Gulf Construction Online - Cafco protects Seidco’s project

Safety & Security

An artist’s impression of the new Diwan building.

Cafco protects Seidco’s project

01 August 2005

Cafco International's passive fire protection systems are currently being used in the construction of a new Diwan Building in the eastern province of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Cafco installers Intherpro is carrying out the fire protection work – using materials manufactured by the UK-based passive fire protection material manufacturer – on all internal and external steel support columns (some curved) on the uniquely-designed building for main contractor Seidco. Keo International is the general contracting consultant for the project.
Cafco 300, a spray/trowel-applied, single package factory-controlled premix, based on vermiculite and gypsum, is being used for fire treatment on the internal steel supporting beams. The lightweight coating provides efficient fire resistance, at minimal thickness, for steel, concrete frames, metal floor and roof decks and return-air plenums. Structures protected with Cafco 300 have been assessed for up to 240 minutes fire resistance as defined in BS 475 parts 5, 7 and 21 for cellulosic fires, says a spokesman.
Cafco’s water-based intumescent coating SprayFilm WB3 has been specified to provide fire protection to the external curved columns of the building, with a special colour-coloured topcoat to match the surrounding aluminium cladding systems. SprayFilm WB3 is based upon polyvinyl acetate resins and fillers. When subject to fire, a chemical reaction takes place causing the coating to expand and form an insulating layer, which prevents the temperature of the steel rising to a critical level.
The coating, which has been used for many years on numerous national and international projects, is able to provide between 30 and 120 minutes fire resistance on structural steel, including I-section beams, H-section columns and hollow sections, says the spokesman. Whilst at higher ratings such as 120 minutes its final thickness increases, SprayFilm’s high-build capability reduces the number of coats required, resulting in lower labour costs.
In addition to being fully tested to BS476: Part 21 and ASTM E119, SprayFilm WB3 has also been assessed in line with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) publication ‘Fire protection for structural steel in buildings’, the spokesman concludes.