Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Reactive Fire Protection Systems Applied to Solid Steel Rods in Tension

The application of intumescent coatings for fire protection of steel constructions is increasing. Thanks to the relative thin thickness of the coatings, the typical visual appearance of the structures can remain essentially unchanged. In Germany, the applicability of the systems is regulated by the national as well as European technical assessments. According to the approvals, the application on steel members in tension is only allowed with limitations. Especially, the application on solid steel rods in tension is currently excluded from the approval. The paper explains the actual state of the art of the application of reactive fire protection systems applied to steel structures. Physical and technical background information are provided. Furthermore, the latest scientific results of an on-going research project funded by the German National Institute of Building Technology (DIBt) and conducted by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) will be described.