Calculation of PFP Thickness

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

The thickness of fire protection required is determined by:

1. Duration
2. Critical Steel Temperature
3. Steel section size and type
Hp/A ratio
4. Thickness stated in the local or international approval

SI Units:
Hp/A =
M/D =
A/V =

Heated Perimeter

Cross Section Area

Mass of Section
Heated Perimeter
Heated Surface Area
Volume of Steel

=
=

metres

metres

m-1 or /m

Kilograms / metre
metres
metres
metres

kg/m

m-1 or /m

Imperial (US) Units:

W/D =

Weight of section

A/P =

Cross Section Area

Heated Perimeter

Heated Perimeter

=
=

Pounds/foot
inches
Square inches
inches

lb/ft/in

in2/in

All express the relationship between the amount of steel capable

of absorbing heat to the area of steel surface exposed to the fire.

How much PFP do I need?

Hp/A - Section Factors

Heated
Perimeter
(Hp = m)

Low Hp/A = Thinner PFP

305 x 305 x 240 kg/m
Hp/A = 1.905m / 0.0305m
Hp/A = 62 m-1
For H120 (400C):
Chartek 7 = 11 mm

Cross
Sectional
Area
(A = m)

High Hp/A = Thicker PFP

305 x 305 x 97 kg/m
Hp/A = 1.789m / 0.0123m
Hp/A = 145 m-1
For H120 (400C):
Chartek 7 = 16 mm

How much PFP do I need?

How Hp/A changes with sides exposed to fire.
(Example 305 x 305 x240 Kg/m UC)

4 Sides exposed
Hp/A=

1.905 m
0.0305 m

Hp/A = 62 m-1

Wall, Floor or Deck

Wall, Floor or Deck

3 Sides exposed

Flange only exposed

Hp/A=

1.587 m
0.0305 m

Hp/A = 52 m-1

Hp/A=

0.393 m
0.0305 m

Hp/A = 13 m-1

Note: Cross Sectional Area Remains the same in all cases!

How to calculate an Hp/A?

The
Yellow
Book!

www.asfp.org.uk

How to calculate an Hp/A?

What do I do with my Hp/A?

Chartek 7 Certificate

Interchar 963 loadings

Example of Certificate of Fire Approval with table of Hp/A v required PFP thickness

What do I do with my Hp/A?

Interchar 963 loadings

What about other section shapes?

Wall, Floor or Deck

Decreasing Hp/A = Lower PFP thickness required

Wall, Floor or Deck