A new technical information sheet from SCI presents the results of a programme of cavity barriers tests in light steel framing applications.
Cavity barriers are provided in cavities within buildings (e.g. between the cladding and the building structure) to sub-divide the cavity so that the spread of fire and smoke is inhibited in unseen voids. Cavity barriers are also provided at the edges of cavities (e.g. around door and window openings in the façade) to inhibit fire and smoke entering the cavity or the building.
Cavity barriers are generally tested in a cavity formed with concrete or masonry on each side. To demonstrate the performance of cavity barriers in light steel applications, SCI collaborated with members of its Light Steel Forum and two cavity barrier manufacturers to undertake a programme of cavity barrier testing. A full list of the collaborating companies is provided in SCI-P348.
The test programme included tests with masonry cladding and either masonry or light steel frame inner leaves so that a direct comparison could be made. A total of 11 tests were carried out including various light steel frame wall constructions, four types of sheathing board and two types of external insulation. Full details and results are provided in SCI-P348. The main conclusion from the test programme is that the performance of cavity barriers between masonry cladding and an inner leaf of light steel framing is equivalent to the performance between two leaves of masonry
Download your free copy of Cavity barriers in light steel framed buildings on the SCI Shop
