Importance of Tested and Certified Solutions for FireResistant Perimeter Joint Systems

the performance of the overall building intact, thus giving a unique identity to the building. When the façade stands tall resisting its assets and occupants of the building against natural forces like heat, wind, seismic forces, drift, etc., the challenge lies in the right selection of the system which delivers enhanced building performance without compromising safety. In doing so, a major challenge awaits when the perimeter joint poses a threat to the rapid spread of fire and smoke in case of a fire incident.

As the 21st century is marked by rapid urbanisation, it is pertinent that the cities are growing vertically upwards with high-rises and skyscrapers marking the skyline of the city. The modern architecture for building envelopes has evolved over the years, thus moving from minimalistic glass usage for building aesthetics to an enhanced aesthetic using a glass façade system keeping

Typically, a non-fire barriered perimeter joint between the edge of the slab and the exterior curtain wall easily facilitates the rapid spread of fire, smoke and other hot gases between adjacent floors through a most common “chimney effect” phenomenon. This traps the occupants and prevents effective firefighting, thus resulting in the loss of human lives and assets, most of which can be prevented with an appropriately designed fire barrier system. So, while designing the fire safety of the building and to achieve a specific performance of the system like fire rating, smoke rating, movement, etc., we refer to the best practices across the globe which call for the relevant national and international codes and standards that guide on effective compartmentation to restrict the movement of fire and smoke. This calls for the design and right selection of products like the spandrel glass, vision glass, aluminium frames (transoms & mullions), spandrel and safing insulation, back pan, etc. for a complete façade system to comply with tested firestop system prerequisite, which is expected to effectively perform during a fire incident.