The Impact of Structural and Material Solutions for Glazing Connections on Deformation During Fire

Abstract

Purpose: The article aims to present the differences between different construction and material solutions for glazed partition walls in terms of fire safety, as described by the displacements created by flames. Introduction: Despite the increasingly stringent requirements concerning fire protection and the use of best available techniques, the number of building fires is constantly increasing. Statistics published by the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service show that public buildings account for a significant proportion of these events. In this type of facilities, appropriate design of partition walls is crucial for maintaining the standards of fire safety. Because of an increasing scale of glazed partitions’ application in the office buildings’ interior arrangement, it is important to note that the fire resistance of the glazings is affected not only by the type or thickness of the fire-resistant glazing but also by the way it is installed, the type of carrying profiles and the sealing materials used. Methodology: The initial stage included design of an original solution for a frameless glass partition. The partition was subjected to fire tests carried out in accordance with PN-EN 1363-1 and 1364-1 standards. The obtained results of the designed partition were subjected to a comparative analysis with other vertical, framed glazed elements of similar dimensions. The comparative analysis relied on the results provided by the fire tests reports for the glazed partition walls in the framed construction made of wood, aluminium and steel. Conclusions: The comparative analysis showed that the structure made of steel sections was characterized by the highest susceptibility to displacement caused by fire, in the range of 200 mm. The occurring deformations significantly differed from the results obtained for the other partitions, out of which the lowest deformation values were obtained for the frameless structure (max. 3 mm) and wooden profiles (max. 11 mm). However, it is worth mentioning that in the case of the wooden structure the deformations were directed towards the outside, and in the other cases, towards the inside of the furnace. The comparative analysis revealed that solutions without a frame, based only on vertical connection of large glazing, provide better results in terms of ensuring fire tightness. This fact may be of considerable importance for the staff evacuation process and fire extinguishing in high-rise office buildings.