Course Sponsor: California Expanded Metal Company
Dynamic and Static Head-of-Wall Joint Fire Protection An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour Course number: cem05d © Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2011
263 North Covina Lane City of Industry, CA 91744 Phone: (626) 506-3881 E-mail:
[email protected] Web:
www.cemcosteel.com
An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program Approved Promotional Statement: • Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%. Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through RBA •
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program Course Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with a final exam. • Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE Hour • Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you can print one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please send requests to
[email protected] •
•
Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. Email confirmations will be sent to the email address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account.
Course Description Through an evaluation on head-of-wall assemblies, as well as the UL standards for approval, the design professional will have a better understanding of the components involved with each application. In addition, we will review what design professionals should consider when specifying protection of dynamic or static head-of-wall joints.
Learning Objectives By completing this course, the design professional will be able to: • Describe what a Head-of-Wall joint is and what constitutes a Headof-Wall assembly • Describe a UL listed assembly • List four standards used to determine UL 2079 approval • Explain the deflection capacity of joint treatments • Explain hourly ratings of joint treatments • Describe what comprises the L-rating of joint treatments • Compare and contrast joint treatment types and list the advantages/disadvantages of each • Describe shaft-wall assemblies • Explain what Architects, Engineers, and Specification professionals should consider when specifying protection of dynamic or static Head-of-Wall joints
What is a Head-of-Wall Joint? The distance between the top of the drywall and the bottom of the overhead structure
Joint
Head-of-Wall Joint/Gap •
• •
The joint (based on amount of deflection required) is designed and constructed to allow for vertical movement (allowing the wall to move independent of the structure) due to forces such as Live/Dead loading, thermal expansion/contraction, wind sway, or seismic movements. The Head-of-Wall joint allows vertical movement without damaging the wall or drywall. The drywall is the fire protection component and it’s key that it’s not damaged/cracked.
Types Of Overhead Structures
Fluted Pan Deck
Flat Concrete
Types of Overhead Structures: Fluted Pan Deck Fluted pan deck includes either floor or roof pan deck assemblies varying in flute size, height, and configuration
Types of Overhead Structures: Concrete Deck Concrete decks include post-tension slabs, poured in place concrete, and precast concrete units - any overhead consisting of a concrete surface having a flat surface area
Types of Overhead Structures: Structural Steel Support •
Structural steel supports include IBeams, tube steel beams, and open web trusses where a wall is aligned underneath a structural steel support
•
Coated/fireproofing around I-Beam
Types of Overhead Structures: Wallboard Ceiling Wallboard Ceiling - walls that attached to wallboard ceilings
Types of Overhead Structures: Cantilever Under Beam Cantilever Under Beam - walls that attach to Z-furring cantilevered off steel I-beams
Typical Top Of Wall Deflection Systems: “T” shaped “shoulder” track “T” shaped track that creates a shoulder which allows for attachment of drywall rips aligned with the exterior surface of the wall to protect the head of wall gap
Shoulder Track
Typical Top Of Wall Deflection Systems: U-shaped filled track U-shaped track which incorporates the use of plastic bags and fire proofing fill in a composite assembly
U-Shaped Track
Composite Deflection Track with Intumescent •
Composite deflection track with intumescent material factory installed along the outer web of the track to create a fie, smoke and sound gasket when installed against the overhead structure.
•
In a fire the intumescent material will begin to expand at 375 degrees and seal off the deflection gap between the edge of the drywall and the overhead concrete deck
Composite Steel Angle with Intumescent •
The composite steel angle with intumescent can eliminate substantial time and labor due to the fact that it does not require any fire caulking or fire sprays over the mineral wool
•
This systems provides up to 2” of 100% unencumbered movement
Slotted Track/Stuff and Spray Assembly A lot of companies make slotted track and it is incorporated in various head-of-wall deflection and fire stopping solutions. Mineral wool is installed in the flute voids as well as in the deflection gap between the edge of the drywall and the bottom of the fluted pan deck. All of this work can only be done once the drywall is installed so that the fire spray can lap over the mineral wool and onto the drywall.
What Information is Contained in the Header of a UL Listed Assembly?
What Information is Presented in the Header Section of a UL Listing? UL listing example: Joint System System No. HW-D-0577 February 05, 2010 Assembly Ratings — 1, 2 and 3 HR (See Items 2 and 3) Nominal Joint Width — 1/2 in. Class II and III Movement Capabilities — 100% Compression or Extension L Rating at Ambient — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft
Dynamic or Static Designation There are two type of Head of wall assemblies HW-D-#### & HW-S-#### The “D” represents “dynamic” which means it has movement capabilities The “S” represents “static” which means there is NO movement capabilities
Date of Last Revision of the Assembly Dynamic Joint System System No. HW-D - xxxx February 05, 2010 Assembly Ratings — 1, 2 and 3 HR (See Items 2 and 3) Nominal Joint Width — 1/2 in. Class II and III Movement Capabilities — 100% Compression or Extension L Rating at Ambient — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft It is important to make sure you are using the most current UL report; the date will indicate which version you are reading and the most current reports will always be listed on the UL on-line directory
Hourly Rating of Assembly Dynamic Joint System System No. HW-D - xxxx February 05, 2010 Assembly Ratings — 1, 2 and 3 HR (See Items 2 and 3) Nominal Joint Width — 1/2 in. Class II and III Movement Capabilities — 100% Compression or Extension L Rating at Ambient — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft Systems will range from 1 to 4 hour fire rating and these ratings will be listed here.
Joint/Gap Width Dynamic Joint System System No. HW-D - xxxx February 05, 2010 Assembly Ratings — 1, 2 and 3 HR (See Items 2 and 3) Nominal Joint Width — 1/2 in. Class II and III Movement Capabilities — 100% Compression or Extension L Rating at Ambient — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft The gap between top edge of drywall and overhead structure. Some of these numbers have a range and some have a maximum number listed.
Movement Capabilities Dynamic Joint System System No. HW-D - xxxx February 05, 2010 Assembly Ratings — 1, 2 and 3 HR (See Items 2 and 3) Nominal Joint Width — 1/2 in. Class II and III Movement Capabilities — 100% Compression or Extension L Rating at Ambient — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft This is the test for movement capabilities, Class I (Thermal), Class II (Wind Sway), and Class III (Seismic)
What Is The Dynamic Cycle Test? The dynamic cycle test is when an entire assembly including the wall, wall framing, sheathing, overhead, and joint materials are cycled to determine movement capabilities before the air (smoke) leakage, fire, and hose stream tests take place. Three measurements are used to determine the class rating and deflection capabilities of the assembly and joint materials • Cyclical abilities of the joint materials (Cycles per minute before failure) • Nominal gap of the joint (Installed Distance) • Movement Capabilities (Compression/Extension) Three levels of cycle • Level I = 1 cycle/min for 500 cycles (Thermal) • Level II = 10 cycles/min for 500 cycles (Wind Sway) • Level III = 30 cycles/min for 500 cycles (Seismic)
L-Rating (Smoke Passage) Dynamic Joint System System No. HW-D - xxxx February 05, 2010 Assembly Ratings — 1, 2 and 3 HR (See Items 2 and 3) Nominal Joint Width — 1/2 in. Class II and III Movement Capabilities — 100% Compression or Extension L Rating at Ambient — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F — Less Than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L-Rating: The L-rating is the amount of air (or cold smoke) that can leak through a penetration, and the number indicates the amount of air in cubic feet per minute (CFM) The L-Rating is tested in both ambient (room temperature) and an elevated 400°F environments. The ambient test measures any air leakage that might contain cold smoke before the actual fire.
L- Rating ( Air Leakage) •
Measurement on non-fire exposed assembly of the air leakage rate through a fire-stop system or fire-resistive joint system, tested under a differential pressure of 0.30 inches of water column (75 Pa) at both 75 and 400°F. The rate is expressed as a volumetric flow rate in units of cfm/lft
•
Assembly is cycled to level listed on individual listings
•
Assembly is then opened to max. capable opening based on movement ratings
•
Leakage measured at ambient (room temperature or 75 deg Fahrenheit
•
Leakage measured at elevated temperature of 400 deg F
•
Rating calculated as cfm/lft (cubic feet per minute/ lineal feet of joint)
How Fast Does Smoke Travel? Consider this: •
A square room 20 ft x 20 ft x 20 ft has a pencil hole between compartments.
•
How long will it take for the smoke to fill the room to a thickness such that you cannot see your hands 18 inches in front of you?
20 ft x 20 ft x 20 ft room
Pencil Hole
3 minutes 40 seconds
IBC 2009 – 713.6 Fire-resistant Joint Systems in Smoke Barriers Standard as of 2009 Fire-resistant joint systems in smoke barriers shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 2079 for air leakage. The air leakage rate of the joint shall not exceed 5.0 CFM per lineal foot (0.00775 m3/slm) of joint at .30 inch (7.47 Pa) of water for both the ambient temperature and elevated temperature tests. Prior to 2006 there was not a measurable rating defined in the code bodies. Simply defined as a “non-direct passage of smoke.” The standard was originally set in 2006 by IBC based on UL2079 “L” rating tests.
From the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ¾ of all fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation 57% of all people killed in fire are not in the room of the fire origin • 47% of survivors caught in a fire could not see more than 12 feet • Smoke travels 120-420 feet per minute under fire conditions • •
Four Standards Used to Determine UL 2079 Approval
UL 2079 Standard Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems •
Four measured standards for certification 1) 2) 3) 4)
•
Cyclical Testing (Movement) – how far it can move and how often Flame passage (F-rating) – determine if flame can pass through Thermal passage (T-rating) – heat passage, it can’t exceed 425 degrees …when cotton ignites, paper starts to burn. Hose Stream (H-rating) – 5 minutes to get it from the oven to the stand for rapid testing. No direct stream.
Additional rating 1)
Leakage rating (L-rating)
Nominal (Installed) Gap And Movement Capabilities •
•
Movement capabilities are expressed as a percentage of the nominal gap distance that joint materials can move during compression and extension at a specified level of cycle without adversely affecting the protection provided by the joint materials. Any material (caulk, mineral wool, etc.) that is applied in the gap encumbers the movement. It is critical to pay close attention to the UL Header to see if it indicates a percentage of encumbrance that you need to factor into your deflection criteria and decision related to what assembly to use.
Example of Movement Calculation Table for UL Listing 25% Capability • • •
Assembly ratings – 1 and 2 Hr Nominal Joint Width – 1 In. Max Class II Movement Capabilities – 25% Compression or Extension (wind sway movement non-seismic conditions)
Nominal Joint Width
25% Compression
25% Extension
Two Way = Compress. + Ext.
Compression Only
½”
1/8”
1/8”
¼”
1/8”
1”
¼”
¼”
½”
¼”
2”
½”
½”
1”
½”
4”
1”
1”
2”
1”
The bottom two rows do not apply to encumbered systems because the joint is to wide; it is there to show how wide the gap would have to be to get 1” and 2” overall movement.
Example of Movement Calculation Table for UL Listing 100% Capability • • • • •
Assembly Rating – 1 and 2 Hr L Rating at Ambient – Less than 1 CFM/Lin Ft L Rating at 400°F – Less than 1 CFM/Lin Ft Nominal Joint Width – ½ to 1 In. Class II and III Movement Capabilities – 100% Compression or Extension (wind sway and seismic movement)
Nominal Joint Width
100% Compression
100% Extension
Two Way = Compress. + Ext.
Compression Only
½”
½”
½”
1”
½”
¾”
¾”
¼”
1”*
¾”
1”
1”
1”
2”
1”
2”
2”
---
---
2”
F & T Rating (Burn Test) •
After cycling of assembly, the Head-of-Wall joint is opened to the maximum allowable joint distance based on the cycle test
•
Entire assembly subjected to fire measuring, the thermal passage of heat, and restriction of flame through the assembly
•
Maximum allowable rise in temperature on unexposed side of wall/wall sheathing, fire stop materials, and joint materials is 350°F above ambient (75°F) = 425°F
•
Assembly and joint materials must restrict the passage of any flame or fire through to unexposed side to meet test criteria
Burn Test (F-Rating)
The Head-of-Wall Assembly is subjected to an 1800 degree oven. This particular wall assembly has already burned for 2-hours.
H – Rating (Hose Stream) Assembly removed from oven and subjected to a fire hose stream test Water applied across entire assembly at 35 psi for approx 30 seconds (joint testing) from straight nozzle fire hose • Test the effects of rapid cooling • Measure performance of assembly to restrict any direct stream of water from penetrating through the assembly out the unexposed side • Observe all materials including mineral wool or fire proofing in deck flutes to avoid dislodging of materials •
Mineral wool in flutes Fire proofing in flutes Wall/Wall Sheathing on unexposed side Fire resistive joint materials Studs
Joint Treatment Types and the Advantages/Disadvantages of Each
Head-of-Wall Joint Protection Systems Commonly used materials to protect head of wall joints providing a rated joint in wall partitions: • • • •
Caulk/spray Drywall Fire proofing Steel intumescent fire stop
Joint
Encumbered Systems • •
Encumbered systems rely on adhesive strength and mastic to fill in the Head-of-Wall joint When the Head-of-Wall joint is filled in with fire resistant material, the potential movement is limited to a percentage of the joint size
Caulks/Sprays •
•
Fire rated caulks and sprays typically have intumescent and elastomeric properties that allow for some range of elongation and compression These products are applied in uncured “wet” state and can be used in the Head-of-Wall gap or applied over a backing material such as mineral wool or foam backing rod
Caulks/Sprays Advantages • Many brand formulations to choose from • Elastomeric properties allow for some amount of movement (see manufacturer’s recommendation) • Aids in retention of flute fill materials Disadvantages • Encumbered movement typically limited to ½” or less of joint width • Quality of installation versus UL design • Installation typically post MEP (labor to workaround obstructions) • Difficult to inspect proper dosage • •
Proper dosage Can be more expensive then other systems
Caulks/Sprays Avoid Three Sided Adhesion
“bond breaker” tape or backer rod is required to be installed against the leg of the track prior to installing sealant to prevent three sided adhesion
Caulk/Spray Disadvantages Horizontal stress cracks from movement •
Adhesive failure Sealant manufacturers will typically call out for a surface free of water, dirt, oil, frost, etc.
•
Cohesive failure Dries, cracks, pulls apart when extended
•
Substrate failure Pulling the fireproofing (around coated decks, beams)
Drywall “Rips” Drywall rips can be installed in front of Head-of-Wall gaps to provide fire protection of equivalent ratings as the wall assembly • Can be attached to common cold formed steel angle via fasteners • Drywall rip/angle assembly can then be positively attached to structure with typical steel fasteners • Typically requires similar amount and profiles of gypsum panels used to achieve rating of wall assembly •
Drywall “Rips”
Drywall “Rips” •
Advantages Gypsum materials are readily available Cold formed steel angles typically available Positive attachment of the Drywall rip/Angle assembly to the structure
•
Disadvantages Labor required to “rip” or cut down to size gypsum sheets Labor to install gypsum to cold formed steel angles typically 8” O/C with
fasteners Still require installation of and additional materials to hold mineral wool in flutes above the wall assembly
“Shoulder” Track Profile and Systems Utilizing Drywall Rips • •
Shoulder track profile which provides a “shoulder” to attach drywall rips covering the Head-of-Wall gap Multiple pieces of metal profiles or drywall rips installed to create a “shoulder” for drywall rip attachment in front for Head-of-Wall gaps
“Shoulder” Track Profile and Systems Utilizing Drywall Rips
“Shoulder” Track •
Advantages Drywall materials readily available and can be cut down to be used for
“rips” in front of Head-of-Wall gap Allow for large amounts of uncompromised deflection •
Disadvantages Installation of differing wall widths, fire ratings, and deflection
requirements require multiple track or material profiles Labor to install drywall rips with a screw attachment every 3” OC both sides (two rips per side for 2 hr rating) Requires caulk to be installed between the drywall rips and contour of overhead structure
Composite Steel Angle with Intumescent An example of how the Composite Steel Angle with Intumescent is installed once the wall is “topped out” early in the construction process. The same framer can build the wall and install the fire protection in one application without installing drywall. Drywall is always prone to water damages/mold if the roof is not installed prior to the drywall installation.
DEFLECTION DRIFT ANGLE – DDA (BOTH SIDES)
SLOTTED TRACK
Composite Steel Angle with Intumescent Provides unencumbered movement • Can be installed before MEP’s • No fasteners required • Installed with approved solid/slotted leg tracks • Eliminates materials and labor to “castle cut” or rip drywall for use to protect joints or flute • Spray can be applied before drywall is installed • Provides higher levels of movement then traditional stuff and spray systems • UL joint system for both standard walls and shaft walls •
Composite Deflection Track with Intumescent Addresses deflection and fire stopping in a single step installation process. The above photos show the composite deflection track before and after a fire/burn test. As shown in the “after fire” photo the intumescent completely fills the head of wall joint with a hard char material that blocks smoke and fire passage. Before fire
After fire
Composite Deflection Track with Intumescent • • • • • • •
• • •
• •
Superior unencumbered movement Eliminates reliance of adhesion and bond strength caulk “Floating Ceiling” (reveal) design with fire-rated wall No fatigue for the life of the assembly Faster installation; saves time, and labor UL Listed for 1-2 hour rating with single profile Seismic listing and ratings for Level 3 Quality assurance of “factory metered” dosage Best possible L-Rating of less than 1 CFM STC ratings tested greater than acoustic sealants Cured intumescent is odor-free Unaffected by wet, freezing, humid, hot (below 300 F) conditions
Shaft-Wall Assemblies
What are Shaft Wall Assemblies? • • •
Shaft wall assemblies are walls that can be built from one side of the wall Shaft walls assemblies are typically utilized in elevator shafts, stairwells, and mechanical rooms As with standard walls, shaft walls also require movement capabilities
Shaft Wall Assemblies • • •
Shaft wall joint systems are listed in the UL online directory Shaft wall joint systems are tested the same way standard walls are tested according to UL 2079 3rd party tested Shaft Wall assemblies with movement are very limited in types of assemblies
“Shoulder Track” profile Shaft Wall Assembly This shaft wall assembly requires access from both sides of the wall which defeats the propose of a shaft wall which is supposed to be able to have the ability to built from one side of the wall
“Shoulder Track” Shaft Wall Assembly •
Advantages Superior unencumbered movement 3rd Party tested and certified system
•
Disadvantages Requires access to both sides of the wall High labor and material costs
Slotted Track/Fire Caulking Assembly Head of wall joints with dynamic movement for shaft wall joint systems now require a secondary application fire sealant above the shaft liner to the inside web of the track.
Slotted Track/Fire Caulking Assembly Advantages: • Slotted track and fire caulking are readily available. • On solid concrete decks walls can be built from one side. Disadvantages: • Provides minimum movement. • On fluted pan decks fire spray needs to be sprayed on both sides of the wall. • Most assemblies are very difficult to install and inspect. • Fire sealant needs to be applied to the inside wall cavity above the shaft liner which is difficult to access and properly install.
Composite Deflection Track with Intumescent for Shaft Wall Composite deflection J-track has factory applied intumescent tape and is sent out to the project ready to install. 4 psf mineral wool is than field installed to ensure fire, smoke, or sound is able to pass through head-of-wall deflection joint.
J-TRACK
Composite Deflection Track with Intumescent for Shaft Wall Advantages No fire caulking required • Provides unencumbered movement • 3rd party tested and certified • Can be built from one side of the wall •
Disadvantages •
Additional mineral wool needs to be installed into the web of the track
Considerations When Specifying Protection of Dynamic or Static Head-ofWall Joints
What to Look for Choosing a Head-of-Wall Assembly How many UL systems does the manufacture offer? Do the manufacturer’s UL assemblies cover both standard wall and shaft walls? • Will the performance of the assembly meet the movement requirement? • What is the overall cost and long-term maintenance of the system? • •
Design Considerations of Dynamic Joint Protection in Fire Rated Assemblies Good design practices take into consideration a number of factors when specifying dynamic joint protection: • • • •
• • • • • •
Deflection requirements Cyclical movement Thermal protection Air leakage Fatigue of joint systems Attachment of joint systems (structural requirements) Environmental forces / Geographic location (zones) Post construction movement a structure Live load and frequency of movement Dead load
Joint Material Properties In specifying joint protection several factors to also consider: The attachment or adhesion of the fire stop materials • The elasticity (compression and extension capabilities) of the joint materials • Longevity/Environmental conditions affecting materials •
Sustainability? Will the Firestopping Material Contribute to LEED Materials & Resources – “Construction Waste Management” • Intent: Divert construction and demolition debris from disposal in landfills and incinerators. Redirect recyclable recovered resources back to the manufacturing process. Redirect reusable materials to appropriate sites Does it Contribute to LEED Materials & Resources – “Recycled Content” • Intent: Increase demand for building products that incorporate recycled content materials, thereby reducing impacts resulting from extraction and processing of virgin materials
Course Summary Now, the design professional will be able to: • Describe what a Head-of-Wall joint is and what constitutes a Headof-Wall assembly • Describe a UL listed assembly • List four standards used to determine UL 2079 approval • Explain the deflection capacity of joint treatments • Explain hourly ratings of joint treatments • Describe what comprises the L-rating of joint treatments • Compare and contrast joint treatment types and list the advantages/disadvantages of each • Describe shaft-wall assemblies • Explain what Architects, Engineers, and Specification professionals should consider when specifying protection of dynamic or static Head-of-Wall joints
Course Sponsor: California Expanded Metal Company
Dynamic and Static Head-of-Wall Joint Fire Protection An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour Course number: cem05d © Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2011
263 North Covina Lane City of Industry, CA 91744 Phone: (626) 506-3881 E-mail:
[email protected] Web:
www.cemcosteel.com
