Compartmentation fire resistance

In applying compartmentation during constmction, much of the focus is on walls, floors, and other partition elements. The fire resistance ratings result from tests that determine the amount of time these elements confine a fire. 

Compartmentation refers to the division of a building into compartments separated by stmctural material of specified fire resistance, such as a fire wall, to prevent spread of fire and smoke, and facilitate access by firefighters. Separation limits the opportunity for the fire to spread to other buildings. (There was recently a fatal blaze in a park home (semiportable home) which threatened to ignite others nearby.) It also refers to separation of certain key equipment such as sprinkler valve equipment. Separation for dangerous goods also separates the goods from fire sources such as roadways. 

This section defines the load bearing elements of the structure and describes the nature and importance of fire resisting compartmentation. 

Figure 9.18 Fire dampers in fire resisting compartmentation...

---