ABSTRACT
Fire resistance is a requirement of all national Building Regulations in order to ensure stability of the structure in the event of fire, to prevent fire spread, to allow means of escape of the occupants and also for the safety of fire fighters. Although not stated explicitly in regulations, fire-resistance measures also ensure protection against disproportionate damage, so that small fires will not require major structural repair. Fire resistance requirements are a function of:
• the size of the building (especially the height) • the fire load (combustible contents) • the presence of ‘active’ fire protection measures, e.g. sprinklers.
