Author(s): Ayşe Kaya

Abstract: Steel, widely used in modern construction for its strength and versatility, suffers a drastic reduction in load-bearing capacity when exposed to elevated temperatures during a fire. Without adequate protection, structural steel can fail within minutes of fire exposure, potentially leading to catastrophic collapse. Intumescent coatings passive fire protection systems that swell and form an insulating char layer when heated offer an effective solution for enhancing the fire resistance of steel structures. This study investigates the thermal performance of intumescent coatings applied to structural steel elements under standard fire conditions. Using a combination of experimental testing and finite element analysis (FEA), the research evaluates the time-to-failure, temperature profiles, and structural integrity of coated versus uncoated specimens. Results reveal that properly applied intumescent coatings can extend the structural fire resistance rating of steel members from less than 15 minutes to over 90 minutes, depending on coating thickness and composition. The findings support the use of intumescent coatings as a reliable fire safety strategy, especially for high-rise and industrial structures where evacuation time and structural stability are critical.

Pages: 37-40 | Views: 874 | Downloads: 651

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