What is the purpose of compartmentation in this code?

To divide a building into fire-tight compartments using fire-resistant walls and floors to restrict the spread of fire and smoke.

How do I determine the required thickness of a masonry wall for a specific fire rating?

Refer to Table 1, which provides the nominal minimum thicknesses of different masonry walls based on required fire resistance hours.

Does this code cover active fire fighting systems like sprinklers?

No, IS 1642 focuses strictly on passive fire protection and details of construction. Refer to NBC Part 4 and IS 1646 for active systems.

IS 1642 Part 2

: 1989

Code of practice for fire safety of buildings (Part 2: Details of construction)

CurrentEssentialCode of PracticeBIMFire Safety · Building Planning and Design

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This code establishes the detailed construction practices required to ensure adequate passive fire safety in buildings. It specifies fire resistance ratings for various structural elements, compartmentation rules to prevent fire spread, and construction requirements for walls, floors, roofs, and staircases.

Specifies construction details for fire resistance of building elements, including walls, floors, and roofs.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum thickness of load-bearing solid brick wall for 1-hour fire resistance100 mm

Minimum thickness of load-bearing solid brick wall for 4-hour fire resistance200 mm

Minimum dimension of fully exposed RC column for 2-hour fire resistance300 mm

Minimum concrete cover for RC columns for 2-hour fire resistance40 mm

Minimum width of RC beam for 2-hour fire resistance200 mm

Minimum thickness of solid RC floor slab for 2-hour fire resistance125 mm

Practical Notes

Structural fire resistance must be integrated during the initial architectural and structural design phases, not as an afterthought.

Fire doors, dampers, and glazing must match the fire resistance rating of the compartment wall they penetrate.

Any penetrations in fire-rated walls or floors for MEP services must be meticulously sealed with approved fire-stopping materials.