Hey there! As a supplier of EN 10210 hollow sections, I often get asked whether these sections are fire - resistant. So, let's dive right into this topic and figure out what's what.
First off, let's understand what EN 10210 hollow sections are. These are structural hollow sections made of non - alloy and fine grain structural steels. They're used in a wide range of applications, from building construction to machinery manufacturing. But when it comes to fire, things get a bit more complicated.
Steel, in general, is a great material. It's strong, durable, and can handle a lot of stress. However, steel isn't naturally fire - resistant. When exposed to high temperatures, steel starts to lose its strength. As the temperature rises, the mechanical properties of steel, like its yield strength and modulus of elasticity, start to decline.
For EN 10210 hollow sections, under normal conditions, they perform excellently in structural applications. But in a fire situation, the story changes. When the temperature of the steel reaches around 500°C, it can lose up to half of its strength. And at about 800 - 900°C, the strength of the steel drops significantly, which can lead to structural failure.
So, are EN 10210 hollow sections fire - resistant? The short answer is no, not on their own. But that doesn't mean they can't be used in fire - prone environments. There are ways to make them more fire - resistant.
One common method is fireproofing. Fireproofing materials can be applied to the surface of the EN 10210 hollow sections. These materials act as a barrier between the steel and the fire, slowing down the rate at which the steel heats up. There are different types of fireproofing materials available, such as intumescent coatings and fire - resistant boards.
Intumescent coatings are pretty cool. When exposed to high temperatures, they expand and form a thick, insulating layer. This layer helps to protect the steel beneath it by reducing the heat transfer. Fire - resistant boards, on the other hand, are made of materials like mineral wool or gypsum. They can be installed around the hollow sections to provide a physical barrier against the fire.
Another factor to consider is the design of the structure. In building design, engineers can take into account the fire safety requirements. For example, they can use a combination of different structural elements and fire - protection measures to ensure the overall safety of the building. The size and shape of the EN 10210 hollow sections also play a role. Larger sections may have a better heat - dissipation capacity compared to smaller ones.
Now, let's talk about some other types of hollow sections. You might be interested in ASTM A618 HOT FORMED STEEL HOLLOW SECTIONS. These are hot - formed steel hollow sections that follow the ASTM A618 standard. Just like EN 10210 hollow sections, they're not fire - resistant on their own but can be made so with proper fireproofing.
Cold Formed En 10219 S355j2h Square Hollow Section is another option. Cold - formed sections have their own set of characteristics. They're often used in applications where precision and a smooth finish are required. But again, fire resistance is an issue that needs to be addressed through additional measures.
And then there are Jis G3466 Hollow Sections. These sections follow the Japanese Industrial Standard. Similar to the other types, they need fire - protection measures in fire - prone environments.
In conclusion, while EN 10210 hollow sections aren't fire - resistant by nature, there are effective ways to make them suitable for use in areas where fire safety is a concern. Whether it's through fireproofing materials or smart structural design, the safety of the structure can be ensured.
If you're in the market for high - quality EN 10210 hollow sections or any of the other types I mentioned, feel free to reach out. We can have a chat about your specific requirements and how we can meet them. Whether it's for a small - scale project or a large - scale construction, we've got you covered. Let's start a conversation and see how we can work together to make your project a success.
References:
- "Structural Steel Design to Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Buildings" by Chris Buchanan
- "Fire Safety Engineering Design of Buildings" by D. Drysdale, W. Quintiere, and G. Harkleroad
