sides

Width Depth
Mass Web
Serial of of Area of
per thickness
size section section t section
metre
B D
mm kg mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
254 × 343 62.6 253.0 338.9 11.7 79.73 115 145 145 115 115 150
119.0 311.4 317.9 18.4 152 60 80 80 60 60 85
305 × 305 89.5 307.1 310.0 14.1 114.03 80 105 105 80 80 110
74.6 304.8 306.1 11.8 95.01 95 125 125 95 95 130
69.9 230.2 308.5 13.1 89.08 95 120 120 95 95 120
62.5 229.0 306.0 11.9 79.66 105 130 135 105 105 135
229 × 305
56.5 228.2 303.7 11.1 71.96 115 145 145 115 115 150
50.6 227.6 301.2 10.5 64.45 125 160 160 130 130 165
50.1 179.2 303.7 11.3 63.9 120 150 150 125 125 150
178 × 305 46.1 178.8 301.5 10.9 58.7 130 160 160 135 135 165
40.9 177.9 299.3 10.0 52.1 145 180 180 150 150 185
136.7 320.2 288.8 21.1 174 50 70 70 50 50 70
109.4 317.4 280.4 18.3 139 60 85 85 65 65 85
312 × 267
90.7 314.5 275.6 15.2 116 75 100 100 75 75 100
75.3 312.0 271.5 12.7 95.9 90 120 120 90 120 120
69.1 213.9 274.5 14.7 23.6 85 110 110 85 85 110
61.0 211.9 272.2 12.7 77.69 95 120 125 95 95 125
54.5 210.8 269.7 11.6 69.43 105 135 135 110 110 140
210 × 267
50.5 210.0 268.3 10.8 64.33 115 145 145 115 115 150
46.0 209.3 266.5 10.1 58.68 125 160 160 125 125 160
41.1 208.8 264.1 9.6 52.34 140 175 180 140 140 180
42.3 166.5 267.1 10.3 54.0 130 155 160 130 130 160
165 × 267 37.4 165.9 264.5 9.7 47.6 145 175 180 145 145 180
32.8 165.1 262.4 8.9 41.9 160 200 200 165 165 205
80.7 199.4 246.0 18.0 103 65 85 85 65 65 85
66.6 196.7 240.3 15.3 84.9 80 100 100 80 80 105
52.9 194.0 234.6 12.6 67.4 95 125 125 100 100 125
49.1 192.8 233.5 11.4 62.62 105 135 135 105 105 135
191 × 229
44.6 191.9 231.6 10.5 58.87 115 145 145 115 115 150
41.0 191.3 229.9 9.9 52.23 125 160 160 125 125 160
37.1 190.4 228.4 9.0 47.31 135 175 175 135 135 175
33.5 189.9 226.6 8.5 42.75 150 190 195 150 150 195
41.0 155.3 232.8 10.5 52.26 115 145 145 120 120 150
152 × 229
37.1 154.4 230.9 9.6 47.23 130 160 160 130 130 165
table continued overleaf

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 58 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
Profile Box
3 sides 4 sides 3 sides 4 sides

Width Depth
Mass Web
Serial of of Area of
per thickness
size section section t section
metre
B D
mm kg mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
33.6 153.8 228.9 9.0 42.77 140 175 175 145 145 180
152 × 229 29.9 152.9 227.2 8.1 38.11 155 195 195 160 160 200
26.1 152.4 224.8 7.6 33.31 180 220 225 180 180 225
42.6 181.9 208.6 10.9 54.3 110 140 140 110 110 145
37.1 179.5 206.3 9.5 47.24 125 160 160 125 125 165
178 × 203 33.5 178.8 204.6 8.8 42.76 135 175 175 140 140 180
30.0 177.9 203.1 7.9 38.25 150 195 195 155 155 200
27.0 177.7 201.2 7.7 34.47 165 215 215 170 170 220
26.6 143.3 203.3 7.9 34.0 160 200 200 160 160 205
140 × 203 23.0 142.2 201.5 6.8 29.31 185 230 230 185 185 235
19.5 141.8 198.9 6.4 24.82 215 270 270 215 215 275
33.5 173.2 181.6 9.1 42.74 125 160 165 125 125 165
28.5 172.2 178.9 8.1 36.27 145 190 190 145 145 195
171 × 178
25.5 171.5 177.4 7.4 32.44 160 210 210 160 160 215
22.5 171.1 175.6 7.0 28.66 180 235 240 180 180 240
19.5 126.0 176.6 6.6 24.88 190 235 240 195 195 245
127 × 178
16.5 125.4 174.4 6.0 21.06 220 280 280 225 225 285
27.0 166.9 155.1 7.9 34.38 135 185 185 140 140 185
165 × 152 23.0 165.7 153.2 6.7 29.37 160 210 215 160 160 215
20.1 165.0 151.6 6.0 25.65 180 240 245 185 185 245
24.0 125.3 155.4 9.0 30.61 140 180 180 140 140 185
127 × 152 20.9 124.3 153.5 8.0 26.69 160 200 205 160 160 210
18.5 123.4 152.1 7.1 23.58 180 225 230 180 180 235
16.4 102.4 156.3 6.6 20.91 195 240 245 200 200 245
102 × 152 14.1 101.8 154.3 6.0 17.93 225 280 280 230 230 285
12.4 101.6 152.5 5.8 15.80 255 315 320 255 255 320
21.5 147.3 129.7 7.2 27.38 145 195 200 150 150 200
146 × 127 18.5 146.4 127.9 6.3 23.58 170 225 230 170 170 235
15.5 146.1 125.6 6.0 19.83 195 270 270 200 200 275
14.1 102.2 130.1 6.3 18.03 195 250 255 200 200 260
102 × 127 12.6 101.9 128.5 6.0 16.01 220 280 285 225 225 290
11.0 101.6 126.9 5.7 14.00 250 320 320 255 255 325
15.0 133.9 103.3 6.4 19.10 175 240 245 180 180 250
133 × 102
12.5 133.2 101.5 5.7 15.98 205 285 290 210 210 295
NB – Data on older and other steel sections can be found on ASFP website/technical section

Association for Specialist Fire Protection 59 Yellow Book: Volume 1 6th Edition
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Table D.9 - Structural Tees Split from UK Columns Dimensions to BS4 Part 1:2006

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile Box
3 sides 4 sides 3 sides 4 sides

Mass Width
Depth of Web
Serial per of Area of
section thickness
size metre section t section
D
B
mm kg mm mm mm cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1 m-1
79.0 311.2 163.5 15.8 100.67 60 90 95 65 65 95
68.4 309.2 160.2 13.8 87.20 70 105 105 70 70 110
305 × 152
58.9 307.4 157.2 12.0 75.10 80 120 120 85 85 125
48.4 305.3 153.9 9.9 61.72 95 145 145 100 100 150
83.5 265.2 1144.5 19.2 106 50 75 75 50 50 75
66.0 261.3 138.1 15.3 84.06 65 90 95 65 65 95
254 × 127 53.5 258.8 133.3 12.8 68.18 75 110 115 75 75 115
44.4 256.3 130.1 10.3 56.65 90 135 135 90 90 135
36.5 254.6 127.0 8.6 46.55 105 160 160 110 110 165
63.7 213.9 120.7 18.1 81.2 55 80 80 55 55 80
56.7 212.1 117.5 16.3 72.3 60 90 90 60 60 90
49.8 210.3 114.3 14.5 63.4 70 100 100 70 70 100
43.0 209.1 111.0 12.7 54.81 75 115 115 80 80 115
203 × 102
35.5 206.4 107.8 10.0 45.20 90 135 135 95 95 140
30.0 205.8 104.7 9.4 38.18 105 160 160 110 110 165
26.0 204.3 103.0 7.9 33.13 120 180 185 125 125 185
23.0 203.6 101.5 7.2 29.36 135 200 205 140 140 210
25.6 157.4 85.1 11.0 32.6 100 145 145 100 100 150
22.0 155.9 83.0 9.5 28.0 110 165 170 115 115 170
152 × 76 18.5 154.4 80.8 8.0 23.55 130 195 195 135 135 200
15.0 152.9 78.7 6.5 19.12 160 235 240 160 180 240
11.5 152.2 76.1 5.8 14.62 205 305 310 210 210 310

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Table D.10 - Circular Hollow Sections Dimensions to EN 10210 S355J2H

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

Profile or box

Wall thickness Area of section

Outside diameter Mass per metre
t a
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1
2.6 1.20 1.53 440 440
21.3 2.9 1.32 1.68 400 400
3.2 1.43 1.82 370 370
2.6 1.56 1.98 425 425
26.9 2.9 1.72 2.19 385 385
3.2 1.87 2.38 355 355
2.6 1.99 2.54 415 415
2.9 2.20 2.81 375 375
33.7 3.2 2.41 3.07 345 345
3.6 2.67 3.40 310 310
4.0 2.93 3.73 285 285
2.6 2.55 3.25 410 410
2.9 2.82 3.60 370 370
3.2 3.09 3.94 340 340
42.4
3.6 3.44 4.39 305 305
4.0 3.79 4.83 275 275
5.0 4.61 5.87 230 230
2.9 3.25 4.14 365 365
3.2 3.56 4.53 335 335
48.3 3.6 3.97 5.06 300 300
4.0 4.37 5.57 270 270
5.0 5.34 6.80 225 225
2.9 4.11 5.23 360 360
3.2 4.51 5.74 330 330
60.3 3.6 5.03 6.41 295 295
4.0 5.55 7.07 270 270
5.0 6.82 8.69 220 220
2.9 5.24 6.67 358 358
3.2 5.75 7.33 325 325
3.6 6.44 8.20 290 290
76.1
4.0 7.11 9.06 265 265
5.0 8.77 11.2 215 215
6.3 10.80 13.8 175 175
2.9 6.15 7.84 355 355
3.2 6.76 8.62 325 325
3.6 7.57 9.65 290 290
88.9
4.0 8.38 10.7 260 260
5.0 10.3 13.2 210 210
6.3 12.8 16.3 170 170
3.2 8.77 11.2 320 320
3.6 9.83 12.5 285 285
114.3 4.0 10.9 13.9 260 260
5.0 13.5 17.2 210 210
6.3 16.8 21.4 170 170
3.2 10.8 13.7 320 320
139.7
3.6 12.1 15.4 285 285
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
Profile or box

Wall thickness Area of section

Outside diameter Mass per metre
t a
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1
4.0 13.4 17.1 255 255
5.0 16.6 21.2 205 205
139.7 6.3 20.7 26.4 165 165
8.0 26.0 33.1 135 135
10.0 32.0 40.7 110 110
5.0 20.1 25.7 205 205
6.3 25.2 32.1 165 165
168.3 8.0 31.6 40.3 130 130
10.0 39.0 49.7 105 105
12.5 48.0 61.2 85 85
5.0 23.3 29.6 205 205
6.3 29.1 37.1 165 165
193.7 8.0 36.6 46.7 130 130
10.0 45.3 57.7 105 105
12.5 55.9 71.2 85 85
5.0 26.4 33.6 205 205
6.3 33.1 42.1 165 165
8.0 41.6 53.1 130 130
219.1 10.0 51.6 65.7 105 105
12.5 63.7 81.1 85 85
14.2 71.8 91.4 75 75
16.0 80.1 102 65 65
5.0 29.5 37.6 205 205
6.3 37.0 47.1 165 165
8.0 46.7 59.4 130 130
244.5 10.0 57.8 73.7 105 105
12.5 71.5 91.1 85 85
14.2 80.6 103 75 75
16.0 90.2 115 65 65
5.0 33.0 42.1 205 205
6.3 41.4 52.8 160 160
273
8.0 52.3 66.6 130 130
10.0 64.9 82.6 105 105
12.5 80.3 102 85 85
273 14.2 90.6 115 75 75
16.0 101 129 65 65
5.0 39.3 50.1 205 205
6.3 49.3 62.9 160 160
8.0 62.3 79.4 130 130
323.9 10.0 77.4 98.6 105 105
12.5 96.0 122 85 85
14.2 108 138 75 75
16.0 121 155 65 65
6.3 54.3 69.1 160 160
8.0 68.6 87.4 130 130
355.6
10.0 85.2 109 100 100
12.5 106 135 85 85
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
Profile or box

Wall thickness Area of section

Outside diameter Mass per metre
t a
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1
14.2 120 152 75 75
355.6
16.0 134 171 65 65
6.3 62.2 79.2 160 160
8.0 78.6 100 130 130
10.0 97.8 125 100 100
406.4
12.5 121 155 80 80
14.2 137 175 75 75
16.0 154 196 65 65
6.3 70.0 89.2 160 160
8.0 88.6 113 130 130
10.0 110 140 105 105
457
12.5 137 175 80 80
14.2 155 198 75 75
16.0 174 222 65 65
6.3 77.9 99.3 160 160
8.0 98.6 126 125 125
10.0 123 156 100 100
508.0
12.5 153 195 80 80
14.2 173 220 75 75
16.0 194 247 65 65
NB – Data on older and other steel sections can be found on ASFP website/technical section

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Table D.11 - Square Hollow Sections Dimensions to EN 10210 S355J2H

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

3 sides 4 sides

Designation
Area of section
Size Wall thickness Mass per metre
a
D×D t
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1 m-1
3.0 3.41 4.34 275 370
3.2 3.61 4.60 260 350
40 × 40 3.6 4.01 5.10 235 315
4.0 4.39 5.59 215 290
5.0 5.28 6.73 180 240
3.0 4.35 5.54 270 365
3.2 4.62 5.88 255 340
3.6 5.14 6.54 230 305
50 × 50
4.0 5.64 7.19 210 280
5.0 6.85 8.73 175 230
6.3 8.31 10.6 140 190
3.0 5.29 6.74 270 360
3.2 5.62 7.16 250 335
3.6 6.27 7.98 225 300
60 × 60 4.0 6.90 8.79 205 275
5.0 8.42 10.7 170 225
6.3 10.3 13.1 140 185
8.0 12.5 16.0 115 150
3.0 6.24 7.94 265 355
3.2 6.63 8.44 250 335
3.6 7.40 9.42 225 300
70 × 70 4.0 8.15 10.4 205 270
5.0 9.99 12.7 165 220
6.3 12.3 15.6 135 180
8.0 15.0 19.2 110 145
3.0 7.18 9.14 265 350
3.2 7.63 9.72 250 330
3.6 8.53 10.9 220 295
80 × 80 4.0 9.41 12.0 200 270
5.0 11.6 14.7 165 220
6.3 14.2 18.1 135 180
8.0 17.5 22.4 110 145
3.6 9.66 12.3 220 295
4.0 10.7 13.6 200 265
90 × 90 5.0 13.1 16.7 160 215
6.3 16.2 20.7 130 175
8.0 20.1 25.6 105 140
3.6 10.8 13.7 220 295
4.0 11.9 15.2 200 265
5.0 14.7 18.7 160 215
100 × 100
6.3 18.2 23.2 130 175
8.0 22.6 28.8 104 140
10.0 27.4 34.9 90 115
120 × 120 4.0 14.4 18.4 195 260
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
3 sides 4 sides

Designation
Area of section
Size Wall thickness Mass per metre
a
D×D t
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1 m-1
5.0 17.8 22.7 160 215
6.3 22.2 28.2 130 170
120 × 120 8.0 27.6 35.2 105 140
10.0 33.7 42.9 85 115
12.5 40.9 52.1 70 95
5.0 21.0 26.7 160 210
6.3 26.1 33.3 130 170
140 × 140 8.0 32.6 41.6 100 135
10.0 40.0 50.9 85 110
12.5 48.7 62.1 70 90
5.0 22.6 28.7 160 210
6.3 28.1 35.8 125 170
8.0 35.1 44.8 100 135
150 × 150
10.0 43.1 54.9 85 110
12.5 52.7 67.1 70 90
16.00 65.2 83.0 55 75
5.0 24.1 30.7 160 210
6.3 30.1 38.3 125 170
8.0 37.6 48.0 100 135
160 × 160 10.0 46.3 58.9 85 110
12.5 56.6 72.1 70 90
14.2 63.3 80.7 60 80
16.0 70.2 89.4 55 75
5.0 27.3 34.7 155 210
6.3 34.0 43.3 125 170
8.0 42.7 54.4 100 135
180 × 180 10.0 52.5 66.9 80 110
12.5 64.4 82.1 65 90
14.2 72.2 92.0 60 80
16.0 80.2 102 55 70
5.0 30.4 38.7 155 210
6.3 38.0 48.4 125 165
8.0 47.7 60.8 100 135
200 × 200 10.0 58.8 74.9 85 110
12.5 72.3 92.1 65 90
14.2 81.1 103 60 80
16.0 90.3 115 55 70
5.0 38.3 48.7 155 205
6.3 47.9 61.0 125 165
8.0 60.3 76.8 100 130
250 × 250 10.0 74.5 94.9 80 105
12.5 91.9 117 65 85
14.2 103 132 60 75
16.0 115 147 55 70
6.3 49.9 63.5 125 165
260 × 260
8.0 62.8 80.0 100 130
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
3 sides 4 sides

Designation
Area of section
Size Wall thickness Mass per metre
a
D×D t
mm mm Kg/m cm2 m-1 m-1
10.0 77.7 98.9 80 105
12.5 95.8 122 65 85
260 × 260
14.2 108 137 60 75
16.0 120 153 55 70
6.3 57.8 73.6 125 165
8.0 72.8 92.8 100 130
10.0 90.2 115 80 105
300 × 300
12.5 112 142 65 85
14.2 126 160 60 75
16.0 141 179 50 70
8.0 85.4 109 100 130
10.0 106 135 80 105
350 × 350 12.5 131 167 65 85
14.2 148 189 55 75
16.0 166 211 50 70
8.0 97.9 125 100 130
10.0 122 155 80 105
12.5 151 192 65 85
400 × 400
14.2 170 217 55 75
16.0 191 243 50 70
20.0 235 300 40 55
NB – Data on older and other steel sections can be found on ASFP website/technical section

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Table D.12 - Rectangular Hollow Sections Dimensions to EN 10210 S355J2H

Section factor A/V (Hp/A)

3 sides 4 sides

Designation Mass per Area of the

Size D × B Thickness t metre section
mm mm Kg cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1
3.0 3.41 4.34 300 255 370
3.2 3.61 4.60 285 240 350
50 × 30 3.6 4.01 5.10 255 215 315
4.0 4.39 5.59 235 200 290
5.0 5.28 6.73 195 165 240
3.0 4.35 5.54 290 255 365
3.2 4.62 5.88 275 240 340
3.6 5.14 6.54 245 215 305
60 × 40
4.0 5.64 7.19 225 195 280
5.0 6.85 8.73 185 160 230
6.3 8.31 10.6 150 135 190
3.0 5.29 6.74 300 240 360
3.2 5.62 7.16 280 225 335
3.6 6.27 7.98 250 200 300
80 × 40 4.0 6.90 8.79 230 185 275
5.0 8.42 10.7 190 150 225
6.3 10.3 13.1 155 125 185
8.0 12.5 16.0 125 100 150
3.0 6.24 7.94 290 240 355
3.2 6.63 8.44 275 225 335
3.6 7.40 9.42 245 205 300
90 × 50 4.0 8.15 10.4 225 185 270
5.0 9.99 12.7 185 150 220
6.3 12.3 15.6 150 125 180
8.0 15.0 19.2 120 100 150
3.0 6.71 8.54 295 235 355
3.2 7.13 9.08 275 220 330
3.6 7.96 10.1 250 200 300
4.0 8.78 11.2 225 180 270
100 × 50
5.0 10.8 13.7 185 150 220
6.3 13.3 16.9 150 120 180
8.0 16.3 20.8 120 100 145
10.0 19.6 24.9 100 80 120
3.0 7.18 9.14 285 240 350
3.2 7.63 9.72 270 230 330
3.6 8.53 10.9 240 205 295
100 × 60 4.0 9.41 12.0 220 185 270
5.0 11.6 14.7 180 150 220
6.3 14.2 18.1 145 125 180
8.0 17.5 22.4 120 100 145
3.6 9.66 12.3 245 195 300
120 × 60 4.0 10.7 13.6 220 180 265
5.0 13.1 16.7 180 145 215
table continued overleaf
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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
3 sides 4 sides

Designation Mass per Area of the

Size D × B Thickness t metre section
mm mm Kg cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1
6.3 16.2 20.7 145 120 175
120 × 60 8.0 20.1 25.6 120 95 140
10.0 24.3 30.9 100 80 120
3.6 10.8 13.7 235 205 295
4.0 11.9 15.2 210 185 265
5.0 14.7 18.7 175 150 215
120 × 80
6.3 18.2 23.2 140 120 175
8.0 22.6 28.8 115 100 140
10.0 27.4 34.9 95 80 115
4.0 15.1 19.2 210 185 260
5.0 18.6 23.7 170 150 215
6.3 23.1 29.5 135 120 170
150 × 100
8.0 28.9 36.8 110 95 135
10.0 35.3 44.9 90 80 115
12.5 42.8 54.6 75 65 95
4.0 16.6 21.2 200 190 260
5.0 20.6 26.2 165 155 210
6.3 25.6 32.6 130 125 170
150 × 125
8.0 32.0 40.8 105 100 135
10.0 39.2 49.9 85 80 110
12.5 47.7 60.8 70 70 90
4.0 14.4 18.4 220 175 260
5.0 17.8 22.7 180 145 215
6.3 22.2 28.2 145 115 170
160 × 80
8.0 27.6 35.2 115 95 140
10.0 33.7 42.9 95 75 115
12.5 40.9 52.1 80 65 95
5.0 22.6 28.7 175 140 210
6.3 28.1 35.8 140 115 170
8.0 35.1 44.8 110 90 135
200 × 100
10.0 43.1 54.9 95 75 110
12.5 52.7 67.1 75 60 90
16.0 65.2 83.0 60 50 75
5.0 24.1 30.7 170 145 210
6.3 30.1 38.3 140 115 170
8.0 37.6 48.0 110 95 135
200 × 120 10.0 46.3 58.9 90 75 110
12.5 56.6 72.1 75 65 90
14.2 63.3 80.7 65 55 80
16.0 70.2 89.4 60 50 75
5.0 26.5 33.7 165 150 210
6.3 33.0 42.1 135 120 170
200 × 150
8.0 41.4 52.8 105 95 135
10.0 51.0 64.9 80 80 110
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
3 sides 4 sides

Designation Mass per Area of the

Size D × B Thickness t metre section
mm mm Kg cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1
12.5 62.5 79.6 70 65 90
200 × 150 14.2 70.0 89.2 65 60 80
16.0 77.7 99.0 55 55 70
5.0 26.5 33.7 180 135 210
6.3 33.0 42.1 145 110 170
8.0 41.4 52.8 115 85 135
250 × 100 10.0 51.0 64.9 95 70 110
12.5 62.5 79.6 75 60 90
14.2 70.0 89.2 70 50 80
16.0 77.7 99.0 65 45 70
5.0 30.4 38.7 170 145 210
6.3 38.0 48.4 135 115 165
8.0 47.7 60.8 110 90 135
250 × 150 10.0 58.8 74.9 90 75 110
12.5 72.3 92.1 75 60 90
14.2 81.1 103 65 55 80
16.0 90.3 115 60 50 70
10.0 66.7 84.9 85 80 110
250 × 200 12.5 82.1 105 70 65 90
14.2 92.3 118 60 55 80
5.0 30.4 38.7 170 140 210
6.3 38.0 48.4 140 115 165
8.0 47.7 60.8 110 90 135
260 × 140 10.0 58.8 74.9 90 75 110
12.5 72.3 92.1 75 60 90
14.2 81.1 103 65 55 80
16.0 90.3 115 60 50 70
5.0 30.4 38.7 180 130 210
6.3 38.0 48.4 145 105 165
8.0 47.7 60.8 115 85 135
300 × 100 10.0 58.8 74.9 95 70 110
12.5 72.3 92.1 80 55 90
14.2 81.1 103 70 50 80
16.0 90.3 115 65 45 70
8.0 54.0 68.8 110 90 130
10.0 66.7 84.9 90 70 110
300 × 150 12.5 82.1 105 75 60 90
14.2 92.3 118 65 55 80
16.0 103 131 60 50 70
5.0 38.3 48.7 165 145 205
6.3 47.9 61.0 135 115 165
300 × 200 8.0 60.3 76.8 105 95 130
10.0 74.5 94.9 85 75 105
12.5 91.9 117 70 60 85
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
3 sides 4 sides

Designation Mass per Area of the

Size D × B Thickness t metre section
mm mm Kg cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1
14.2 103 132 60 55 75
300 × 200
16.0 115 147 55 50 70
6.3 52.8 67.3 130 120 165
8.0 66.5 84.8 100 95 130
10.0 82.4 105 85 80 105
300 × 250
12.5 102 130 65 65 85
14.2 115 146 60 55 75
16.0 128 163 55 50 70
6.3 47.9 61.0 140 110 165
8.0 60.3 76.8 110 85 130
10.0 74.5 94.9 90 70 105
350 × 150
12.5 91.9 117 75 55 85
14.2 103 132 65 50 75
16.0 115 147 60 45 70
6.3 57.8 73.6 130 115 165
8.0 72.8 92.8 105 95 130
10.0 90.2 115 85 75 105
350 × 250
12.5 112 142 70 60 85
14.2 126 160 60 55 75
16.0 141 179 55 50 70
6.3 49.9 63.5 145 100 165
8.0 62.8 80.0 115 80 130
10.0 77.7 98.9 95 65 105
400 × 120
12.5 95.8 122 75 55 85
14.2 108 137 70 50 80
16.0 120 153 65 45 70
6.3 52.8 67.3 145 105 165
8.0 66.5 84.8 115 85 130
10.0 82.4 105 90 70 105
400 × 150
12.5 102 130 75 55 85
14.2 115 146 65 50 75
16.0 128 163 60 45 70
6.3 57.8 73.6 140 110 165
8.0 72.8 92.8 110 90 130
10.0 90.2 115 90 70 105
400 × 200
12.5 112 142 70 60 85
14.2 126 160 65 50 75
16.0 141 179 60 45 70
8.0 85.4 109 105 95 130
10.0 106 135 85 75 105
400 × 300 12.5 131 167 70 60 85
14.2 148 189 60 55 75
16.0 166 211 55 50 70
450 × 250 8.0 85.4 109 105 90 130
table continued overleaf

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 Section factor A/V (Hp/A)
3 sides 4 sides

Designation Mass per Area of the

Size D × B Thickness t metre section
mm mm Kg cm2 m-1 m-1 m-1
10.0 106 135 85 70 105
12.5 131 167 70 60 85
450 × 250
14.2 148 189 65 50 75
16.0 166 211 55 45 70
8.0 85.4 109 110 85 130
10.0 106 135 90 70 105
500 × 200 12.5 131 167 75 55 85
14.2 148 189 65 50 75
16.0 166 211 60 45 70
8.0 97.9 125 105 90 130
10.0 122 155 85 75 105
12.5 151 192 70 60 85
500 × 300
14.2 170 217 60 50 75
16.0 191 243 55 45 70
20.0 235 300 45 40 55
NB – Data on older and other steel sections can be found on ASFP website/technical section

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Table D.13 - Castellated Sections

Castellated Universal Beams

Castellated Universal Beams Castellated Universal Columns
(continued)
Serial size Mass per Serial size Mass per Serial size Mass per
Original Castellated metre Original Castellated metre Original Castellated metre
mm mm kg mm mm kg mm mm kg
388 82 634
914 × 419 1371 × 419
343 74 551
289 457 × 152 686 × 152 67 467
253 60 356 × 406 546 × 406 393
914 × 305 1371 × 305
224 52 340
201 74 287
226 67 235
406 × 178 609 × 178
838 × 292 1257 × 292 194 60 202
176 54 177
356 × 368 534 × 368
197 46 153
406 × 140 609 × 140
762 × 267 1143 × 267 173 39 129
147 67 283
170 57 240
356 × 171 534 × 171
152 51 198
686 × 254 1029 × 254
140 45 305 × 305 458 × 305 158
125 39 137
356 × 127 534 × 127
238 33 118
610 × 305 915 × 305 179 54 97
149 305 × 165 458 × 165 46 167
140 40 132
125 48 254 × 254 381 × 254 107
610 × 229 915 × 229
113 305 × 127 458 × 127 42 89
101 37 73
122 33 86
109 305 × 102 458 × 102 28 71
533 × 210 800 × 210 101 25 203 × 203 305 × 203 60
92 43 52
82 254 × 146 381 × 146 37 46
98 31 37
89 28 152 × 152 228 × 152 30
457 × 191 686 × 191 82 254 × 102 381 × 102 25 23
74 22
67 30
203 × 133 305 × 133
25

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Annex E - Key points on specification and application for reactive
coatings

To ensure an adequate standard of fire protection, structural design drawings and/or associated schedules of the
various members must specify:

• The required period of fire protection, e.g. 30, 60, 120 minutes for each structural member
• The structural design code
• The fire test standard
• The associated limiting temperature for the design provided by a specialist manufacturer or a suitably
qualified engineer e.g. chartered engineers recognised by the Engineering Council or other suitably
competent person
• That the fire protection product be third party certificated and installed by a third-party certificated
contractor if on-site application is used
• That both during and after application, the fire protection be inspected by a third-party inspection body
• Sufficient handover information including system specifications and thicknesses to:
o Cover the provisions of Regulation 38 so that a fire risk assessment can be undertaken by a fire risk
assessor under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and national equivalents in Scotland,
Northern Ireland and Ireland.
o Enable the fire protection system to be maintained and repaired as appropriate throughout the life of
the building.
EXAMPLE:
“30 minutes fire protection to a limiting temperature of 500oC to Eurocode EN: 1993: 1-2 to be provided by
(type of material) that has been tested to e.g. EN 13381 and third-party certificated to have the requisite
performance, and to be installed by a third-party certificated contractor and inspected by a third-party
inspection body”

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 Table E.1 - Checklist for Designers/Specifiers

1 What is the required period of fire protection in minutes for each member? Mins
2 What is the associated limiting temperature for the design?
Note 1: the flow chart overleaf defines a protocol for selecting limiting
temperatures oC

Note 2: If the limiting temperature provided is in excess of 650oC, then this should
be questioned, and a second opinion sought
3 Has the limiting temperature been provided (calculated) by a specialist
manufacturer or a suitably qualified engineer e.g. chartered engineers recognised
by the Engineering Council or other suitably competent person? Yes/No
If not, then this should be questioned and an authoritative second opinion sought

4 Is the utilisation factor ambient or fire limit state?

If you are not sure it should be assumed to be fire limit state. You may need to take
Ambient/fire
advice from a specialist manufacturer or a suitably qualified engineer e.g.
limit state
chartered engineers recognised by the Engineering Council or other suitably
competent person.
5 Is the fire protection product third party certificated and does it match or cover
the submittal provided by the manufacturer or installer?
If not ASFP recommends that only third party certificated products be used which
matches or covers the submittal provided by the manufacturer and you should
Yes/No
change the specification accordingly.
Where a product is used outside its scope of certification then ASFP recommends
that it is subject to a separate evaluation by an appropriate third party such as a
certification body.

6 Has any software package(s) used to generate the required limiting temperature
been accredited or third party certificated?
Yes/No
ASFP only recommends the use of accredited or third party certificated software
packages for the generation of limiting temperatures.

7 Has adequate consideration been given to the special needs of cell beams?
Use of limiting temperatures and design protocol for solid beams for application on
cell beams which require a more complex evaluation. For fire protection Yes/No
considerations for cell beams, refer to the ASFP Cell Beam Register available at
https://asfp.org.uk/page/CellBeamRegister

8 Does the submittal meet all the conditions in the table below Yes/No

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Some misuses of supporting data are listed below. If you are able, you should check that the submission under
consideration meets the following. If you are not sure you should seek specialist guidance e.g. from a specialist
manufacturer or a suitably qualified engineer e.g. chartered engineers recognised by the Engineering Council or other
suitably competent person.

9 Confusion sometimes exists between loadings for 3-sided beams and 4-sided
beams. 3-sided beam loadings are obtained from testing with a concrete slab
above the top of the beam and should only be used when a concrete slab is in
place. Yes/No
4-sided beam loadings are certificated and are derived from column loadings.
You should check that the submittal only uses 3-sided beam loadings in situations
where a concrete slab is above the top flange.
10 Because of the effects of geometry, hollow sections typically require a greater
thickness of application than an I section of equivalent massivity. Hollow section
loadings of the appropriate shape should be used for the correct application. It is
Yes/No
definitely unconservative to use I section loadings for hollow sections.
You should ensure that the submittal uses data for an appropriate section shape
in each instance and does not mix I section data with hollow section application.
11 I section column data can be used for I section columns, pre-formed channels,
tees and angles, provided they are within the scope of the assessment.
However, this data should not be used for other types of scenario, such as large
Yes/No
flat plates.
You should ensure that the certification covers the sections used in practice, or
that other ad hoc testing is available.
12 Have suitable limiting temperatures been used in respect of protection to portal
frame rafters? When coating portal frame rafters, it is appropriate to use 4-sided
beam loadings, as there is no concrete floor slab. It is recognised that is not
always possible to paint the top outer face, and if this occurs, advice should be
Yes/No
sought to ensure the steel is not under protected.
If you are not sure you should take advice from a specialist manufacturer or a
suitably qualified engineer e.g. chartered engineers recognised by the Engineering
Council or other suitably competent person
13 Product certification will cover certain limits, such as maximum dry film thickness,
section factor and time period. These certificated limits are based upon the scope
of the testing carried out. It is not possible to safely exceed these limits.
You should ensure that these limits are not exceeded. If they are, you should seek Yes/No
advice from a specialist manufacturer or a suitably qualified engineer e.g.
chartered engineers recognised by the Engineering Council or other suitably
competent person
14 It is conservative to assume that a steel member is designed at 100% of its
utilisation. Conversely it is unsafe to use a lower utilisation level without a proven
structural model from the project design team, as it could lead to unacceptable
and unproven lower levels of protection.
Yes/No
You should make sure that any reduction in steel utilisation has been properly
evaluated. In these situations, you should take advice from a specialist
manufacturer or a suitably qualified engineer e.g. chartered engineers recognised
by the Engineering Council or other suitably competent person

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Annex F - Key points on specification and application for passive
materials

F.1 Method of fixing and support - Reinforcement for non-reactive sprayed fire
protection
Reinforcement in the form of a suitable mesh may be incorporated within non-reactive sprayed fire protection.
Different types of mesh are used to perform different functions. Reinforcement Mesh is used to provide extra
security to the installed non-reactive sprayed fire protection when:

• Excessive vibration is expected

• Steel section has no re-entrant profile e.g. 3 sided RHS beam
• Dimensions of the section exceed allowable limits (see below)

Reinforcement mesh is usually 50mm × 50mm galvanised hexagonal mesh (chicken wire) and is secured to the surface
by means of stud welded pins (or other suitable non-combustible pins) and a non-return washer prior to application of
the non-reactive sprayed fire protection, and positioned such that it lies substantially in the mid third of the applied
thickness.

Retention mesh is used to ensure bond and is used when:

• Correct bond to the surface cannot be guaranteed i.e. multi-layer or unidentifiable paint systems or poor
surface condition.
• Continuous application is required between two adjacent but separate substrates. E.g. where a beam is
close to a wall

Retention mesh can be Galvanised Expanded Metal Lath, Riblath or similar.

This is secured to the substrate or applied to form a bridge between surfaces and is fixed by means of suitable non-
combustible anchors prior to application of the non-reactive sprayed fire protection.

F.2 Section factor (A/V) for structural hollow sections for non reactive materials
Fire test data exists on structural hollow sections (SHS) as compression and flexural members which together with
recent research have indicated comparability between SHS sections and ‘I’ or ‘H’ sections in terms of the fire
protection thickness related to the section factor. The test information has been analysed for rectangular, square and
circular sections to establish comparability with respect to fire protection thickness, section factor and fire resistance
performance.

The modifications listed below do not apply to intumescent coatings.

▪ For fire protection materials, whether boards or spray (on lath), whose thicknesses have been assessed from
test data on boxed ‘I’ sections (see Figure F1 & F2), no change in thickness is required, i.e. the thickness for an
SHS of a given section factor, is equal to that for the ‘I’ section of the same ‘box’ Section factor.
▪ For fire protection materials, whether board or spray whose thickness has been assessed from test data on
profiled I sections (see Figure F1 & F2), some modification in thickness is required. The extent of the
modification is related to the section factor of the section and is derived as follows:

a) Establish the section factor of the hollow section.

b) Establish the required thickness of profiled protection material based upon the tables relating to
section factor and fire resistance period and protection thickness, derived for open sections. This is
the thickness “dp” (mm).
c) Calculate a modified thickness dpmod for hollow sections as follows (from BS EN 13381-4:2013 Annex
A - Clause A.3)
For Section factor up to 250m-1 modified dpmod= dp {1 + (A/V )/1000}
For Section factor between 250 to 310m-1 modified dpmod = 1.25dp

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 Profile Box Solid
(with or without gap over flanges)
Figure F1 – Protection technique for three-sided protection

Profile Box Solid

(with or without gap over flanges)
Figure F2 – Protection technique for four-sided protection

Consideration should be given to the following:

• The maximum thickness that can be applied to hollow sections should not exceed that given by the
manufacturer for open profile sections tested in the same orientations
• It should be noted that any changes resulting from the transposition from open sections to SHS sections may
affect the retention of the material. The fixing methodology used for I sections should be appropriate for use
on hollow sections. Where modifications are considered significant, appropriate loaded fire resistance tests
should be carried out. See EN13381-4:2013 section 15 for information on what may be considered significant.
• Where the fire protection thickness of open sections has been established by a test conducted on members
which were “solid” protected, then a separate appraisal for the hollow section is necessary.

F.3 Surface preparation

The surface preparation for steel is limited to the method used for the tested sections.

In all circumstances the surface should be clean, dry and free from dust, loose mill scale, loose rust, oil or any other
contaminant that may impair adhesion. Any foreign matter such as loose rust should be removed by means of a stiff
brush. Oil or rolling grease should be removed by detergent wash.

F.4 Primer compatibility

In general, Plaster/Gypsum based products do not have compatibility issues with corrosion protection primers and as
a result they are either applied directly to the clean primed steel or a basic PVA type adhesive is used in order to
promote a good bond.

Portland cement based products are a little more challenging as the high pH of the Portland cement can cause a
reaction with some paint systems. In addition, most primed surfaces require preparation of some kind. This can be a
simple application of a PVA type adhesive or a proprietary Key coat. In some cases a barrier coating may be required.

Primers manufactured using Alkyd resins combined with the high pH of the Portland Cement can cause saponification
on the surface and as a result a loss of bond is almost inevitable. Primers that are based on more chemically resistant
binders such as Epoxies do not exhibit this reaction.

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As a result, Alkyd or non-compatible primers should have a barrier coat that completely covers the primed surface
prior to application of the Portland cement based spray.

Epoxies or compatible primers usually require an adhesive keycoat of some kind in order to ensure a good bond.

F.5 Deep web sections

Unless there is test evidence otherwise, reinforcement mesh is required when the web depth between the flanges:

• exceeds 650mm or when the flange width exceeds 325mm, or

• where the diameter of a CHS exceeds 325mm, or
• where one face of an RHS used as a beam exceeds 325mm, or
• where there is no re-entrant profile

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Annex G - Key points on specification and application of boards and mats
A wide range of board and mat systems are available that can be applied in a variety of ways, in each instance it is crucial
that the relevant system holders documentation is followed. The following section highlights key features inherent with
board and mat applications.

G.1 Surface preparation.

In all instances the surface should be clean, dry and free from dust or debris that could impede the encasement systems
supporting members. If the system relies on adhesion to the steel member all contaminants should be removed prior
to application.

G.2 System Specifics

Board or mat systems are usually applied as an encasement following a boxed protection technique along the length of
the steel member. Profiled applications are also available by fixing directly to the steel member or the material is
provided in preformed sections.

G.2.1 Fixings
Rigid boards or mats may be fixed by mechanical means, adhesively fixed, supported by welded pins or use a
combination of all three methods. Adhesive fixed systems may need to be supplemented by pins, screws or nails at
joints at defined centres. For mechanical fixed systems, components could include, steel angles, screws and fixings,
noggins, backing strips and sealants.
In each instance consideration should be given to the following:
• Positions and centres between fixings
• The correct type of fixing is used (material, length, gauge, washer)
• Framing / noggin centres
• Noggin position and size requirements
• Using the correct adhesive and sealants if applicable
• Joint position

G.2.2 Joints
Joint sealing requirements vary between systems. In some instances, joint sealing between boards is not required but
others specify a sealant or adhesive must be used. Others may use suitable noggins behind the joint position. In each
instance the relevant supporting documentation must be followed.

G.2.3 Board Dimensions

Depending on the fire resistance period required, board thicknesses may range from 6 mm for the higher density
products based on gypsum, cement or calcium silicate to 60mm for stonewool and lower density boards/mats.
Resin bonded stonewool type boards are typically 2000mm x 1200mm
Fibre reinforced cement and calcium silicate and cement boards are typically 1800 - 3000mm x 1200mm.
Lightweight aggregate boards are typically1000 x 610mm.
Consideration should be given to how the size and weight might affect working and compliance with Health & Safety
regulations. The manufacturer should always be contacted to check the latest product information

G 2.3 Finishes
Boards and mats may be left unfinished or have a facing which needs no further decoration.
Stonewool mats are available with foil or tissue facings.
Cement based products may need an alkali resistant primer before any further decoration.
Calcium silicate and gypsum boards can be decorated with normal paints, renders, tiles etc.

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Annex H- Bibliography and References
ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIALIST FIRE PROTECTION www.asfp.org.uk
TGD 8 Code of practice for junctions between different fire protection systems (structural steel
elements)
TGD 11 Code of practice for the specification and on-site installation of intumescent coatings for the
fire protection of structural steelwork
TGD 13 Code of practice for over cladding reactive coatings
TGD 14 Code of practice for the installation and inspection of board systems for the fire protection of
structural steelwork
TGD 15 Code of practice for the installation and inspection of sprayed non-reactive coatings for the fire
protection of structural steelwork
TGD 16 Code of Practice for off-site applied intumescent coatings
AN 11 Position Paper on Protection of Cellular Beams with reactive coatings
AN 12 Best Practice Guide for Specifying reactive coatings
AN 17 Position Paper on Assessments and technical evaluations in lieu of fire testing
AN 18 Position Paper on installing partitioning under steel sections protected with reactive coatings
AN 19 Position paper on use of Critical Steel Temperatures above 650°C
AN 20 Fire Protection of Portal frame buildings
AN 21 Position paper on coatback of unprotected secondary beams
AN 23 Advice on protection of secondary steelwork
AN 27 Position Paper on fire protection of corrugated web beams
AN 32 Position on use of BS476 based testing for Eurocode designed structures

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION www.bsi-global.com

BS 449-2: Structural steel in buildings: 1996 Metric units
BS 476: Fire tests on building materials and structures
BS 476-20: Method for determination of the fire resistnce of load bearing elements of construction
(general principles)
BS 476-21: Method for determination of the fire resistance of load bearing elements of construction
BS 476-23: Methods for determination of the fire resistance of the contribution of components to the fire
resistance of a structure
BS 5950 The stuctural use of steelwork in buildings
BS 5950-8: Structural use of steelwork in buildings – Part 8; Code of Practice for fire resistant design

BSI/ EUROPEAN STANDARDS www.bsi-global.com

BS EN 1363-1: Fire resistance tests - Part 1: General requirements
BS EN 1991: Actions on Structures. General actions - Part 1.2 Actions on structures exposed to fire
BS EN 1993: Design of steel structures. General rules - Part 1.2 Structural fire design
BS EN 1994: Design of composite steel and concrete structures. General rules - Part 1.2 Structural fire
design.
BS EN 13501-2: Fire classification of construction products and building elements: Classification using data from
fire resistance tests, excluding ventilation services
EN 13381-4: Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members:
Part 4: Applied passive protection to steel members
EN 13381-8: Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members:
Part 8: Applied reactive protection to steel members
EN 13381-9: Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members:
Part 9: Applied fire protection systems to steel beams with web openings
EN 13381-10: Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members:
Part 10: Fire protection applied to members in tension
EN16623: Paints and varnishes. Reactive coatings for fire protection of metallic substrates. Definitions,
requirements, characteristics and marking
EAD350402-00-1106 Reactive coatings for fire protection of steel elements
EAD350140-00-1106 Renderings and rendering kits intended for fire resisting applications
EAD350142-00-1106 Fire protective board, slab and mat products and kits

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Approved Document B: 2021 – Fire safety. Volumes 1 and 2
The Building Regulations 2010 for England and Wales
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: ISBN 0 11072 945 5
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Building Safety Act 2022
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-housing-communities-local-government
www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales

EUROPEAN COMMISSION www.commission.europa.eu/index_en

Construction Products Regulation: No. 305/2011 (CPR)
Construction Products Regulation: No. 2024/3110
Commission Decision (Fire Resistance) 2000/367/EC of 3rd May 2000
Construction Products Regulations 2013 [SI 1989/2393]

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION www.hse.gov.uk

Construction [Design and Management] Regulations 2015: Managing health and safety in construction

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANISATION www.iso.org

ISO / IEC 17025: 2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

NORTHERN IRELAND www.finance-ni.gov.uk/topics/building-regulations-and-energy-efficiency-buildings

The Building Regulations [Northern Ireland] 2012
DFP Technical Booklet E – Fire safety 2012

STEEL CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE [SCI] www.steel-sci.com

SCI P109: 1991 The fire resistance of composite beams –Lawson R.M and Newman G.M
SCI P109: 2nd Edition The fire resistance of composite floors with steel decking [2nd Edition] – Newman GM
SCI RT 1356v08: 2013 Fire design of composite beams with rectangular and circular web openings

SCOTLAND www.gov.scot/policies/building-standards
The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
Technical Handbook 2024 for domestic and non-domestic buildings www.gov.scot/collections/building-standards

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