Passive fire protection measures
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Tunnel Fire Protection course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Advanced Certificate in Tunnel Fire Protection #
a professional certification program focused on providing in-depth knowledge and understanding of tunnel fire protection systems, regulations, and best practices.
Active Fire Protection Measures #
fire protection measures that require human or mechanical intervention to activate, such as fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Automatic Fire Suppression System #
a system that automatically detects and suppresses fires, typically using water, foam, or gas.
Blast Resistance #
the ability of a structure to withstand the force of an explosion or blast wave.
Cellular Concrete #
a type of lightweight concrete used in fire protection applications, characterized by its high insulating properties and low thermal conductivity.
Combustible Materials #
materials that can easily catch fire and burn rapidly, such as wood, paper, and certain plastics.
Compartmentation #
the division of a building or structure into separate fire-resistant compartments to prevent the spread of fire.
Concrete Fire Protection #
the use of concrete as a fire-resistant material in construction, including the use of specialized concrete mixes and fireproofing techniques.
Critical Radiant Flux #
the minimum amount of heat flux required to initiate and sustain a fire on a given surface.
Decorative Finish Systems #
fireproofing materials that are applied as a decorative finish to structural members, such as steel beams and columns.
Elastomeric Fireproofing #
a type of fireproofing material made from elastomeric compounds, characterized by its flexibility and durability.
Endothermic Reaction #
a chemical reaction that absorbs heat, such as the reaction that occurs when water turns into steam, used in some fireproofing materials.
Fire Barrier #
a fire-resistant barrier that separates different areas of a building or structure to prevent the spread of fire.
Fireproofing #
the application of fire-resistant materials to structural members to protect them from fire damage.
Fire Resistance Rating #
a measure of a building material's ability to resist fire, typically expressed in hours.
Fire Retardant Coating #
a type of fireproofing material that is applied as a coating to protect building materials from fire.
Fire Resistance Test #
a test used to determine a building material's fire resistance rating, typically conducted in a laboratory setting.
Fire Resisting Ducts #
ducts that are designed and constructed to resist the spread of fire, typically made from fire-resistant materials such as steel or concrete.
Fire Resisting Glazing #
glazing materials that are designed and constructed to resist the spread of fire, typically made from fire-resistant glass or ceramics.
Fire Resisting Partitions #
walls that are designed and constructed to resist the spread of fire, typically made from fire-resistant materials such as concrete or gypsum.
Fire Resisting Structures #
structures that are designed and constructed to resist the spread of fire, typically made from fire-resistant materials such as steel or concrete.
Fire Stopping #
the sealing of gaps and openings in fire-resistant barriers to prevent the spread of fire.
Gypsum Fire Protection #
the use of gypsum-based materials as a fireproofing material in construction, including the use of gypsum board, plaster, and other gypsum-based products.
Hydrocarbon Pool Fires #
fires that originate from a pool of flammable liquids, such as gasoline or diesel fuel.
Ignitability #
the ease with which a material can be ignited, typically expressed in terms of its flash point.
Insulation #
the use of materials with low thermal conductivity to reduce heat transfer, including the use of fire-resistant insulation materials.
Intumescence #
the expansion of a fireproofing material when exposed to heat, forming a thick, insulating layer.
Lightweight Aggregate Concrete #
a type of lightweight concrete used in fire protection applications, characterized by its low density and high insulating properties.
Mass Timber #
a type of engineered wood product that is used in construction, characterized by its high strength and fire resistance.
Mineral Wool #
a type of fireproofing material made from mineral fibers, characterized by its high insulating properties and low thermal conductivity.
Passive Fire Protection Measures #
fire protection measures that do not require human or mechanical intervention to activate, such as fire-resistant materials and compartmentation.
Penetration Seals #
seals used to prevent the spread of fire through penetrations in fire-resistant barriers, such as electrical conduits and pipes.
Reactive Fireproofing #
a type of fireproofing material that reacts chemically when exposed to heat, forming a thick, insulating layer.
Reinforced Concrete #
concrete that is reinforced with steel bars or other materials to improve its strength and fire resistance.
Sprayed Fireproofing #
a type of fireproofing material that is sprayed onto structural members, typically made from cementitious or mineral wool-based materials.
Steel Fire Protection #
the application of fire-resistant materials to steel structural members to protect them from fire damage.
Structural Fire Protection #
the application of fire-resistant materials to structural members to protect them from fire damage, including the use of fireproofing materials, insulation, and compartmentation.
Thermal Barrier #
a fire-resistant barrier that separates different areas of a building or structure to prevent the spread of heat.
Thermal Insulation #
the use of materials with low thermal conductivity to reduce heat transfer, including the use of fire-resistant insulation materials.
Tunnel Fire Protection #
the application of fire protection measures in tunnels, including the use of active and passive fire protection measures, ventilation systems, and fire suppression systems.
Vermiculite #
a type of fireproofing material made from expanded mica, characterized by its light weight and high insulating properties.
Voids #
gaps or openings in fire-resistant barriers that can allow the spread of fire, typically filled with fireproofing materials or sealed with fire stopping.
Wet Chemical Fire Suppression System #
a type of fire suppression system that uses a wet chemical to suppress fires, typically used in kitchens and other areas with high fire risks.