Understanding the performance criteria for fire-resistance-rated
and/or smoke-resistant assemblies is important since it gives the
code user a better appreciation of the level of protection that these
assemblies provide. Therefore, it is important that these weakened
points be protected with assemblies of matching rating. The
protection of these openings and penetrations are the focus of this
book so that code users and building occupants can be assured that
fire-resistance-rated and/or smoke-resistant assemblies do perform
their intended function and can minimize or prevent the spread of
fire and smoke and the potential for structural failure.
When reviewing the code’s requirements related to fire-resistance-
rating and/or smoke-resistant assemblies, knowing a bit about each
of the specific test standards and the distinction between a fire-
resistance rating and a fire-protection rating are important aspects
to understand. Each of the specific test standards used in the
evaluation of the assemblies, components or penetrations has its
own pass/fail criteria used to determine compliance or acceptance
in meeting the requirements.
By focusing on the penetration firestop systems and joint systems,
this book will hopefully make the code requirements easier to
understand and apply so that the fire-resistance-rated assemblies
may continue to do their job and protect the buildings and people
within them. Unless these breaches (openings, penetrations, joints)
and other features of fire-resistance and smoke-resistant assemblies
are properly protected, we will not get the level of building safety we
expect.
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