Fire resistance of large-block ceramic masonry

Abstract

Introduction. The performed fire tests of wall masonry fragments made of large ceramic blocks show that wall structures have different fire resistance limits depending on the type of mortar, block size and location of internal partitions, wall thickness, and a number of other factors. This must be taken into account in the design of load-bearing and enclosing structures of buildings and civil engineering facilities.

Aim. To determine the fire resistance limit for masonry walls made of large ceramic blocks with a void factor of up to 57 % and prepare proposals for increasing their fire resistance limits.

Materials and methods. The tests were carried out until the limit state for the loss of integrity, thermal insulation capacity, and bearing capacity in accordance with State Standard 30247.1-94 "Elements of building constructions. Fire-resistance test methods. Loadbearing and separating constructions".

Results. The masonry has different fire resistance limits depending on the wall thickness, type of used mortar, and void factor of masonry wall products.

Conclusions. We provide recommendations on the need to check the fire resistance of masonry walls made of large ceramic blocks with a void factor of up to 57 %. In addition, measures should be developed to ensure fire resistance of adhesive mortar masonry walls, as well as walls of any masonry mortar type with a thickness less than 250 mm. We recommend to include a special section defining the requirements for the fire resistance of masonry in the set of rules for the design of enclosing structures made of large ceramic blocks.