Use of Rock Wool Systems for Fire Spread Protection in a Business–Hotel Building

The diploma thesis topic covers passive fire protection of buildings, in terms of preventing fire passage and spread. We can assess the consequences ourselves in the event that an entire building catches fire, compared to when the fire is confined to one room, where the fire can be extinguished much more quickly. As the title itself reveals, their company uses ** soft-partition systems made of rock wool.** This does not mean that only rock wool boards are used, but they also make use of other fire-resistant materials, such as graphite and materials (coatings) that are water-based. Precisely the constructions made of ** cross-laminated timber** impressed me whilst writing the diploma thesis, as it is difficult to imagine their fire resistance, which, contrary to his doubts, proved to be surprisingly good.

Problem

The diploma thesis topic covers passive fire protection of buildings, in terms of preventing fire passage and spread. We can assess the consequences ourselves in the event that an entire building catches fire, compared to when the fire is confined to one room, where the fire can be extinguished much more quickly. Evacuation of people proceeds considerably more safely and quickly when the fire is confined to as few fire sectors as possible.

Solution and Method

As the title itself reveals, their company uses soft-partition systems made of rock wool. This does not mean that only rock wool boards are used, but they also make use of other fire-resistant materials, such as graphite and materials (coatings) that are water-based. Whilst writing the diploma thesis, I was also attracted by the fact that rock wool is not as harmful to the respiratory system as initially anticipated. The technology for manufacturing materials from rock wool has been changing increasingly over the years, which is why the final products are also less harmful to people and the environment.

By using fire-resistant materials, we fill openings that are necessary for the passage of electrical and mechanical installations. Initially, the diploma thesis was intended to focus only on accessibility when closing openings made of concrete and brick, but later it was decided to also examine openings made of cross-laminated timber, executed in combination with plasterboard panels.

Results

Precisely the constructions made of cross-laminated timber impressed me whilst writing the diploma thesis, as it is difficult to imagine their fire resistance, which, contrary to his doubts, proved to be surprisingly good. Regarding openings or penetrations in fire sectors, their company is unanimous that they are designed as too small, given the size and quantity of installations that pass through them, and that access to some openings is practically impossible. This inaccessibility occurs particularly during adaptations and extensions of buildings, when it is necessary for various reasons to install either electrical or mechanical installations and these are an obstacle to the access to the openings themselves.

The mentor in the company and I agreed that it would be better if the openings were a few centimetres larger in length and width, as this would significantly reduce the time required for installing rock wool boards. The final product (a completely sealed opening) would also be executed in a professionally more qualitative manner. It would probably be sensible to devote more time to planning the locations of the holes and their size in this area.

Consequently, the material costs of load-bearing structures would also be reduced.