Brick

Question 1

generally how will brickwork behave in a fire and what main factor effects it

Answer 1

1. Brickwork is generally a very good fire-resisting
   material.

2.It is quite possible to achieve periods of
resistance of up to four hours,
the stability of the material being due to the high temperatures to which it has already been subjected during manufacture.

3.However, problems arise when other elements, particularly beams and slabs, undergo expansion.

A steel beam over a span of 20m
can expand as much as 150mm when its temperature is raised by 500°C. This can cause deformation of a masonry wall and a hole may be punched in the wall or it may be pushed out.

4. there may be problems with
   large panels (over 4 metres) of brickwork due to
   differential expansion and movement. In these
   instances, the restraints being applied to the edges
   of the panels become critical e.g. brick panels in
   concrete frame buildings

Question 2

Periods of up to how long can be achieved with brickwork and walls

Answer 2

4 hours