As specialists in the design and installation of composite panel systems for passive fire protection, Stancold’s expertise in the required make-up and structure of compartment walls is second to none. This allows us to confidently recommend the most suitable fire-rated solution and valuable design advice for clients across the UK.
Where urgent problem-solving and a robust design-and-build solution is necessary, we’re on hand to provide efficient analysis, advice and accredited installation. This was a requirement of one of Stancold’s recently confirmed firewall projects, as the team continue to plan for the build to commence.
Our client, a national facilities management provider, operates within a Government-controlled warehouse in Dover and had an existing partitioning wall constructed to sub-divide the space. In extreme weather earlier this year, high winds got into and around the eaves of the building and lifted the roof, in turn, completely knocking over the partition and incurring damage.
The absence of a deflection head within the initial wall build was to blame, where, as a crucial aspect of design and installation, it allows for vertical manoeuvrability. This has highlighted the importance of this detail as part of every partition wall project, to ensure that the wall structure’s roof load is not transferred through to the firewall, as this case has demonstrated.
Where the wall had been completely written off, it must be rebuilt, so Stancold were asked to provide a robust design solution alongside the project’s consultant. It was paramount in this instance that our industrial partitions specialist, Shaun Jones, completed a site survey to undertake an inspection and note the required measurements to be able to provide an accurate recommendation. Further site visits were then necessary to finalise all other elements of the build which moved to virtual pre-contract meetings when lockdown restrictions were introduced.
The new firewall will be built off of an existing 4m concrete block wall, spanning to the building’s impressive height of 17m. The build will utilise 200mm thick Eurobond Firemaster panels to achieve a 60-minute fire-rating, which will be installed vertically to minimise the amount of secondary steelwork required. Additional steelwork, however, will be erected between the building’s existing rafters to support the panel system and then fire boarded to prevent spread of flame.
As a high-security Government-controlled building, clearance is required for all operatives and visitors entering site, while work will take place in a live environment, so careful measures are to be put in place to outline a clear Stancold construction zone and manage logistics in and around the site. In adherence to Government policy, all plant used is to be electric, where our team have been able to successfully source and can utilise an electric spider crane to complete the works.
We look forward to reporting back on the progress of this unique project.
For more information on our experience undertaking fire-rated partitioning projects across the UK, please get in touch with Shaun Jones, on 07821 152 663.
