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SYSTEM 2 - Fire Rated Precast Concrete Wall Panels
 Precast concrete wall panels can be manufactured to suit various fire ratings: G60/FI5, G60/F30 and G60/F60. (G60/F90 upon application).
Fire rated glass blocks are used in various areas & in all market sectors, usually in compartmentalised areas, fire escape routes, third storey loft conversions & external boundary walls in close proximity to other buildings or public highways.
Fire rated panels are usually specified via an architect or a condition instructed by building control under building regulations.
Fire rated panels are available in Precast format, ensuring correct installation requirements in line with test data, also ensuring regularity of joints and a premium quality factory controlled finish.
Various restraint/installation solutions are available dependent on application and required finish.
FIRE RATINGS EXPLAINED
Unlike fire doors, Fire ratings for glass blocks are concerned with two criteria: fire integrity & thermal isolation. To successfully pass testing, panels are tested to four standards (explained in more detail in Glass Block Fire Rated literature); a Brief definition of fire integrity is how long a wall will remain stable for in the case of a fire. Thermal isolation relates to the period of time it takes for the heat to transfer from the side of the fire through to the other face of the glass blocks.
Fire rating tests are measured in 15 minute increments & three types of fire blocks are available: 60 minute integrity & 15 minute thermal isolation, 60 / 30 & 60 / 60.
When a fire rated panel is built, it is not just the block that is important, ensuring the correct installation system & accessories are used is vitally crucial. All fire panels tested are constructed on the basis of rods & mortar. For specific fitting guides & test certification, contact Glass Block Technology.
Fire resistance is concerned with four criteria :
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(a) Mechanical Resistance - the glass block wall must stay upright without too much damage following testing
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(b) Thermal isolation
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(c) Imperviousness against blaze
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(d) No flammable emission during testing.
These tests are recorded in 15 minute increments.
DEFINITION :
FIRE INTEGRITY (G-CATEGORY GLAZING)
The glass block wall must pass Test (a), (c) and (d) above.
THERMAL ISOLATION (F-CATEGORY GLAZING)
The glass block wall must pass all four of the criteria above. U Value : TF30 & TF60 blocks both offer U value <2.0 W/m2 0C. For more information see... |
