INTRODUCTION

I am Siqhomolo Sanelisiwe a student at Walter Sisulu University Butterworth

campus.

Am doing level III in Building Technology.

In this assignment am required to investigate about fire protection plan for structural
steel elements and ventilation.

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 A fire protection plan for structural steel involves measures to prevent or minimise
damage from fires, ensuring the steel structure remains intact and maintains its
load-bearing capacity.

Objectives:

1.⁠ ⁠Prevent steel temperatures from exceeding 550°C (1022°F).

2.⁠ ⁠Maintain structural integrity.

3.⁠ ⁠Limit fire spread.

4.⁠ ⁠Ensure safe evacuation.

Methods I recommend to be used for fire protection of structural steel

elements

1. Intumescent Coatings
➢ ⁠Apply a thin layer of intumescent paint to steel surfaces.
➢ Expands up to 50 times its original thickness when exposed to heat.
➢ Provides 30 minutes to 2 hours of fire resistance.
➢ Easy to apply, cost-effective, and maintains steel's structural integrity.
2. Spray-Applied Fire-Resistant Materials (SFRM)
➢ ⁠Spray mixture of cement, water, and additives onto steel.
➢ ⁠Provides 1-4 hours of fire resistance.
➢ ⁠Suitable for complex geometries and large surface areas.
➢ ⁠Can be used in combination with intumescent coatings.
3. Board-Based Fire Protection Systems
➢ ⁠Install gypsum or calcium silicate boards around steel elements.
➢ ⁠Provides 1-4 hours of fire resistance.
➢ ⁠Effective for columns, beams, and wall assemblies.
➢ ⁠Can be used in combination with spray-applied materials.
4. Concrete Encasement
➢ ⁠Wrap steel elements in concrete.
➢ Provides natural fire resistance.
➢ ⁠Ideal for critical structural elements.
➢ Can be used in combination with other methods.
5. Fire-Resistant Boards with Insulation
➢ ⁠Combine fire-resistant boards with insulation materials.
➢ ⁠Enhances thermal performance and fire resistance.
➢ Suitable for exterior applications.

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 6. Cementitious Coatings
➢ ⁠Apply cement-based coatings to steel surfaces.
➢ Provides 1-3 hours of fire resistance.
➢ ⁠Durable, water-resistant, and easy to apply.
7. Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
➢ ⁠Install sprinkler systems to cool steel surfaces.
➢ ⁠Effective for large, open spaces.
➢ ⁠Activates quickly, minimizing damage.
8. Fire-Resistant Paints
➢ ⁠Apply paint-like coatings that expand when exposed to heat.
➢ ⁠Provides 30 minutes to 1 hour of fire resistance.
➢ Aesthetically pleasing, easy to apply.

Why these recommendations

Intumescent Coatings

1.⁠ ⁠Easy to apply

2.⁠ ⁠Cost-effective

3.⁠ ⁠Maintains steel's structural integrity

4.⁠ ⁠Provides 30 minutes to 2 hours of fire resistance

5.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

Spray-Applied Fire-Resistant Materials (SFRM)

1.⁠ ⁠Suitable for complex geometries and large surface areas

2.⁠ ⁠Provides 1-4 hours of fire resistance

3.⁠ ⁠Can be used in combination with intumescent coatings

4.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

5.⁠ ⁠Durable and water-resistant

Board-Based Fire Protection Systems

1.⁠ ⁠Effective for columns, beams, and wall assemblies

2.⁠ ⁠Provides 1-4 hours of fire resistance

3.⁠ ⁠Can be used in combination with spray-applied materials

5.⁠ ⁠Easy to install

Concrete Encasement

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1.⁠ ⁠Provides natural fire resistance

2.⁠ ⁠Ideal for critical structural elements

3.⁠ ⁠Can be used in combination with other methods

4.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

5.⁠ ⁠Durable and long-lasting

Fire-Resistant Boards with Insulation

1.⁠ ⁠Enhances thermal performance and fire resistance

2.⁠ ⁠Suitable for exterior applications

3.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

4.⁠ ⁠Easy to install

5.⁠ ⁠Cost-effective

Cementitious Coatings

1.⁠ ⁠Durable and water-resistant

2.⁠ ⁠Easy to apply

3.⁠ ⁠Provides 1-3 hours of fire resistance

4.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

5.⁠ ⁠Cost-effective

Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems

1.⁠ ⁠Effective for large, open spaces

2.⁠ ⁠Activates quickly, minimizing damage

3.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

4.⁠ ⁠Easy to install

5.⁠ ⁠Cost-effective

Fire-Resistant Paints

1.⁠ ⁠Aesthetically pleasing

2.⁠ ⁠Easy to apply

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3.⁠ ⁠Provides 30 minutes to 1 hour of fire resistance

4.⁠ ⁠Meets international standards

5.⁠ ⁠Cost-effective

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Ventilation

Ventilation is the process of exchanging air between the indoors and outdoors to
maintain a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment.

Suggest best ventilation for new faculty of engineering building in East

London

1. Hybrid Ventilation: Combines natural and mechanical ventilation to optimize

energy efficiency.
2. ⁠Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV): Recovers heat energy from exhaust air,
reducing moisture.
3. ⁠Displacement Ventilation (DV): Effective for large spaces, provides consistent
air quality.
4. ⁠Mixed-Mode Ventilation: Combines natural and mechanical ventilation.
5. Salt-resistant materials: Use corrosion-resistant materials for ventilation
components.
6. High-efficiency filters: Incorporate filters with high MERV ratings (13-15) to
capture sea salt particles.
7. ⁠Drainage and moisture control: Ensure proper drainage and condensate
removal.
8. ⁠Sea breeze utilization: Design ventilation to harness sea breeze for natural
cooling.
9. Solar-powered ventilation: Utilize solar energy to power ventilation systems.
10. Energy recovery wheels: Recover heat energy from exhaust air.
11. Demand-controlled ventilation: Adjust ventilation based on occupancy.

VENTILATION DIAGRAMS

Hybrid ventilation Heat recovery ventilation

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Factors influencing ventilation choices for faculty buildings:
1. Occupancy and Density: High occupancy rates demand effective
ventilation to maintain air quality.
2. Climate and Location: Local climate, humidity, and pollution levels
impact ventilation design.
3. Building Layout and Design: Orientation, window placement, and
interior layout influence ventilation effectiveness.
4. Energy Efficiency: Faculty buildings aim to minimize energy
consumption and costs.
5. Acoustic Requirements: Quiet environments for lectures and studies.
6. Specialized Spaces: Laboratories, auditoriums, and libraries require
unique ventilation considerations.
7. Maintenance and Upkeep: Easy-to-maintain systems reduce downtime
and costs.
8. Health and Wellness: Ventilation systems should promote a healthy
indoor environment.
9. Budget and Cost: Balancing initial costs with long-term energy
savings.
10. Codes and Regulations: Compliance with local building codes,
ASHRAE standards, and HVAC guidelines.

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Conclusion
Effective building ventilation and fire protection plans are crucial for
ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants, as well as protecting
structural steel components. Proper ventilation removes hazardous
fumes, reduces moisture, and maintains indoor air quality. Natural
ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or hybrid systems can be employed.
Considerations include climate, occupancy, and building layout.
Structural steel requires protection from heat and flame to prevent
collapse. Fire-resistant materials, coatings, or sprinkler systems can be
used. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure system effectiveness.
The integration between them is that ventilation systems can spread
smoke and fire; therefore, smoke management systems are essential.
Fire suppression systems should be compatible with ventilation systems.
Regular testing and maintenance ensure seamless interaction.

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Referencing
• ASHRAE. (2019). ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2019: Ventilation for
Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
• National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). (2020). Indoor Air
Quality Guidelines for Educational Facilities.
• Awbi, H. B. (2017). Ventilation of Buildings. Springer.
• Etheridge, D. W. (2018). Natural Ventilation of Buildings: Theory,
Measurement, and Design. Wiley.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Indoor Air
Quality in Schools.
• National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF). (2020).
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Schools.