ZERO
R
ODP
ZERO
R
GWP
OZONE
DEPLETING
POTENTIAL
GLOBAL
WARMING
POTENTIAL
CI/SfB
Rf 7
July 2005 (replaces September 2004 issue)
Construction type
Structural Steelwork
Rockwool supports FIRAS
accredited installers
ColumnClad™ System
Rigid fire protection solutions for structural steel columns and beams
As part of the comprehensive FirePro range of fire
protection products, the new Rockwool/Lafarge
ColumnClad system is a fast and efficient method of
providing fire protection to structural steel columns
and beams.
The square edged, gypsum based ColumnClad
boards are extremely robust and impact resistant.
The excellent moisture resistance properties of
the board enables encasement assembly to take
place earlier in the construction programme of the
main building envelope.
The board has a flat white mineral tissue surface
which can be decorated directly or alternatively a thin
plaster skim coat can be applied prior to decoration.
The ColumnClad System has been tested and
assessed by the Building Research Establishment
(BRE) and subsequently reviewed by the Association
for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), prior to
inclusion in the ‘Yellow Book’. This publication is
regularly reviewed to ensure that it reflects the
current philosophies of steel protection and it is
therefore recommended that the principles of the
Yellow Book are closely followed when a
ColumnClad system is designed and applied.
The non-combustible boards are stapled or screw
fixed to each other around the column or beam to
form a frameless encasement system.
The new ColumnClad board extends the current
‘tool box’ of Rockwool fire protection systems for
structural steel columns and beams.
Typical application showing the ColumnClad fire encasement system
Advantages
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
High impact resistance
Quick and economical to install
Moisture resistant
Easy to decorate
Column and beam applications
Frameless system
Up to 2hrs fire protection
Euroclass A1
1
ColumnClad Performance and Properties
The boards do not require a PVAC sealing coat prior to applying a
decorative paint or plaster skim finish. Direct application may be
applied to the board face subject to the following conditions:
• Do not decorate boards if damp atmospheric conditions exist.
• Boards must be dry and free of moisture.
• Board faces must be clean and free of oil or grease marks.
• All board joints should be reinforced with Lafarge jointing tape
and filler.
• Protective angle bead should be applied at external corners
• Plaster skim finish applied once filler compound has set.
Ceramic Tiling:
Tiles can be applied using conventional tile adhesives without
pre-treatment of the board.
Board Fixings
Fixing Options
Composition and Manufacture
ColumnClad boards are manufactured using synthetic additives,
to provide superior fire and moisture resistant properties.
15mm and 20mm thick ColumnClad boards can be directly fixed to
each other using proprietary 50mm chisel edged staples without the
need for a supporting framework. (Alternatively 20mm boards may be
screw fixed using Lafarge Grabber High Thread screws, without
pre-drilling or counter sinking.)
Board Characteristics
Non combustible: BS 476 Part 4
Note: Only staple fixings should be used to fix single layer 15mm
board encasements.
Euroclass A1: BS EN 13501-1:2002
Components:
Facings: Glass fibre non-combustible mineral tissue
Frameless Staple fixing:
Use a proprietary gas powered cordless staple gun, fitted with a guide
attachment (Paslode make suitable models). The boards can be stapled
together at max. 150mm centres to form a rigid encasement
protection for columns and beams .
Quality assured: To EN ISO 9002 : 2000
Moisture Content: < 2%:
Appearance: White facings/Square edged board
Frameless Screw Fixings:
As an alternative to staple fixing, 20mm ColumnClad boards may be
screw fixed together to form a rigid encasement using Lafarge
Grabber High Thread Screws at max 300mm centres (see table below
for sizes).
Vapour Permeability: 15mm = 1.11g/MNS. 20mm = 0.85g/MNS.
Thermal Conductivity: 0.30W/mK
Surface Hardness(penetrometer): 600 N
Impact resistance to BS 5234/2: 15mm severe duty/20mm severe duty
Board Dimensions
Thickness:
mm
15
20
Board
dimensions
mm
1800 x 1200
1800 x1200
density
kg/m3
900
900
wt./board wt./board/m2 boards/pallet
kg
28
39
kg/m2
13.0
18.0
Double Layer Encasements
Where 15mm and 20mm boards are required to form a double layer,
apply the 20mm layer first. Board joints must be staggered between
respective layers.
Construction
Single Layer
50
40
Fire Performance
Reaction to fire classification:
ColumnClad achieves an A1 classification in accordance with
BS EN ISO 13501-1:2002. For the purposes of Approved Document ‘B’
this is equivelant to a non-combustable product.
Fire Resistance:
The ColumnClad frameless encasement system provides up to 2 hours
boxed fire protection to Structural Steel Sections when tested to
BS 476 Part 21. Jointing and finishing is not a requirement to meet the
fire protection levels given, however the inclusion of services should
be considered with caution.
Moisture Resistance
Double Layer
ColumnClad thickness
15mm
20mm
30mm (2 x 15mm)
40mm (2 x 20mm)
Screw Length
N/A
63mm
N/A
63mm then 76mm
Accessories
All accessories are available throughout the UK from most
Rockwool distributors
Lightweight metal angle for board fixings at
soffit and wall abutments.
Size 25 × 25 × 0.8 (Lafarge reference MFC2525)
Lafarge Grabber Self Tapping Screws – board
fixing to lightweight metal angles. 32 × 6
gauge for single layer 15mm ColumnClad
(Lafarge ref. 32DST5) 38 × 6 gauge for single
layer 20mm ColumnClad (Lafarge ref. 38DST5)
Lafarge Grabber High Thread Screws –
alternative board/board fixing option for
20mm ColumnClad encasements.
63 × 8 gauge for single layer board
applications (Lafarge ref. 63DHT5)
76 × 8 gauge for double layer board
applications (Lafarge ref. 76GHT5)
Proprietary 50mm board to board chisel
edged staple fixings available from gas staple
gun manufacturers.
When tested to BS 1230, ColumnClad boards absorbed less than 5%
water by weight after 2 hours total immersion. The ColumnClad
boards can be subjected to moisture throughout their installation,
prior to the building envelope being sealed. When wetted and allowed
to dry, the board will regain its strength and fire resistance.
Finishes
The completed column (or beam) lining provides a robust impact
resistant smooth surface that will accept most kinds of decoration.
The boards can be left unjointed or alternatively a taping and jointing
treatment or skim plaster coat can be applied to give a smooth
seamless finish.
2
Table X. Section factor A/V (Hp/A) of structural steel
I-sections for use only with Box encasements systems
Section factors for Universal Columns
Section Size
(mm)
356 × 406
356 × 368
305 × 305
254 × 254
203 × 203
152 × 152
Mass per Metre
(kg)
634
551
467
393
340
287
235
202
177
153
129
283
240
198
158
137
118
97
167
132
107
89
73
86
71
60
52
46
37
30
23
3 Sides Hp/A
(m-1)
15
20
20
25
30
30
40
45
50
55
65
30
35
40
50
55
60
75
40
50
60
70
80
60
70
80
95
105
100
120
155
Section factors for Universal Beams
4 Sides Hp/A
(m-1)
20
25
30
35
35
45
50
60
65
75
90
40
45
50
65
70
85
100
50
65
75
90
110
80
95
110
125
140
135
160
205
Section Size
(mm)
914 × 419
914 × 305
838 × 292
762 × 267
686 × 254
610 × 305
610 × 229
533 × 210
457 × 191
457 × 152
406 × 178
406 × 140
356 × 171
356 × 127
305 × 165
305 × 127
305 × 102
254 × 146
254 × 102
203 × 133
Fixing self tapping Grabber screws at max. 300mm centres to lightweight
metal angle
203 × 102
Mass per Metre
(kg)
388
343
289
253
224
201
226
194
176
197
173
147
170
152
140
125
140
125
149
140
125
113
101
122
109
101
92
82
98
89
82
74
67
82
74
67
60
52
74
67
60
54
46
36
67
57
51
45
39
33
54
46
40
48
42
37
33
28
25
43
37
31
28
25
22
30
25
23
3 Sides Hp/A
(m-1)
45
50
60
65
75
80
70
80
90
70
80
95
75
85
90
100
50
70
80
80
90
100
110
85
95
100
110
120
90
100
105
115
130
105
115
125
140
160
105
115
130
145
150
190
105
125
135
155
170
195
115
130
150
125
140
155
175
200
225
120
140
160
170
190
215
145
165
175
4 Sides Hp/A
(m-1)
55
60
65
75
85
95
80
90
100
85
95
110
90
95
105
115
60
80
95
95
105
115
130
95
110
115
125
140
105
115
125
135
150
120
130
145
160
180
125
140
155
170
185
220
125
145
165
185
195
225
140
160
180
145
160
180
200
225
260
150
170
200
200
220
250
180
210
210
3
Design Considerations
General
ColumnClad boards are suitable for protecting structural steel
columns and beams, with a section factor A/V (Hp/A) up to 260
calculated on the basis of box protection to 3 or 4 sides.
Table 1
Hp/A table for 3 and 4 sided column fire encasement protection.
Critical temperature 550°C
260
The ColumnClad board will protect universal column and beam
sections listed in the ASFP Yellow book.
240
Establishing ColumnClad board thickness
220
In a fire, unprotected structural steel begins to lose its strength at
temperatures around 550°C. Selection of the appropriate encasement
is therefore essential. Further guidance can be found in Section 1 of
the ASFP Yellow Book.
To establish the correct board thickness required for steel column
and beam encasements the specifier should follow the procedure
set out below:
1) Locate the appropriate size and mass of the column or beam (for
common sizes see table X on previous page). Read off its Hp/A
Factor depending on whether 3 or 4 sided protection is required.
35
30
200
206
198
180
160
20
30
140
15
15
120
2) Establish the period of fire resistance required.
113
100
3) Refer to the adjoining tables to determine the ColumnClad board
thickness required.
Table 1: Column fire protection (550°C)
Table 2: Beam fire protection (550°C)
Table 2A: Beam fire protection (620°C)
96
80
60
Note: For castellated sections, adopt the above procedure then add 20%
to the indicated thickness and specify the next highest board.
40
Example: Column fire protection
20
Requirement:
1 hour fire protection to 203 × 203 × 52 kg/m steel column with 4
sided protection
20
15
63
15
0
30
60
90
Fire Resistance Required (minutes)
120
Solution
Section factor Hp/A = 125-1 (from table 1)
Use single layer of 15mm ColumnClad
Table 2
Hp/A table for 3 and 4 sided Steel Beams fire encasement protection.
Critical temperature 550°C
Table 2A
Hp/A table for 3 sided steel beam fire encasement protection.
Critical temperature 620°C
260
260
240
240
220
220
218
30
200
200
35
35
180
180
165
160
160
159
157
148
140
15
15
15
120
100
100
80
20
4
140
120
30
80
60
60
40
40
20
20
0
218
30
30
60
90
Fire Resistance Required (minutes)
120
0
15
20
30
60
90
Fire Resistance Required (minutes)
30
120
Installation – 4 sided frameless columns
General
The following notes are intended as general guidance only, addressing
the basic sequence of installation. In practice consideration must be
given to design criteria requiring specific project solutions.
Cutting and fixing of ColumnClad boards
To achieve a clean edge ColumnClad boards should be cut using a
mechanical saw with suitable dust extraction. Boards can be staple
fixed together at max. 150mm centres using a proprietary gas driven
staple gun with an edge guide (Paslode make suitable models).
Columns
Frameless protection using ColumnClad noggins
ColumnClad noggins are pre-cut and tightly friction fitted between
the flanges on opposite sides of the column. The noggins are 100mm
wide, fitted at max 1800mm centres, behind horizontal board joints,
and at the top and bottom of the column section. ColumnClad boards
are fixed to the noggins using 3 staples or screws.
A 3mm air gap should be provided between the back of the
ColumnClad board and the face of the steel flange.
50mm staples at
150mm centres
ColumnClad boards staple
fixed at 150mm centres
For 4 sided column encasements:
Always commence the cladding from the base of the column.
ColumnClad boards are cut to widths and secured as shown. See
figures C1 and C2.
1) Cut two full length ColumnClad boards equal to the flange width
of the steel section, plus the thickness of board.
2) Cut one half length ColumnClad board equal to the depth of the
steel section, plus the thickness of board, plus 6mm (for the air gaps
at both flanges). Position the boards and staple fix board to board
at max 150mm centres (alternatively, 20mm boards may be screw
fixed at 300mm max. centres).
3) Cut a second half length board equal to the flange width plus the
thickness of board. Position against the opposite flange and install
fixings as stated above.
4) Continue boarding in the same manner, progressively working up
the column. Ensure horizontal board joints are staggered on
adjacent faces.
Double layering Encasement
For double layer boarding, install outer layer as per first layer,
staggering board joints between layers. Cut outer boards to width
making additional allowances necessary to cover the first layer.
Note: Where 15mm and 20mm boards are required, apply the 20mm
layer first. Board joints must be staggered between the
respective layers.
Additional Support
Where web dimensions exceed 600mm additional support may be
required for the encasement. For futher advice contact Rockwool.
3mm
air gap
Figure C1
ColumnClad board
100mm wide ColumnClad noggins at max
1.8m centres and behind abutting board joints
Figure C2
4 sided protection to column.
3mm air gap between
face of steel flange
and board.
ColumnClad noggins
100mm x 15-20mm
wedged into the web at
the head and base of the
column and behind the
horizontal board joints.
Additional noggins are
not required behind
joints in the second layer
of a double boarded
encasement.
50mm chisel
edged staples
at 150mm centres.
Fixing of boards using a proprietary gas powered cordless staple gun
Stagger joints on
adjacent sides by
min. 300mm.
4 sided Column Encasements
• 100mm wide ColumnClad noggins are tightly wedged between the
•
•
•
•
steel flanges, at max. 1.8m centres, behind board jooints and at the
head and base of the column.
Facing boards are fixed to the noggins and each other using 50mm
staples at 150mm centres.
Adjacent boards should be half staggered.
For double boarding, joints are staggered between layers.
For column encasements, a 3mm air gap should be provided
between the back of the board and the face of the column flange.
5
3 sided frameless column encasement
3 sided protection to steel columns
Additional Support
Single layer frameless protection
For 3 sided column protection Lafarge lightweight metal angles are
fixed to the wall flange of the steel on opposite sides to provide fixing
points to ends of board. Position such that the face of the angles are
level with the edges of the flange and secure using appropriate shot
fired (or spot welded) fixings at max. 600mm centres.
Where web dimensions exceed 600mm additional support may be
required for the encasement. For futher advice contact Rockwool.
100mm wide ColumnClad noggins are then pre-cut and tightly
friction fitted between both flanges at max. 1800mm centres and
behind horizontal board joints. The ColumnClad encasement is fixed
to the noggins using 3 staples or screws.
1) There are no special requirements for pressure resistance, such as
lift shafts etc.
Partitions Fixing
Partitions and wall linings may be fixed directly to ColumnClad
board, subject to the following conditions:
ColumnClad boards are cut to widths shown in fig C3.
2) There are no special heavy duty or severe duty requirements as
defined in recognised partition performance specification
(e.g.BS 5234).
The web encasement boards are cut to the depth of the steel section
plus thickness of board plus 3mm (for the air gap tolerance between
the board and flange). The Flange boards are cut to the same width as
the column flange.
Subject to these conditions, the partition ‘C’ stud or Track may be
secured directly to the ColumnClad encasement using Redidriva
fixings with Lafarge 38DHTS screws at max 600mm centres
(see figs C5 and B4 below).
The column is progressivly encased and adjacent boards are half
staggered. The boards are fixed to each other at 150mm centres using
50mm × 10mm chisel edged staples, ensuring a clear 3mm air space is
maintained between the back ColumnClad board and the steel
column flange.
The edges of the web encasement boards are fixed to the steel angles
at 300mm centres using Lafarge self tapping Grabber screws (or equal
approved, 32DST5 for 15mm boards and 38DST5 for 20mm boards).
Screws should penetrate the angle by min. 10mm.
4 sided column encasement with partition abutment
Figure C3
3 sided protection to column.
Figure C5
Partition Abutment to Column Encasement
Wall abutment
100mm wide ColumnClad noggins
behind face board joints
3mm air space
Redidriva fixing at
600mm centres.
25 x 25mm
metal angle
secured to
column flange
at 600mm
centres
ColumnClad
screw fixed at
300mm centres
to metal angle
using self
tapping screws
100mm wide
ColumnClad
noggins at
1.8m centres
and behind
board joints
Lafarge 38DHT Screw
Lafarge C stud
50mm frameless staple
fixings at 150mm centres
Board to
board staple
fix at 150mm
centres
3mm
air space
Beam Soffit
Figure B4
Partition Abutment
Figure C4
Wall Abutment.
Masonry wall
Self tapping
screws at
300mm
centres
50mm long
chisel edged
staples.
3mm air
space
25 x 25mm metal
angle screw fixed
to masonary wall
Screw fixing
appropriate to
substrate at
600mm centres
Wall plugs to
be of non
combustable
type
50mm chisel edged
staple fixings at
150mm centres
Redidriva fixing at
600mm centres.
100mm wide
ColumnClad
noggins at
900mm centres
and behind
board joints.
Partition track.
Lafarge 38DHT Screw.
6
Fire encasement to beams
Fire protection to steel beams – selecting the right system
3 sided protection to steel beams using ColumnClad
When deciding on appropriate method of fire protection to
structural beams, the specifier needs to be absolutely certain that
selected system is both reliable and totally effective. Rockwool
FirePro systems offer a wide selection of fire protection encasement
solutions to structural steel beams.
The 25mm × 25mm lightweight metal angle is shot fired or spot
welded to the underside of the beam top flange at 600mm centres.
100mm wide ColumnClad noggins are tightly fitted between the top
and bottom flanges at max. 900mm centres and behind vertical board
joints. 100mm ColumnClad noggins are also fitted across the bottom
flange of the beam at the location of board joints.
Rockwool BeamClad (previously known as Conlit 150) has been
proven in service over many years. BeamClad is light and easy to
install and offers a variety of fixing options (see Rockwool FirePro
BeamClad data sheet).
Where beam encasements are required to achieve a high impact
resistance, or direct decoration ColumnClad boards may also be
used for these applications.
Key to diagrams on this page
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Continuous 25x25mm lightweight metal angle shot fired or spot welded to
top flange of beam.
Encasement board fixed to metal angle at 300mm max. centres using
Grabber self-tapping screws.
ColumnClad encasement board (refer to tables 2 or 2A to determine thickness
required). Ensure that adjacent board joints are staggered by at least 300mm.
100mm wide (15 or 20mm thicj) ColumnClad noggins friction fitted into
web at max 900mm centres and behind vertical board joints. Stagger
position of noggins on adjacent webs.
ColumnClad encasement staple fixed to web noggins at max. 150mm centres.
100mm wide ColumnClad noggins located at 900mm centres and behind
soffit board joints.
Board to board fixings using 50mm chisel edged staples at max. 150mm centres.
Angle fixed to masonry at max. 600mm centres.
Figure B1
Three sided encasement protection to beams.
The face boards are cut to suit the depth of the beam plus twice the
thickness of the soffit board and are screw fixed to the metal angle
sections at 300mm centres using Lafarge self tapping Grabber screws
(which should penetrate channel by min. 10mm). Face boards are
fixed to noggins using 50mm deep staples at 150mm centres.
Soffit boards are cut to suit the width of the beam flange plus 2mm
and fixed to the fascia boards using 50mm staples at 150mm centres.
The beam is progressively encased and adjacent boards are half
staggered (see fig. B1).
The encasement board should be cut to fit as tight as possible to the
concrete soffit. Any gaps caused by the irregularity of the concrete
surface should be filled with Lafarge Acoustic Sealant.
Additional Support
Where web dimensions exceed 600mm additional support may be
required for the encasement. For futher advice contact Rockwool.
2 sided beam protection
Figure B5
A
A
B
C
D
B
D
C
E
E
H
F
G
F
G
Figure B2
Beam Isometric
Figure B3
Beam Side elevation/section
B
A
A
D
B
C
G
E
F
C
E
D
G
F
7
Typical Specification Clauses
Useful Contacts
1) The structural steel column/beam is to be fire protected using
Rockwool ColumnClad board ……(a)mm thick to provide ……..(b)
minutes fire resistance.
(a) Insert ColumnClad board thickness
(b) Insert period of fire resistance
Paslode Impulse Stapler ref: IM200/50 S16
Staple and fuel pack: G516 × 50mm CH
Contact ITM Construction Products Technical Helpdesk
on 0141 342 1683
2) Board to board joints should be fixed using 50 × 10mm proprietary
staples at 150mm centres or alternatively 20mm boards may be
fixed with Grabber High Thread screws at 300mm centres.
i
Storage of Materials
The recommendations of BS 8212:1995, Section 5, paragraph 31 must
be complied with. The product must be stored in dry, well ventilated
conditions with minimum temperature not less than 5°C. The boards
should be kept off the floor and stored on timber pallets. Stock should
be rotated, using oldest first.
More information
For further details visit our website at
www.rockwool-firepro.co.uk.
Site Conditions and Workmanship
Temperature to be no less than 5°C. Site conditions to be in
accordance with BS 8212:1995, Section 5, paragraphs 28 – 35.
Workmanship in accordance with BS 8212 1995 and BS 8000: PT 8.
Supply
Available throughout the UK from Rockwool distributors. A list of
distributors is available on request.
Packaging
ColumnClad boards are supplied shrink wrapped on timber pallets.
Board Thickness
15mm
20mm
Boards/pallet
50
40
Weight/pallet
1400kg
1560 kg
Board Dimensions
ColumnClad boards are manufactured in standard sizes of
1800 × 1200mm.
Ordering
When ordering please quote board thickness and area (m2)
requirement.
Minimum order quantity: 1 pallet load
15mm boards: 1 pallet = 108 m2
20mm boards: 1 pallet = 86.4 m2
Health and Safety
Cutting ColumnClad with power tools generates dust and should be
kept to a minimum. If significant dust is generated when working
with the product, suitable respiratory protection should be worn,
usually a dust mask. Heavy products should only be lifted in the
correct way using mechanical handling equipment where necessary.
Metal components should be cut and handled carefully to avoid cuts.
Environment
Rockwool products rely on trapped air for their thermal properties,
which has neither ozone depleting nor global warming potential.
Rockwool Limited Pencoed. Bridgend. CF35 6NY
Email: info@rockwool.co.uk Web: www.rockwool-firepro.co.uk
Rockwool Limited reserves the right to alter or amend the specification of products without notice as our policy is one of constant improvement.
The information contained in this data sheet is believed to be correct at the date of publication. Whilst Rockwool will endeavour to keep its publications up to date, readers will appreciate that
between publications there may be pertinent changes in the law, or other developments affecting the accuracy of the information contained in this data sheet.
The above applications do not necessarily represent an exhaustive list of applications for ColumnClad. Rockwool Limited does not accept responsibility for the consequences of using ColumnClad
in applications different from those described above. Expert advice should be sought where such different applications are contemplated, or where the extent of any listed application is in doubt.
8