How MMC Can Ensure Optimal Passive Fire Protection
Modern methods of construction (MMC) are becoming increasingly popular due to the many benefits they bring compared to traditional solutions. MMC ensures greater sustainability, faster project turnaround times and reduced costs, amongst other benefits. But can MMC also drive progress and improvement in other areas, such as health and safety? In this post, we explore how MMC can ensure optimal passive fire protection.
What is passive fire protection?
The term ‘passive fire protection’ is used to describe the structural measures taken to minimise the risk of fire damage within a building. During construction, passive fire protection measures are implemented to minimise safety risks to occupants in the event of a fire and to mitigate potential financial and reputational losses from damage to a building.
Passive fire protection systems include compartmentation, which involves the division of buildings into manageable spaces that limit the passage of smoke and flames, as well as the reinforcement of structural elements. The use of passive fire protection systems helps to slow the spread of fire and smoke and, therefore, allows more time for buildings to be evacuated.
Some examples of passive fire protection measures that are commonly used include:
Fire doors
Fire-rated walls
Fire dampers
Fire-rated glass
Fire resistant partitions
Fire resistant ceilings
Fire resistant coatings
Fire resistant insulation
Firestopping systems
Compartmentation
How MMC can ensure optimal passive fire protection
Compared with traditional methods of construction, MMC bring many advantages, including greater sustainability, reduced costs and faster project turnaround times. As the sector evolves and develops, it is becoming increasingly apparent that MMC methods can bring benefits to other aspects of construction also. Let’s take a look at the ways in which MMC can ensure optimal passive fire protection:
Time-saving
With offsite modular components, passive fire protection can be planned at the design stage. Factors such as the level of passive fire protection needed, the areas it should apply to, and third-party testing can be considered in detail. With uniform design, this specification can be repeated for time-saving benefits.
In addition, the nature of offsite construction means that many components can be produced simultaneously, and onsite installation processes are faster, ensuring that entire projects are completed much quicker compared to traditional construction methods. Early planning of passive fire protection, along with the precise installation that MMC allows for, ensures that project turnaround times are significantly reduced compared to traditional methods of construction.
Precision installation
Offsite construction supports a more uniform and accurate approach to creating aligned modules. MMC allows for greater precision in both the specification and installation. Various sections of a building can be completed simultaneously in a sequenced timeframe which allows for greater control over the standard and accuracy of installation.
From a fire safety perspective, standards need to be at the forefront. Offsite construction, by nature, supports the level of planning, accuracy and innovation that can ensure industry progress in this area.
Affordability
Offsite construction ensures greater affordability compared with traditional methods of construction. This is because the typically high cost of running a construction site is reduced by offsite construction methods and faster project completion times. With the time savings and increased accuracy of installation, the total cost of passive fire protection can become more affordable with MMC.
With all the advantages that MMC brings, it is likely we will see increasing numbers of developers taking advantage of the accuracy, convenience and cost-savings. By involving MMC contractors at the design stage, developers can ensure their passive fire protection systems are designed and executed to the exact needs of the project while ensuring they meet compliance requirements.