Perimeter Curtain Wall Fire Protection

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Topics for Discussion

Brief history Dynamics of fire What do the codes say? How are they tested? How testing is affecting design

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Curtain Walls & the Perimeter Joint

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

A Brief History of Fires -Where Curtain Wall or Safing Issues Have Been Cited

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Unsealed or Improperly sealed perimeter joints cost lives and huge liability losses
Summerland, Isle of Man, British Isles. Fire spread
through safing slot. 50 people killed.

Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. Fire spread from 8th to 13th
floor in 25 minutes. 8 fatalities.

First Interstate Bank, Los Angeles, CA. Flames spread

from 13th to 16th floor via perimeter joint. One death.

One Meridian Plaza, Philadelphia, PA. Fire spread

from 22nd to 30th floor through unprotected openings including slab edge. Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

What are the dynamics of vertical spread in a high-rise building?

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Fire begins on a lower floor, products of combustion accumulate at ceiling level, and positive pressure builds Rated Floor Assembly and non-rated Curtain Wall System

Vision Glass

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

The fire follows the flow of air currents

and compartmentation is breached! Vision Glass

If the void between the floor and curtain wall is not properly sealed, flames will spread vertically Rated Floor Assembly and non-rated Curtain Wall System
2004 IFC

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

Vision Glass
Fire attacks the curtain wall structure from both sides causing a premature failure of the wall structure and potentially the vision glass above!

Flames may erupt through the windows. Oxygen fuels the fire.

Elevated temp. and pressure breaks lower vision glass Rated Floor Assembly and non-rated Curtain Wall System
2004 IFC

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

A properly designed & tested Perimeter Fire Barrier System not only protects the perimeter joint but critical wall framing and support elements as well!

Firestop Coating or Sealant over mineral wool safing

Properly installed & supported mineral wool spandrel insulation

Rated Floor Assembly and non-rated Curtain Wall System

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

How do the codes address the protection at the perimeter?

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

What do the codes say?

All Model Codes call for the rating of the floor to extend to the exterior wall All Model Codes require minimum spandrel height All Model Codes allow spandrel height exceptions in certain sprinklered conditions
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Extending the Rated Floor to the Wall... MANDATORY!

In rated construction, all floors are rated The perimeter joint must be sealed with an approved material or system that extends this rating to the exterior wall surface
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Code Compliance
Meeting the Letter of the Law...
PROTECTING THE PERIMETER JOINT: 1. Designing the wall to keep the firestop system in place for the rated period of the floor is an obvious necessity. 2. Designing and installing the firestop correctly is the final step!

Firestopping the perimeter joint is mandatory.

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Leap Frog Effect

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

The Leap Frog effect

Fire may break out of a window and leap back to the floor above! That being the case Why bother to protect the perimeter???
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Leap Frog effect

Sprinklers are an exception to window separation requirements But not to requirements for protection of safing slot!
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

The Leap Frog effect

Sprinkler advocates are lobbying to reduce these requirements After all The fire may jump around the protection!
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

The Leap Frog affect

The fact is, depending on window spacing and other factors, the fire may jump! So what exactly does a Perimeter Fire Barrier System do?
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Perimeter Fire Barrier System

Slows the process down. Of course it depends on window spacing and other construction factors As well as the nature and severity of the fire
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Perimeter Fire Barrier System

Along with sealing the slot area, a well engineered system provides structural protection and maximizes the integrity of the wall system Keeping the wall and window system above intact longer!
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Perimeter Fire Barrier System

Extends the rating of the floor to the wall. Forces the fire to exit the building in order to propagate to upper floors. Protects structural elements and helps prevent catastrophic failure of the spandrel system. Maximizes fire protection afforded by the non-rated wall.
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Perimeter Fire Barrier System

Prevents the migration of flame, hot gases and smoke through to floors above. Buys time for occupants to escape. Buys time for first responders to secure the building Provides additional protection in the event of a sprinkler or detection failure.
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

The Perimeter Fire Barrier System

Provides energy savings through increased thermal efficiencies throughout the life of the building

When considered this way, the life safety benefits are free!
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

How Are Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems Tested?

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

ASTM E2307 Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-Story Test Apparatus

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

How Are Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems Tested?

Only two labs presently perform testing in accordance with newly developed test methods: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Northbrook, IL Omega Point Laboratories Elmendorf, Texas

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

UL & OPL Testing

Perimeter joint curtain wall test is performed in accordance with ASTM E2307 Other labs, testing per UL 2079 alone, do not adequately capture the dynamics between a rated floor and a non-rated curtain wall assembly, the structural nature of curtain walls, and fire attacking at two planes Intermediate-Scale, Multi-Story Test Apparatus (ISMA) was developed for this application
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Testing Questions
Question: What Test is used to Evaluate Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems? Answer: ASTM E2307 using the IntermediateScale, Multi-Story Test Apparatus (ISMA) is used to determine
Two ratings are provided per the ASTM E2307 test: - F-rating, in hours (resistance to fire spread) - T-rating, in hours (temperature on non-fire side) UL provide two additional ratings using same test apparatus - integrity rating & insulation rating Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Testing Questions
Question: How can this be representative of real life? Answer: It cant! The test method indicates whether 1. The safing method can last as long as the floor. 2. The protection scheme can adequately protect wall framing and attachments.

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Testing Questions
Question: Then how representative is this test? Answer: It should be considered broadly representative. Spandrel width, height, and window spacing are limited because the test is not full scale. Story height is approximately 7 feet. Wall framing methods, support, and the safing slot itself are well represented and provide excellent engineering data.
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Curtain Wall Test Assembly Pre-Burn

Transom above floor Mineral wool insulation at spandrel area Mechanical attachments supporting insulation Transom below floor Mullions

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Assembly Interior View Pre-Burn

Thermocouples measuring temperature rise

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Interior Burner Lit - Time: 0:00

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2004 IFC

Exterior Burner Lit - Time: 0:05

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Flames Climbing Exterior Time: 0:15

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Melting of Mullions & Transoms Time: 0:45

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Vision Glass Breaks Time: 2:00

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Burner Off at 2 hours

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2004 IFC

Post Test:
Close up Detail of Mullion and Transom Damage

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Post Test Interior View

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

ASTM E2307 Testing has Improved Perimeter Joint Evaluation

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Vision Glass Vertical Mullions

Transoms Mechanical Attachment Firestop Coating Mullion Covers Mineral Wool Safing

Spandrel Panel Stiffback Angle Spandrel Insulation

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Perimeter Fire Containment - Basic Design Criteria 1. Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Mechanically Attached
1

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Perimeter Fire Containment - Basic Design Criteria 1. Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation 2. Protect Aluminum Mullions

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Mechanically Attached
1

Protect Mullions

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Perimeter Fire Containment - Basic Design Criteria 1. Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation 2. Protect Aluminum Mullions 3. Compression-Fit Safing Insulation -as required per tested assembly Install Safing Impaling Clips -as required per tested assembly

Vertical fiber orientation

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

Horizontal fiber orientation

2004 IFC

Mechanically Attached
1

Protect Mullions

Compression Fit Safing (Direction of Safing

as required per tested assembly)

Safing Clips
(as required per tested assembly)

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Compression Fit Safing Safing Clips

(Direction of Safing as required per tested assembly) (as required per tested assembly)

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Perimeter Fire Containment - Basic Design Criteria 1. Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation 2. Protect Aluminum Mullions 3. Compression-fit Safing Insulation -as required per tested assembly Install Safing Impaling Clips -as required per tested assembly 4. Provide Backing/Reinforcement Member at Safing Line

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Reinforcement Member

Mechanically Attached
1

Protect Mullions

Compression Fit Safing (Direction of Safing

as required per tested assembly)

Safing Clips
(as required per tested assembly) 2004 IFC

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

What about smoke?

75% of fire related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Perimeter Fire Containment - Basic Design Criteria 1. Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation 2. Protect Aluminum Mullions 3. Compression-fit Safing Insulation -as required per tested assembly Install Safing Impaling Clips -as required per tested assembly 4. Provide Backing/Reinforcement Member at Safing Line 5. For Smoke Containment, Add Firestop Coating
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Reinforcement Member
5

Mechanically Attached
1

Firestop Coating

Protect Mullions

Compression Fit Safing (Direction of Safing

as required per tested assembly)

Safing Clips
(as required per tested assembly) 2004 IFC

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

Firestop Coating

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Additional Design Questions

Question: Why arent floor-to-wall (FW) systems acceptable for curtain walls? Answer: Floor-to-wall systems test fire resistance between a rated floor and rated wall tested per ASTM E1966. CW systems are specific perimeter tests between a rated floor and non-rated curtain wall using the Saving Lives and Property Intermediate Scale Multi-story Through Fire and Smoke Containment 2004 IFC

Additional Design Questions

Question: Why are windows spaced so far apart? My windows are closer together Answer: ASTM E2307 evaluates the interior passage of fire and hot gases through the perimeter joint only. Increasing the spandrel height reduces the likelihood of the leap frog effect.
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Additional Design Questions

Question: What is the function of the firestop coating in these systems? Answer: The firestop coating performs several important functions.

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Additional Design Questions

The Role of the Firestop Coating:
1. The most obvious role is as a smoke seal. 2. Seals off the path of hot gasses. Makes the safing more effective. 3. Glues everything together.
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC

Additional Design Questions

Question: Are curtain wall joints static or dynamic? Answer: This area is referred to as a slot. The word joint suggests movement. Experts tend to agree that a small amount of movement occurs within the slot area. It is up to the design professional to determine the level of movement required for the project. Some wall designs are subject to a small amount of vertical shear or horizontal sway and some systems incorporate these values. Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Additional Design Questions

Question: What if our design isnt a perfect match for a system? Answer: We strongly suggest specifying tested systems. However, real world designs are seldom a perfect match! Find a listing that is reasonably close and contact the manufacturer for an Engineering Judgment to match the design.
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment
2004 IFC

Benefits of Specifying A Listed Perimeter Joint System

Completes the curtain wall package Applies pedigreed testing and competent engineering Assists the local AHJ Standardizes design and cost Limits liability Provides energy conservation from insulation value
Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment

2004 IFC