Regulatory Basis and Scope
Buildings are classified into four fire resistance ratings (Level 1 highest) according to height, occupancy, importance and fire-suppression difficulty. A higher rating restricts the permissible area of each fire compartment. Under GB 50016-2014 (effective 1 May 2015), fire-rated glass curtain walls are required in locations such as refuge floors, pedestrian streets and atria to inhibit fire spread, block smoke and protect evacuation routes.
Relevant standards include GB 50016-2014, GB 15763.1-2009 (fire-rated glass), GB 14907-2002 (fire-resistive coating for steel structures) and CECS 200-2006 (steel structure fire protection).
System Composition and Performance Criteria
A fire-rated glass curtain wall system comprises fire-rated glass, fire-resistant steel framing, fire-rated hardware and fire-resistant seals. It is designed to contain fire within a compartment for the fire resistance rating required of non-combustible walls.
Two criteria govern selection:
- Integrity (E) – the ability of the assembly, when tested under standard fire conditions, to prevent flame and smoke penetration or the occurrence of fire on the unexposed face for a specified duration.
- Insulation (I) – the ability of the assembly, when tested under standard fire conditions, to limit the average and maximum temperature rise on the unexposed face to specified thresholds, thereby restricting radiant heat transfer.