No_6_1956 — Page 38

FIRE RESISTING CONSTRUCTION

Modern construction in which the the F.O.C. and the Fire Brigade require- framework of the building is of reinforced ments do not always coincide, as for concrete or of strel encased in concrete, instance in the matter of openings for fire and in which the main walls are of brick

escape stairs, but consultation with the fire insurance experts at the planning stage will show how these differences can

or concrete, is generally regarded as "fire proof" But, nevertheless, fires have swept through such buildings with varying be reconciled. damage both to the contents and the structures themselves.

Part XIII of the new 1956 Building Regulations cover the Fire Resisting Period (F.R.P.) of materials, and gives details of construction which will ensure that the building will conform with the requirements of Fire Resisting Construc-

tion.

Buildings erected of this standard will, generally speaking. be accepted by in- surance companies for a low rate of pre- mium, but it is not generally known that discounts up to 20% on these rates can be earned if the rules laid down by the Fire Offices Committee for Fire Resisting Construction are strictly adhered to. These rules are more stringent that those accepted by the Building Authority. Nevertheless, if their requirements are incorporated during the construction period.

the extra construction cost may not be very great and will be more than covered by the saving in the insurance premiums over a number of years. It is true that

The following are some of the points which the architect would be well advised to investigate if the building he is design- ing is to come up to the standard which would permit the maximum reduction in the insurance premiums. In the right type of structure, of course, this reduction would apply not only to the building itself but, what is more important, parti- cularly in the case of godowns, to the

contents as well:

of wired glass OF electro-copper glazing.

3. All staircases and lift or hoist wells must be enclosed with brick or con- crete at least 8" thick, or of rein- forced concrete at least 5" thick devoid of cavity. These enclosing walls must be carried through and at least 18" above the roof of the building.

4. All ventilation ducts must be buit of brickwork or reinforced concrete not less than 4" thick, and shall have openings in one storey only.

These are some of the points which are commonly overlooked by architects, par- ticularly such matters as the use of 18 OZ. to 24 oz. glass in windows, and the 1. External and area curtain walls con- building of stair and lift well enclosures structed as panels of not more than of one brick thickness. No matter how 300 square feet including openings, perfectly constructed the building may and supported by a framework of otherwise be, such deficiencies will even- steel or reinforced concrete, may be tually cost a considerable amount in extra 81" thick exclusive of the facing, insurance premiums. but the columns abutting on the wall panels must be provided with grooves having a depth of at least I" and a width of at least 5".

2.

All windows must be glazed with at least 26 OZ. glass. Under certain circumstances, the glazing must be

It is believed that most architects in

Hong Kong have already been supplied with copies of the rules by The Fire Insurance Association of Hong Kong, and if any point requires clarification it is advisable to consult the owner's insurance company at as early a stage as possible.

HOLLOW WALL CONSTRUCTION

MI-CON

Q

VIBRATED CONCRETE

BLOCKS

For Modern Buildings

LIGHTER WEIGHT

SOUND INSULATING

THERMAL INSULATING

DAMP-PROOF

PAINTABLE

DURABLE

ECONOMICAL

VICON BLOCKS STEEL COLUMN FIREPROOFING UNITS

STANDARD NO12 VI.COM BLOCKE

LERAMIC OR

-GLAZED TILES

PRE-CAST CONCRETE

LIMITED

117, PRINCE'S BLDG.

36

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