How Do You Acquire A 2 Hour Fire Rated Protection?
To fire rate W27x114 columns I would choose an insulating board system. The boards will be installed to create a hollow section around the I-beam. The wallboard will be attached to the steel beam yet have an air space between the board and the beam on all sides. The wallboard material is a fire resistant material to protect the column, while the air space will reduce thermal conductivity, thus increasing the fire rating. As opposed to concrete the wallboard is lightweight and has a lower thermal conductivity. As opposed to spray fire resistant material, the insulating board system is a better aesthetic choice as the columns may be exposed in the unsprinklered area. The reason I chose a box casement for this column is because it uses less gypsum and looks better than an I-section casement while reaching the same fire rating. The materials chosen to achieve this design are type c gypsum board, cold formed steel clips, and corner beads. In order to reach a two hour fire rating, the nomina
