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Fire safety of aerated concrete: Everything you need to know

by Marco Janssen on Jul 12, 2023

Brandveiligheid van Cellenbeton: Alles wat u moet weten

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive article on fire safety of aerated concrete. At Celbetonbloks.nl we understand the importance of safety in the construction industry. Aerated concrete, also known as aerated concrete or Ytong, is a popular building material due to its lightweight and insulating properties. In this article, we share valuable information and detailed insights about the fire safety of aerated concrete so that you can make informed decisions when using this material in your construction projects.

What is Aerated Concrete?

Aerated concrete is a material produced by mixing cement, sand, lime and water. It contains numerous small closed cells that give the material its characteristic light weight. These cells also provide the insulating properties of aerated concrete, making it an attractive choice for both interior and exterior applications.

Fire safety of aerated concrete

When it comes to fire safety, it is important to understand how aerated concrete performs in the event of a fire. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind:

Fire classification

Aerated concrete has an excellent fire rating. It is considered a non-combustible material and falls under class A1 according to the European classification. This means that it does not contribute to the spread of fire and offers a high degree of fire safety.

Fire resistance

The fire resistance of aerated concrete depends on the thickness of the walls. The thicker the walls, the longer the material can withstand fire. Aerated concrete walls can be fire resistant with a fire resistance rating ranging from 30 minutes to over 240 minutes. It is important to determine the required fire resistance ratings based on the specific application and applicable building codes.

Flame spread and Smoke development

Another advantage of aerated concrete is that it has a slow flame spread. This means that it does not catch fire easily and slows down the spread of fire. In addition, aerated concrete produces little smoke and toxic gases in the event of a fire, which increases the safety of residents and emergency workers.

Applications and Advice

Aerated concrete is widely used in various construction projects due to its combination of lightweight, insulating properties and fire safety. Here are some applications where aerated concrete excels:

Wall constructions

Aerated concrete is ideal for interior and exterior wall constructions. It provides excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation, creating a comfortable living environment. In addition, the fire safety contributes to the overall safety of the structure.

Fire resistant partitions

Due to its good fire resistance, aerated concrete is often used to create fire-resistant partitions between different parts of a building. This contributes to reducing the spread of fire and provides additional safety to residents.

Shafts and elevator cores

Aerated concrete is also widely used for constructing shafts and elevator cores in buildings. The fire safety of aerated concrete contributes to the protection of these essential structural elements.

Conclusion

Aerated concrete offers excellent fire safety properties and is a reliable material for various construction applications. With its non-combustible character, good fire resistance and slow flame spread, aerated concrete contributes to the safety of buildings and their occupants. At Betoncellen.nl we are happy to help you make well-considered decisions about the use of aerated concrete in your construction projects. Contact us today for professional advice and high-quality aerated concrete solutions.

Note: The following diagram illustrates the fire resistance of aerated concrete.

With the information and insights in this article you are well informed about the fire safety of aerated concrete. Use this knowledge to make informed decisions and ensure safe, high-quality construction projects. Do not hesitate to contact us for further questions or advice