The Engineering of Passive Protection is an effective method to protect a building from fire or other hazards. Typical applications of passive protection are listed below. We also discuss Testing and Certification. This is an important process for any building to ensure that the structure meets all building code requirements. Passive protection is effective in both new and existing buildings, and is often cheaper than building a new building.
Components of passive fire protection
Passive fire protection systems are the preferred method of protection in many situations. Unlike active systems, passive systems don’t require manual intervention or detection or control systems. Passive measures include installing fire barriers, spacing and limiting fuel sources, and employing inherently less hazardous processes. However, passive systems are not always effective in all circumstances. In some cases, they conflict with other inspections, such as vessel fireproofing.
During fires, the main goal is to prevent a fire from spreading or affecting building systems. This means ensuring that the load bearing assemblies are adequately protected. If these systems fail to do their jobs, the building could collapse, causing injury to occupants and even death to firefighters.
Passive fire protection is particularly important in tunnels and other underground structures. This type of structure can have high heat release rates, limited access to emergency services, and limited escape routes. Passive fire protection can help mitigate the effects of these factors while still allowing occupants to evacuate safely. Passive fire protection can also ensure that firefighting teams have access to the affected areas.
Common applications
Passive protection is one of the most common types of fireproofing for buildings. This kind of fireproofing is completely passive and requires no activation by the building occupants. For example, fire doors, fire-rated glass, and fire-resistant plasterboard are all excellent forms of passive protection. They are designed to resist fire and only give way when the fire is extinguished.
Passive fire protection has many applications in a variety of industries. In buildings, passive fire protection is often used instead of active fire protection systems, especially when the building is located in a remote area or where runoff from fire water can be problematic. Passive fire protection also includes fire walls, which are a popular way to prevent fire from spreading and protect adjacent equipment from thermal radiation.
Passive protection has multiple benefits and can be used in any building. Passive fireproofing slows the spread of fire by coating floor-ceilings, roofs, columns, and beams with fire-resistant materials. It also allows buildings to stand longer during the heat of a fire. Without this type of protection, unprotected buildings can be burned down within minutes.
Testing
Testing passive protection engineering involves evaluating the durability of a building’s passive safety systems and their performance in a fire. This type of testing typically involves exposing the structure to fire up to 1100 degrees Celsius for a specified duration. Some tests may include other objectives as well. For example, airbags are tested to determine how they perform in extreme conditions.
Passive fire protection systems are intended to prevent the spread of fire and to prevent the heating of structural members. They are specified by local building and fire codes. Testing of these systems is used to determine the fire-resistance rating of the final assembly. This rating is generally expressed in hours, and is included in the certification listing.
Passive fire protection features are commonly known as membrane or through-penetration firestop systems. Penetrant systems require approval by nationally recognized testing laboratories. The listings typically list the type of wall and penetrant used, as well as assembly details.
Certification
The CPHC (Certification of Passive House Consultant) credential is one of the leading certification programs in North America. It includes training and continuing education in the principles and practices of passive protection engineering. The program is specifically tailored to the needs of the North American construction industry, including climate zones, market trends, and regulations. More than thirteen hundred professionals in the field have already earned the credential.
The PHIUS Certified Builder logo can be used by construction contractors after meeting specific program requirements and passing the required inspections and testing during the construction phase. To earn this certification, the contractor must have liability insurance and be licensed to work. The certification process starts with an initial consultation and walk-through to understand the specific needs of the customer. Flexible scheduling and application options are available, including onsite and remote installation. There is also a single point of contact for the project, which enables the company to respond to any requests immediately.
The PHIUS+ Standard is considered to be the next step in high-performance building standards. The PHIUS+ certification process requires compliance with a number of widely accepted performance practices. Additionally, PHIUS+ certified residential projects qualify for DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program.
