Specification
We were tasked with providing fire protection to the basement car parks slab supporting structural steelwork.
The project is a mixed commercial development with units on the ground floor including a gym and 12 flats above ground floor, with an underground car parking area.
The construction sites welfare facilities were set up in the basement car park under much of the steel to be protected and as a result we were asked to provide a suitable coating specification that could be used to provide the necessary environmental and fire performance without the need for relocation of the welfare buildings.
Solution
The specification for the steelwork in these areas was an international overcoating system, which required abrasion of the original unknown intumescent coatings back to 200 microns dry film thickness. These surfaces were then cleaned and dried in preparation for application of Intergard 256 surface tolerant primer at 50 microns.
We were then able to apply intumescent Interchar 2060c to the specified coating thickness to achieve 60 minutes fire protection. This system was then sealed with a final application of International polyurethane top coat in RAL colour finish 9010.
All other structural steelwork required blast cleaning to a SA2.5 finish to remove all paint work in preparation for surface treatment with primer system c400v3.
Application of Sherwin’s spray applied FX 1003 intumescent paint was carried out to the specified coating thickness to achieve 60 minutes fire protection. This system was then sealed with a final application of their M71v2 top seal in RAL colour finish 9010.
Coating thickness application test measurements are carried out both during wet spray treatments and on curing of the coating systems with dry film thickness equipment to ensure the specified results have been achieved and are recorded.
The original programme period for completion of 10 days was reduced by half and without detriment to other trades and the sites welfare needs. The sites logistical and specification requirements were challenging but working with the site teams we were able to satisfy the final scope for this development.
Can I take this opportunity to thank you and the team for your utmost professionalism and willingness to help out on a tight site within the timescales needed to maintain programme.
Thanks for your guidance and knowledge also in ensuring we could use another method and still keep our welfare facilities open throughout your duration on site
See you on the next one, thanks again.
Mike Mansfield, Site Manager, Intelle Construction
