Abstract
AT the discussion of the American Steel Institute at White Sulphur Springs, Va., on October 17 on ‘fireproof structures, Dr. Ingberg, of the National Bureau of Standards, stated that in steel-framed buildings it is necessary to protect the steel by a concrete covering. In a report of the discussion issued by Science Service, Washington, D.C., it is pointed out that steel supports at high temperature sag under the terrific weight of the superimposed structure. The problem before those responsible for the fire-prevention code is to ensure that sufficient covering is given to the steel members of a building to prevent the temperature giving rise to dangerous conditions. According to Dr. Ingberg, tests have shown that for moderate rises in temperature 300°-600° F. the strength of steel girders increases as much as 25 per cent. Above 600° a decrease occurs, and hence safety considerations make it imperative that protection in the form of a complete concrete covering must be provided. Apart from the question of safety and avoiding risk of collapse of the roof and other parts of the building owing to excessive temperature rises during a fire, it is necessary to prevent excessive relative expansion between the various parts of the structure.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fireproofing of Fireproof Buildings. Nature 137, 310 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/137310a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/137310a0