Concrete is the most widely used construction material on Earth and has proven to be very durable. However, due to several tunnel fires in Europe and the increased threat of terrorism, public attention has been focused on the performance of structures above, as well as below the ground. In this regard, Passive Fire Protection applies to both the safety of people and the safety of the structures.
Although concrete is non-combustible and has low thermal diffusivity, it does experience explosive spalling from the build-up of pore pressure and internal tensile stresses during a fire. Ignis polypropylene fibres provide a 3D fibrous structure within the concrete. In the case of a fire, Ignis will increase permeability during heating, as the fibres melt, creating millions of micro pores, thus reducing pore pressure and the risk of explosive spalling, as steam is able to exit the structure easily and quickly.
Numerous tunnel contracts in Europe have been constructed with concrete containing Ignis reinforcement. Testing on structures now concludes that concrete containing polypropylene fibres will be a necessity in the future.
- Dramatic reduction in explosive spalling
- Improved resistance to plastic shrinkage cracks
- Improved hardened state benefits, such as abrasion and impact resistance
- Increased permeability in the concrete structure
- Faster construction
- Reduced labour costs
Road and rail tunnels
High rise buildings
Concrete framed structure
Cable tunnels
Bridges
Underground / multi storey car parksRefractory products
Downloads
Brochure: Ignis passive fire protection product brochure