5.
1 Fire Protection
Fire protection of structural steel
Fire protection design
Structural steel requires fire protection because it
loses structural strength at temperatures that can
be rapidly reached in a building fire. This will
consequently have a negative impact on the
structural integrity of the building. Protecting the
structural steel from the heat of a fire will delay
the onset of this loss of strength and the possible
collapse of the building. This is essential because
it allows extra time for both the occupants of the
building to escape and fire services to tackle the
fire. It could also prevent the actual collapse of
the building minimising insurance losses.
Building Regulations covering fire safety are
concerned with the preservation of life.
With the increasing use of structural steel in
construction, designers need fire protection
solutions that provide a combination of fast
installation and cost-effectiveness whilst
achieving the desired finish.
Whatever the application Knauf Insulation has
a range of board products and systems to cater
for any project.
When used for the fire protection of structural
steelwork, board systems offer several
compelling advantages over site applied paint
and spray coating systems.
Board systems:
• Are manufactured to factory tolerances –
this enables the specifier to be certain that
the correct thickness of fire protection is
being applied, by simply checking the
thickness of materials supplied
258 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
• Can be installed prior to the building being
sealed and made watertight, in all
temperature and humidity conditions –
this is in contrast to paint and sprays which columns and joists (plain and castellated),
are often restricted by normal UK winter
conditions, causing potential delay to
site programs
• Are fast, clean, and dry to install, with
negligible dust levels, allowing other trades
to work in close proximity
• Are quick and easy to check (by visual
inspection) that all relevant areas have
been protected
• Are fully compatible with drylining systems
and allow easy integration with
partitioning schemes
Fire protection
Any steel section which is an element of
structure and is deemed by any of the following
regulations to require fire resistance can be
protected with a fire protection system of dense
rock mineral wool slabs or fibre reinforced
gypsum based boards.
1. The Building Regulations (England and
Wales) Approved Document B (Fire Safety) –
Volumes 1 and 2 (2006)
2. The Building (Scotland) Regulations,
Technical Booklets, Section 2, 2011
3. The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)
Technical Booklet E, 2005
4. The Building Regulations (Republic of Ireland)
Technical Guidance Document B (2006)
Knauf Insulation are members of
the Association for Specialist
Fire Protection, and our fire
protection products are listed in
the Yellow Book, which presents
economical methods for the fire
protection of structural steelwork
to provide compliance with
Building Regulations
5. Loss Prevention Council Code of Practice for
Construction of Buildings
Steel sections can include universal beams,
structural and rolled tees, angles, channels and
round, square or rectangular hollow sections.
Benefits
Rock mineral wool slabs offer a number of
advantages for the fire protection of structural
steelwork that make them ideal for fast track
projects.
Rock mineral wool
• Lightweight product – at less than half the
weight of calcium silicate slabs – rock
mineral wool fire protection boards are easy
to handle and fit on site particularly for
overhead work
• Ease of cutting and fixing: Rock mineral wool
slabs are easy to cut with either a saw or a
sharp knife, furthermore there are four fixing
methods, all involve square edge butt joints
between the boards which enables a fast and
simple system to be installed without delaying
other trades and activities.
 Fire Protection 5.1

Fire protection
Solution optimiser and pathfinder­
Key
Find online. Visit knaufinsulation.co.uk and key in construction code to find the
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most up to date information on your chosen solution.

Fire protection

Period of fire resistance (mins)

Knauf Insulation solution 0 mins 30 mins 60 mins 90 mins 120 mins 150 mins 180 mins 210 mins 240 mins

Structural steelwork
Product: Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

See page: 260

Fp02

Mezzanine floors
Product: Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

See page: 266

Fp03

Large cavity barriers

Product: Rocksilk Fire Barrier

See page: 272

Fp05

Refurbishment of timber separating/

internal floor
Product: Earthwool Flexible Slab

See page: 278

Fp06

Steel Duct Encasement 5.1

Product: Fire-teK BD 917

See page: 280

Fp07

Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 259

 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Structural steelwork

Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

REFURB

Fp02
• Flexible system with four installation
methods
• Maintenance free, passive system Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

• Clean installation process with

negligible dust generation

Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

• Non-combustible with a Euroclass

A1 reaction to fire rating
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
• Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Pig tail screws

Noggin of Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

or Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix Noggin Slab

Product Typical construction Installation

F ire-teK Beam and Column Slab is a dense rock
mineral wool slab. It is available unfaced or
faced with a bright Class ‘0’ reinforced aluminium
foil, for applications above clean rooms, within
air plenums, or for aesthetic purposes.
Plaster manufacturers advice and guidance
should be followed regarding pre-treatment of
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slabs before
application of plaster finishes
Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix Noggin Slab is an
ultra high density rock mineral wool slab used
for the noggin in the Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix
Noggin System.
The exposed surfaces of any steel section are fully
enclosed in Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab,
using any of the fixing systems shown on the
following pages.
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab can be used to
provide up to 4 hours fire protection to structural
steel and cast iron columns, beams and trusses.
Steel sections may include universal beams,
columns and joists (plain and castellated),
structural and rolled tees, angles, channels and
round, square or rectangular hollow sections.
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab can be used
with four types of fixing methods for the fire
protection of structural steelwork and each
system has its own performance characteristics.
Fixing methods:
• Dry Fix Noggin System
• Adhesive Noggin Fixing System
• Combination Fixing System
• Welded Pin Fixing System

260 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk

 Fire Protection 5.1

Noggin of Fire-teK Beam and
Column Slab or Rocksilk
FireTech Dry Fix Noggin Slab
Pig Tail Screws
Technical specification
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab, ...…mm
thick, to be used to provide fire protection to
structural steelwork.
It is to be installed using the dry fix noggin
system*/adhesive noggin fixing system*/
combination fixing system*/welded pin
fixing system* (*specifier’s choice) as
detailed in the Installation section.
Alternatively, consult the National
Building Specifications, Standard
version clause/clauses…
K11/885……………
Knauf Insulation specification clauses can be
downloaded from knaufinsulation.co.uk/nbs

Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

Performance
Fire performance
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is classified as
non-combustible to BS 476: Part 4: 1970(1984),
Class 1 surface spread of flame to BS 476: Part
7: 1997, and Class ‘0’ to the Building
Regulations. Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is
designed to provide up to 4 hours fire protection
to structural steelwork, thereby satisfying the
Building Regulations and insurance demands for
periods of fire resistance.
Durability
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is rot proof,
does not sustain vermin and will not encourage
the growth of fungi, mould or bacteria.
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is odourless
and non-hygroscopic.
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is non-wicking 5.1
when tested to BS 2972: 1989: Section 12.
When exposed to 90% relative humidity and
20ºC, Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab absorbs
less than 0.004% of moisture.

For Hp/A tables please see Appendix at end of

Fire Protection Section.

Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 261

 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Installation of Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

Dry Fix Noggin System Adhesive Noggin Fixing System

Up to 2 hours fire protection Up to 2 hours fire protection

100mm wide noggins of Attach web pieces to

Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix noggins with pig tail
Noggin Slab friction fitted screws at 100mm centres.
between the flanges.
100mm wide noggin of
Attach web pieces to Fire-teK Beam and
noggins with pig tail Column Slab glued into
screws at 100mm centres. place using suitable
adhesive

Attach flange pieces to web

Attach flange pieces to
pieces using pig tail screws
web pieces using pig tail
positioned 25mm in from
screws positioned 25mm
each end and at 150mm
in from each end and at
centres.
150mm centres.

Combination Fixing System Welded Pin Fixing System

Up to 3 hours fire protection Up to 4 hours fire protection

Attach the Fire-teK Beam and

Column Slab web pieces by
impaling over the welded
pins and securing in place Attach the Fire-teK Beam and
with 38mm spring steel Column Slab web and flange
washers. pieces by impaling over the
3mm diameter welded mild
steel pins and securing in
Attach flange pieces to web place with 38mm spring steel
pieces using pig tail screws washers.
at 150mm centres.

Adhesive should be used at

Adhesive should be used at the joint between subsequent
the joint between subsequent web pieces.
web pieces.

Alternative installation methods

The Dry Fix Noggin System
Is a fast and efficient friction fit noggin system
that does not require adhesive. It can give up to
2 hours fire protection to BS 476: Part 21.
When installing 20, 25 and 30mm Fire-teK
Beam and Column Slab, noggins should be cut
from a 30mm Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix Noggin
Slab. When greater thicknesses of Fire-teK
Beam and Column Slab are used, the noggins
are cut from a corresponding thickness of
Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix Noggin Slab.
The Adhesive Noggin Fixing System
Can be used to provide up to 2 hours fire
protection to all sizes of structural steelwork.
The Combination Fixing System The use of a dense rock mineral wool slab
Can be used to provide up to 2 hours fire requires no special vee cuts, drilling or
protection to all sizes of structural steelwork, sub-frames, making it fast and easy to install.
and up to 3 hours fire protection to steelwork Rock mineral wool slabs can be easily cut using
with section factors (Hp/A) of up to 133m-1 for hand or power tools.
columns and 143m-1 for beams. Note: Rocksilk FireTech Dry Fix Noggin Slab has a density
of 200 kg/m3.
The Welded Pin Fixing System
Can be used to provide up to 3 hours fire
protection to all sizes of structural steelwork,
and up to 4 hours fire protection to steelwork
with section factors (Hp/A) of up to 172m-1 for
columns and 184m-1 for beams.
If section factors are above 260m-1 contact our
Technical Advice and Support Centre.

262 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk


Greater
than
500mm
Full
depth
100mm
Solid noggin formed from one or more pieces
of Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab
Attach web pieces to noggins using pig tail
screws at 100mm centres
Adhesive noggin fixing system
Noggins are cut 100mm wide from 20mm thick
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab. They should be
cut to a suitable length relative to the web size
to give
a tight compression fit.
Noggins are glued top and bottom using a
typical adhesive thickness of 0.5mm and friction
fitted between the flanges at 600mm centres.
The noggins should be installed in such a way
that they are slightly 'proud' of the flange (by
about 2mm) and such that they coincide with
joints between the boards.
Fire Protection 5.1
Greater Y
than
500mm
100mm
X
T-shaped noggin formed from two pieces of Insert noggins as described at 600mm
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab joined at right centres and if practicable leave for 4 hours
angles using pig tail screws for adhesive to cure.
Cut Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab to size as
follows:
Beams: flange pieces to dimension X, web
pieces to dimension Y + t
(t = thickness of board)
Columns: flange pieces to dimension X,
web pieces to dimension Y + 2t
Attach flange pieces to web pieces using pig
tail screws positioned 25mm in from each
end at 150mm centres.
Note: For flanges greater than 400mm use welded pin
and spring steel washers to provide extra retention of
the flange piece of insulation. The welded pins should
be located along the centre line of the flange at 300mm
centres.
5.1
It is preferable to leave the noggins in position
for 4 hours to allow the adhesive to cure.
However, where this is impractical Fire-teK
Beam and Column Slab can still be fitted before
the adhesive cures since the noggins are
essentially friction fitted.
For web depths greater than 500mm, T-shaped
or solid noggins should be used, formed from
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab, and screwed
together using pig tail screws.
Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 263
 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Application details for beams

Partition abutment using a noggin fixing system

Pig tail screws at maximum

100mm centres

Rocksilk FireTech noggin

Fire-teK Beam and Column

Slab

Direct edge fixing with pig tail screws at

maximum 150mm centres

Attach flange piece to web piece by

impaling over welded pins and securing
the board to board joint with pig tail
screws at 150mm centres. Spring steel
washers are used over the welded pins to
retain the insulation, any excess pin
length being trimmed off

C-Stud partition with standard U-Channel

head track

Wall abutment using a noggin fixing system

Pigtail screws at maximum 100mm centres

Masonry wall

Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

Direct edge fixing with pig tail screws at

maximum 150mm centres

Attach flange piece to web piece by impaling

over welded pins and securing the board to
board joint with pig tail screws at 150mm
centres. Spring steel washers are used over
the welded pins to retain the insulation, any
excess pin length being trimmed off

264 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk


Adhesive detail
The adhesive used for gluing Fire-teK Beam and
Column Slabs should be a thixotropic paste
type based on soluble solids of silicate and
potassium mixed with clay or refractory mineral
filler to an approximate ratio of 70:30 by
weight. Steelwork should ideally be dry but the
presence of condensation will merely prolong
the cure time, not weaken the bond strength.
Since only the top and bottom surface of each
noggin is glued with a typical adhesive
thickness of 0.5mm, excellent rates of usage are
achievable.
Note: Steelwork should be clean and free from grease prior
to the application of adhesive.
* For further details contact our Technical Support Team.
Column with partition abutment
Column with wall lining abutment
Fire Protection 5.1
Pig tail screws
The spirally wound or pig tail screws are
made from 16 gauge galvanised wire and
are available from stockists. A specification
is available on request from our Technical
Support Team.
The screws should be installed flush at 150mm
centres on board to board joints and 100mm
centres over noggins, using either power or
hand tools. There is no need to countersink the
screw heads.
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab
Knauf Wallboard not fixed to this C-Stud
Direct edge fixing with pig tail screws at
maximum 150mm centres
5.1
Masonry wall
Knauf Wallboard not fixed to this C-Stud
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab
Direct edge fixing with pig tail screws at
maximum 150mm centres
Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 265
 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Mezzanine floors

Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

REFURB

Fp03
• Simple, clean and quick to install
• Provides up to 3 hours fire resistance
• System covers section factors up to
310 Hp/A - (A/V)

Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab

• Non-combustible with a Euroclass

A1 reaction to fire rating
Fire-teK Beam and Column
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) Slab

• Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Product Performance
Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is a dense rock Fire performance
mineral wool slab specifically designed for the Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is classified as
fire protection of structural steelwork. non-combustible to BS 476: Part 4: 1970
Typical construction (1984). Class 1 Surface Spread of Flame to
The exposed surface of a steel section is fully BS 476: Part 7:1977, and Class ‘O’ to the
enclosed in Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab, Building Regulations. Fire-teK Beam and Column
using a metal clip, snap-lock system. Slab is designed to provide up to 3 hours fire
protection to the mezzanine floor column
Installation
support system, thereby satisfying the current
The column case is pre-fabricated to suit the
Building Regulations and insurance industry fire
specific beam or column. It is lined with Fire-teK
resistance performance standards.
Beam and Column Slab which is pre-bonded to
the steel skin. Note that no adhesive is applied Performance
to the joints between individual slabs. The Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab is rot proof,
column case is made of galvanized or PVC does not sustain vermin, will not encourage the
coated steel minimum 0.7mm thick. For growth of fungi, mould or bacteria and is
columns, the casing is normally supplied in two odourless and non-hygroscopic.
pieces with the closing face fixed with snap-lock
joints.
Three-sided encasements are secured at 300mm
centres to continuous galvanized steel angles,
or the flange of the steel section, or to the wall
or floor at 500mm nominal centres.
Alternatively the casing may be secured using
an integral lip on the casing.

266 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk

 Fire Protection 5.1

Mezzanine floors
Technical specification
Time - mins Board Thickness (mm) Hp/A Fire-teK Beam and Column Slab….mm thick,
60 20 224 to be
used to provide fire protection to structural
25 260
steelwork in a mezzanine floor system.
30 310
35 310 Alternatively, consult the National
40 310 Building Specifications, Standard
version clause/clauses…
45 310
K11/885…………
90 20 91 Knauf Insulation specification clauses can be
25 115 downloaded from knaufinsulation.co.uk/nbs

30 139
35 165
40 190
45 217
50 244
55 260
60 270
65 310
120 20 57
25 72
30 87
35 102
40 117
45 133
50 149
55 165
60 181
65 198
5.1
180 30 49
35 58
40 66
45 75
50 84
55 92
60 101
65 110

Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 267

 5.1 Fire Protection
Cavity barriers
Cavity barrier design
Design considerations
Every building must be designed and
constructed in such a way that in the event of
an outbreak of fire within the building, the
unseen spread of fire and smoke within
concealed cavities in its structure and fabric is
inhibited. The Building Regulations require
cavity barriers to sub-divide voids if they extend
beyond certain dimensions.
In addition cavity barriers are also required to
be placed above fire resisting partitions. Both
glass and rock mineral wool products are ideal
to act as cavity barriers due to their inherent
non-combustibility.
In the case of fire stopping minor imperfections
of fit between construction elements or
components, it is acceptable to seal small gaps
with unfaced glass or rock mineral wool
products. However, for specific periods of fire
resistance in small and large voids (as required
by the Building Regulations) it is necessary to
use specific products that have been tested and
assessed to offer the required performance
when installed in a specific way, if necessary,
using specific fixing components.
268 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
Concealed cavities Large cavity barriers
Fire and smoke spread in concealed spaces is In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all
particularly hazardous because fire can spread cavity barriers should be constructed to provide
quickly throughout a building and remain at least 30 minutes fire resistance and 15
undetected by the occupants of the building. minutes insulation. In Scotland large cavity
Cavity barriers are used to sub divide barriers, which are defined as being greater
cavities and so prevent smoke and flame from than 1m x 1m in size, must provide the same.
by-passing fire-resisting walls and partitions.
The maximum distance between barriers must
be appropriate to the location of each cavity. Fixing systems
Also, due consideration must be given to the Any product used for fire protection can only be
class of surface exposed within the cavity. considered to be offering a specific period of
Cavity barriers should achieve at least 30 fire protection when it is installed in the manner
minutes fire resistance, providing a minimum of specified in the appropriate fire test report. This
30 minutes integrity and 15 minutes insulation. includes the specification of all associated
fixings and supporting frame work.
Detailed requirements are complex. For full
details about the position and spacing of cavity
fire barriers refer to the relevant sections of the
appropriate Building Regulations.
Small cavity barriers
Small voids include the cavities in external walls
and voids beneath raised access floors. Larger
voids include the spaces between suspended
ceilings and soffits or roofs.
In cavities in external walls the resilient
properties of glass mineral wool mean that it
can be compression fitted, between the outer
leaf and the inner leaf or frame. The non-
combustible nature of glass mineral wool allows
it to resist the effects of fire, enabling it to
remain in place during the fire and effectively
block the transfer of fire through the cavity.
 Fire Protection 5.1

Photograph courtesy of Henley Building Systems

30 minutes fire resistance 1 hour fire resistance Definitions

The following definitions are taken from
Approved Document B (Fire safety) -
Volume 2: Buildings other than
dwellinghouses (2006)
50mm cavity Cavity barrier
50mm Rocksilk
Fire Barrier A construction, other than smoke curtain,
50mm Rocksilk
Fire Barrier provided to close a concealed space against
penetration of smoke or flame, or provided to
restrict the movement of smoke or flame
within such a space.
Fire stop
Seal provided to close an imperfection of
fit or design tolerance between elements or
Suspended ceiling
components, to restrict the passage of fire
of 12.5mm plasterboard
or smoke. Any unfaced glass or rock mineral
product can be used as a fire stop.

5.1
Period of fire resistance (mins)

Knauf Insulation solution 0 mins 30 mins 60 mins 90 mins 120 mins 150 mins 180 mins 210 mins 240 mins

Large cavity barriers

Product: Rocksilk Fire Barrier

See page: 274

Fp05

Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 269

 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Large cavity barrier

Rocksilk Fire Barrier

REFURB

Fp05
• Simple, clean and quick to install
• Provides both fire and acoustic
performance
• Versatile, flexible and adaptable
system Metal angle fixed to soffit

Rocksilk Fire Barrier

Rocksilk Fire Barrier

• Non-combustible with a Euroclass 50mm airgap

A1 reaction to fire rating

• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

• Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Rocksilk Fire Barrier

fixed to 50mm
timber spacer

Product Typical construction

 ocksilk Fire Barrier is made from rock mineral
R For half an hour fire resistance
wool and formed into a flexible mattress faced
on one side with galvanised wire mesh stitched
in position.
Rocksilk Fire Barrier is also available foil faced
on one or both sides.
Rocksilk Fire Barrier must be installed in
accordance with the specifications detailed
below and on the following pages.
If these specifications are not strictly followed
the installation cannot be deemed to offer any
specific period of fire protection.
Fixing components:
Angle: Mild steel - 50mm x 50mm x 2mm or
60mm x 40mm x 2mm
A single layer of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier,
applied as a hanging curtain, supported
continuously from above and both sides, using
the fixings listed in the Table.
At the base Rocksilk Fire Barrier is either lapped
freely on to the back of a suspended ceiling or
fixed to a partition head. Suitable for drops up
to 7 metres.
For one hour fire resistance
Two layers of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier,
separated by a 50mm air space, applied as a
hanging curtain with wire mesh
to the outside, supported continuously from
above and both sides, using the fixings listed in
Table 3. At the base it is either lapped freely on
to the back of a suspended ceiling, or fixed to a
partition head.
Use foil faced Rocksilk Fire Barrier when the
ceiling void is used as an air plenum.
Installation
See page 276 - 279 for installation details.
See Table on page 277 for specification of
fixings and supporting metalwork.

Strip: Mild steel - 40mm x 2mm

See Table on page 279 for suitable method of
fixing angles and strips to substrate.

270 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk


Metal angles
fixed to soffit
Rocksilk Smoke
and Fire Barrier
Rocksilk Fire Barrier
fixed to timber spacer
Performance
Fire performance
Rocksilk Fire Barrier is made from rock mineral
wool and is classified as non-combustible to BS
476: Part 4: 1970. Rocksilk Fire Barrier has a
Class 1 Surface Spread of Flame to BS 476:
Part 7: 1997 and is Class ‘0’ to the Building
Regulations.
When subjected to full scale fire resistance tests
to BS 476: Part 22: 1987, a system comprising
one layer of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier, fixed
by using the components and methods detailed
on the following pages achieved 19 minutes
insulation, and retained its integrity for 35
minutes, after which time the test was
discontinued. 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier
thereby satisfies the criteria laid down in the
Building Regulations for cavity barriers, by
exceeding the minimum requirement of 15
minutes insulation and 30 minutes integrity .
Fire Protection 5.1
Technical specification
Half hour cavity barrier
A single layer of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier
(*foil faced) to be installed in the positions
marked on the drawings, and fixed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. All joints either tightly
butted, overlapped, or with edges returned,
and stitched in a continuous spiral loop with
1mm diameter galvanised lacing wire.
(* delete as appropriate) 
One hour cavity barrier
Two layers of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier
(*foil faced), separated by a 50mm air
space to be installed in the positions marked
on the drawings, and
fixed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. All joints either tightly
butted, overlapped, or with edges returned,
and stitched in a continuous spiral loop with
1mm diameter galvanised lacing wire.
(* delete as appropriate) 
Alternatively, consult the National
Building Specifications, Standard
version clause/clauses…
K10/545……………
Knauf Insulation specification clauses can be
downloaded from knaufinsulation.co.uk/nbs
When subjected to full scale fire resistance tests
to BS 476: Part 22: 1987, a system comprising 5.1
a double layer of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier,
fixed by using the components and methods
detailed on the following pages, achieved 61
minutes insulation, and retained its integrity for
66 minutes, after which time the test was
discontinued.
A double layer of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier
thereby satisfies the criteria laid down in the
Building Regulations for one hour cavity barriers.
These tests incorporated vertical and horizontal
joints between barriers. Fire resistance is
effective from either side of the barrier. When
tested, the wire side was exposed to the furnace
as this is the side most vulnerable to fire.
Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 271
 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Installation of half hour cavity barrier

80mm
minimum

1. Metal angle fixed to purlin 2. Fixed to purlin 3. F ixed to rib of coffered slab

4. Fixed across coffered ceiling 5. P

 erimeter fixing with steel strip 6. Junction with ceiling

Installation
The following information and illustrations Concrete decks
outline typical details for the installation of large Rocksilk Fire Barrier is clamped between the At the ceiling junction, Rocksilk Fire Barrier is
cavity barriers. In case of uncertainty, refer to deck and steel angle secured by expanding cut and draped on and between the joists, and
Knauf Insulation. bolts. If the deck is coffered it should usually be secured by fixing to steel angle, which is itself
possible to locate the cavity barrier along one fixed to the joists (Figure 6). For suspended
Metal deck with overdeck insulation
of the ribs (Figure 3). If fitted across the ceilings, see Figure 11.
If Rocksilk Fire Barrier runs with the slope of the
coffering it should be clamped by steel strip, to At partitions or wall heads, if a secure fixing is
roof, a supporting steel angle should be fixed
the steel angle which is secured to the ribs. available, as at soffits, Rocksilk Fire Barrier
between purlins and the smoke and fire barrier
If the depth of coffering is less than 100mm, should be clamped with a steel strip
clamped to this with steel strip (Figure 1). The
Rocksilk Fire Barrier should be returned at the Two layers of 50mm Rocksilk Fire Barrier with a
insulation should project 80mm beyond the strip
top by 300mm, to allow for cutting at the ribs 50mm air space between them are needed for
to ensure a good seal.
and pushed securely into the coffering (Figure one hour fire resistance. In general two
If fitted across the sheeting profile, Rocksilk Fire
4). If the depth of coffering is greater than separate layers should be installed back to
Barrier should be bolted to the purlins (Figure 2).
100mm, Rocksilk Fire Barrier should be fixed back, each in a manner identical to that shown
It is returned at the top, to a length equivalent to
around the coffering using steel angle, as for half hour fire resistance. The joints in the two
3 times the profile depth, to allow for cutting at
described above. Alternatively, proprietary layers should be staggered and Rocksilk Fire
troughs and pushing securely into profiles.
profile fillers may be used. Barrier returned outward at the top and bottom.
Alternatively, proprietary profile fillers may
The perimeter of the barrier should be secured The wire reinforced sides should be placed
be used.
with steel strip (Figure 5). outward, see Figure 7.

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 Fire Protection 5.1

Fire protection
Installation of one hour cavity barrier

7. Fixed to concrete slab 8. Fixing to wall head

10. Fixing at perimeter

9. Fixing to timber spacer

Fixing system specifications

Partitions and wall heads Specification of angles and strips
If possible, Rocksilk Fire Barrier should be Angle: Mild steel - 50mm x 50mm x 2mm or 60mm x 40mm x 2mm
secured with steel strip to the partition or wall Strip: Mild steel - 40mm x 2mm
head so as to maintain the 50mm air space
(Figure 8). If this is not possible, it should be
Angle fixings to concrete decks and steel sections: angles 50 x 50 x 2mm 5.1
Fire resistance Maximum spacing of fixings (m) for the following drop heights (m)
draped with a return of at least 150mm, or
fixed to a timber spacer which is fixed to the period (mins) 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7
partition or wall head (Figures 6 and 9). 30 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
60 2 2 1.75 1.5 1.5 1 1 0.75 0.75
Perimeter fixing
Key: M8 M6
Rocksilk Fire Barrier should be secured with
bolts bolts
steel strip to the sides of the perimeter wall, so
Angle fixings to timber beams and trusses: angles 50 x 50 x 2mm
as to maintain the 50mm air space (Figure 10).
Fire resistance Maximum spacing of fixings (m) for the following drop heights (m)
period (mins) 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7
30 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
60 2 2 1.75 1.5 1.5 1 1 0.75 0.75
Key: Buildex HT screws, minimum 25mm thread penetration into timber
Buildex HT screws, minimum 40mm thread penetration into timber
Steel strip fixings: To masonry and concrete Buildex Tapcon 4H masonry anchors
To timber Buildex HT range of fixings
To steel angle Steel bolts

Minimum return of Rocksilk Fire Barrier - When clamped to flat surface (vertical or horizontal) 80mm.
When loose laid over horizontal surface - 150mm.

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 5.1 Fire Protection
Fire protection
Jointing Rocksilk Fire Barrier
11. Junction with suspended ceiling
15. Perpendicular joint
Suspended ceilings
With suspended ceilings where positive fixing
to wall heads or partition heads is not possible,
the weight of Rocksilk Fire Barrier and the
stiffness of wire facing are such that it will form
an effective seal if it laps the horizontal surface
by a minimum of 150mm. Lapped joints are
only permissible where the suspended ceiling
has the same fire resistance as the cavity
barrier. Rocksilk Fire Barrier must be slit and
fitted around any crossing tees to eliminate
gaps and ensure that excessive loads are not
transferred to the ceiling (Figure 11).
Jointing
This section describes the approved methods for
joining adjacent pieces of Rocksilk Fire Barrier.
The methods are applicable to both half and
one hour large cavity barriers.
274 Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
12. Vertical butt joint 13. Vertical returned joint
500mm
minimum
overlap
16. Horizontal joint at a drop
Vertical and horizontal joints
Three methods of securing the joints between
adjacent pieces of Rocksilk Fire Barrier are
approved.
Joints are tightly butted together and stitched in
a continuous spiral loop with 1mm diameter
galvanised lacing wire. The stitching should
pass through the reinforcement mesh and the
wool on each side of the butt joint at centres not
exceeding 100mm (Figure 12).
Alternatively the Rocksilk Fire Barrier edges are
returned at least 80mm and wired together
(Figure 13), or they may be lapped at least
100mm and wired together (Figure 14).
Perpendicular joints
The junction between two barriers should be
securely wired together (Figure 15) with a
return of at least 80mm.
14. Vertical lap joint
Drops
All barriers can be used for drop heights up to
5m without additional support. For drops
between 5m and 7m it is necessary to introduce
additional supporting members in order to
support the weight of the fire barriers (Figure 16).
Services
Services which are permitted by Building
Regulations to penetrate barriers, should
be provided with collars of Rocksilk Fire Barrier
at least 300mm long, sewn to the main barrier
and then strapped or wired so as to avoid any
possibility of gaps (Figure 17).
A half hour barrier requires a collar on one side
of the barrier. A one hour barrier requires one
collar on both sides of the barrier system.

Fire protection
Penetrating pipes and ducts
300mm
minimum
17. Penetrating pipe
19. Temporary framework to ease handling
Penetrating steelwork
This should be provided with a collar of Rocksilk
Fire Barrier at least 300mm long (Figure 18).
The collar is fixed to the concrete or metal deck
by clamping against these surfaces behind steel
angle. The voids in the steelwork are filled with
Rocksilk Fire Barrier (figure 18). A half hour
barrier requires a collar on one side of the
barrier. A one hour barrier requires one collar
on both of the layers of the barrier system.
Access
Where permanent access is needed through the
barrier, a fire door and frame, rated to the
appropriate fire resistance, must be used.
Rocksilk Fire Barrier should be fixed securely to
the frame.
Fire Protection 5.1
18. Penetrating steelwork
Handling Following trades
Depending on the size of the barrier and the The integrity of barriers must be restored if 5.1
working space available, it is sometimes difficult disturbed by following trades, either during
to hold the material in place while top fixings the building process or after completion.
are being secured. It will be found helpful to This instruction should be incorporated into
make a temporary prop from, e.g. slotted the building handbook.
angle. This may comprise a crosspiece of length
appropriate to the width of the Rocksilk Fire
Barrier, with studs on the top which will hook
into the wire mesh of the Rocksilk Fire Barrier.
This may be swivelled on the top of a handle,
and secured horizontally or to the angle of the
roof by an adjustable brace.
It is used to hold the Rocksilk Fire Barrier up,
100mm or so behind the fixing location, while
fixing is being carried out. When fixing to a
sloping deck, the top of the Rocksilk Fire Barrier
should be trimmed to the correct angle to ensure
that joints are truly vertical (Figure 19).
Technical Support Team 01744 766666 www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 275
 5.1 Fire Protection

Internal floor
Refurbishment of timber separating/internal floor

Earthwool Flexible Slab

REFURB

Fp06
• Existing ceiling can be
retained, avoiding disruption
to rooms below
• Provides thermal and acoustic
insulation as well as fire
resistance
 Meets the requirements of
•
Approved Document E for sound
resistance of internal floors

Earthwool Flexible Slab

• Non-combustible with a Euroclass

A1 reaction to fire rating
• A+ Generic BRE Green Guide rating
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
• Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) Support mesh
stapled to joists

Existing ceiling

Earthwool Flexible Slab

Minimum 18mm Chipboard

Products Typical construction Installation

E arthwool Flexible Slab is a multi-purpose rock
mineral wool slab designed to be friction fitted
in a wide range of acoustic, thermal and fire
resistant applications.
Introduction
Where the loft space of a two storey house is
converted into habitable accommodation, the
floor to the new rooms must have 30 minutes
fire resistance over any part of the escape route
directly below. This is often the case when, for
example, the floor of the new room extends
over a landing in the stairway enclosure below.
The solution on this page provides the required
period of fire protection without having to
upgrade the existing ceiling.
The use of Earthwool Flexible Slab in a
suspended timber floor achieves one hour fire
resistance, whilst allowing the existing ceiling to
be retained.
To achieve one hours fire resistance:
• T he floor deck should be at least 18mm
thick tongued and grooved chipboard or
timber boarding
• T he joists must be at least 200mm deep and
37mm wide
• T he wire mesh should be stapled to the
sides of the joists at least 40mm above the
ceiling level
• Any ceiling can be used
After removal of the floor deck, line the voids in
the floor with 25mm wire mesh, to form a
support tray for the insulation. Staple the wire
mesh to the sides of the joists, at least 40mm up
from ceiling level.
Cut 100mm Earthwool Flexible Slabs to size
and lay onto the wire mesh support, so that
there are no gaps between the insulation and
the joists. Butt joint the insulation slabs so there
are no gaps between them.
Fix a chipboard floor deck, at least 18mm thick,
over the entire floor area.

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 Fire Protection 5.1

Typical wall floor junction Typical specification

Existing wall
Earthwool Flexible Slab cut and friction
fitted between last joist and wall
Lay 100mm Earthwool Flexible Slab on
25mm chicken wire mesh, stapled to sides of
joists at least 40mm up from ceiling level and
at 600mm centres. The joists should be at
least 200 x 37mm and spaced at not more
than 600mm centres. The flooring board to
Minimum 18mm chipboard
be at least 18mm thick.
Alternatively, consult the National
Building Specifications, Standard
version clause/clauses…
P10/250……………
Knauf Insulation specification clauses can be
downloaded from knaufinsulation.co.uk/nbs

Earthwool Wire mesh stapled to joists to provide Existing ceiling

Flexible Slab support for Earthwool Flexible Slab

Performance
Fire performance
Earthwool Flexible Slab is classified as Euroclass
A1 to BS EN 13501-1 and non-combustible to
BS 476: Part 4: 1970 (1984), Class 1 Surface
Spread of Flame to BS 476: Part 7: 1997 and
Class ‘0’ to the Building Regulations.
Acoustic
5.1
The acoustic performance of an internal floor
containing 100mm of Earthwool Flexible Slab
(and 12.50mm standard plasterboard ceiling)
will be at least 40dB and therefore, meet the
requirements of Approved Document E of the
Building Regulations.

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 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
Steel Duct Encasement

Fire-teK BD 917

NEW BUILD REFURB

Fp07 Blockwork compartment

• Lightweight, mineral wool has wall
approximately one half to one third of
the weight of traditional silicate and
vermiculite boards
• Fast and simple fixing system makes the
slabs quick and easy to install
• Provides excellent acoustic and thermal
performance insulation

Fire-teK BD 917

• Non-combustible with a Euroclass A1

reaction to fire rating
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
• Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP)

RS33 Slab as packing

Steel angle rivetted at 150mm centres

Rocksilk Pyroduct fixed to duct

Rocksilk Pyroduct glued to wall and insulation

Product Installation Performance

Fire-teK BD 917 is a 165 kg/m3 density rock
mineral wool slab. The slabs are faced with a
bright Class ‘O’ reinforced aluminium foil,
making it suitable for applications above clean
rooms, within air plenums or for
aesthetic purposes.
Typical construction
The exposed surfaces of steel ductwork are fully
enclosed in Fire-teK BD 917 using the fixing
system shown on the following pages. Fire-teK
BD 917 can be used to provide up to 2 hours
fire protection to steel ductwork.
Fire-teK BD 917 is applied in a single
thickness, removing the need for multi layer
applications. This provides assurance of a
uniform thickness and therefore the integrity of
the system and allows for easy verification of
correct installation on site.
Individual slabs are 1200mm long and 600mm
wide making them easy to carry around site.
Their lightweight nature also makes them easy
to use.The fixing system of welded pins and
square edge butt joints gives a fast and simple
system which requires no special vee cuts,
drilling or sub-frames and also makes the slabs
fast and easy to install.
Fire
Fire-teK BD 917 is classified as non-combustible
to BS 476: Part 4: 1970 (1984), Class 1
surface spread of flame to BS 476: Part 7:1997
and Class ‘O’ to the Building Regulations.
Fire-teK BD 917 has been tested in accordance
with BS 476: 24:1987 and can provide up to
two hours fire resistance for steel ductwork
exposed to fire either inside or outside of the
duct.
Moisture resistance
Fire-teK BD 917 is non-wicking when tested to
BS 2972: 1989: Section 12. When exposed to
90% relative humidity and 20ºC, Fire-teK BD
917 absorbs less than 0.004% of moisture.

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 Fire Protection 5.1

Typical specification
Fire-teK BD 917...........mm thick to be used
to provide up to 2 hours fire protection to
steel ductwork as detailed in this schedule
(specifier to state which ducts require fire
protection).
It is to be installed using the fixing system as
detailed, and at a thickness with due regard
to the duct size, orientation and period of fire
protection required.

Foil facing omitted for clarity

Table 1: Required thickness of Fire-teK BD 917 Weight

Thickness of insulation (mm) Table 2 shows the weight per square metre of
Fire-teK BD 917.
Period of fire Vertical ducts Horizontal ducts Kitchen extract
resistance (hours) ducts Fire protection
Any vertical or horizontal, rectangular or
0.5 - - 45
square steel ductwork associated with
1.0 45 45 90
ventilation and/or air conditioning systems,
2.0 90 90 - including ducted supply and extract systems
5.1
(whether through ducts or plenums),
mechanically assisted systems and those
relying on natural convection can be
Table 2: Weight of slabs protected with Fire-teK BD 917s to provide
the required degree of fire protection.
Thickness Weight
(mm) (kg/m2) Achieving the required fire
45 7.43
performance
The required thickness of Fire-teK BD 917
90 14.86
depends upon the orientation of the duct and
the period of fire resistance required. Table 1
displays the thicknesses required for vertical
and horizontal ducts and also for kitchen
extract ducts for the commonest periods of fire
resistance.

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 5.1 Fire Protection

Fire protection
m
0m
35
0 mm
35

Steel Duct Encasement

m
0m
35

Greater
than
Greater 1000mm
than m
1000mm 0m
50mm 35
m
0m
50mm 35
500mm
max X
500mm
max

1. Weld 3mm diameter steel pins at 350mm longitudinal centres 2. Where the dimension of the vertical sidesY exceed 1000mm,
along the centre line of the vertical sides of the ductwork. the steel pins should be in rows starting 50mm in from the edge
and spaced apart at a maximum of 500mm centres.

Greater
than X
1000mm
m
0m
50mm 35

500mm
Y
max
X
500mm
max
500mm
m
max 0m 50mm
35
m Y
0m 50mm
35

3. Weld 3mm diameter steel pins at 350mm longitudinal centres 4. Cut Fire-teK BD 917 to size as follows:
along the horizontal surfaces of the ductwork in rows starting horizontal surfaces to dimension X,
50mm in from the longitudinal edge and spaced apart at a vertical surfaces to dimension Y + 2t,
maximum of 500mm centres. where t = thickness of insulation.

500mm
max
m
0m 50mm
35

5. Attach the insulation by impaling over the welded pins and 6. Glue all board to board joints using a thixotropic silicate
securing with 38mm spring steel washers. based adhesive.
7. Trim off pin lengths to about 30mm excess and bend this
excess to form a right angle with the insulation.
8. Although not essential, it is good practice to offset the joints
for each surface.

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 Fire Protection 5.1

Fire protection
Steel Duct Encasement

Vertical ducts
The installation detail on the previous pages for horizontal ducts is
also relevant for vertical ductwork, though the horizontal and vertical
surfaces referred to for horizontal ductwork will be the longest and
shortest surfaces respectively in vertical ductwork.

Ductwork passing through compartment

walls or floors
In accordance with The Building Regulations, when ductwork passes
through any element of construction which has a designated period
of fire resistance, the integrity of that compartment should be
maintained. In these situations, the ductwork in the immediate vicinity
of the penetration should be stiffened as follows:

a) When the flange is within 100mm of the penetration then a

50 x 50 x 3mm steel angle should be rivetted to the top edge
of the duct using a single row of rivets with washers starting
50mm from the edge and at 150mm centres.
Earthwool Building Slab RS45 should be used to pack any gap
between the main insulation and the blockwork.
120 x 90mm sections of Rocksilk Pyroduct Slab is glued to the
wall and main Pyroduct insulation.

5.1

b) When the flange is greater than 100mm from the penetration,

two angles should be used, fixed as described in a) above, and
45mm Rocksilk Pyroduct Slab installed perpendicular to the duct
at the penetration.

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