3.15 MATERIALS FOR CONSTRUCTION
3.15.1 General
Materials used in the construction of station elements shall comply with the provisions stated under this Chapter in addition to the performance requirements such as for fire resistance stipulated in other relevant Chapters.
3.15.2 Intumescent paint
R Rationale - Clause 3.15.2Intumescent paint is permissible for use as a passive fire protection system on structural steel. It is not applicable to industrial buildings as these buildings may contain harsh and/or adverse environment conditions that could affect the effective performance of intumescent paint applied on the structural steel.
Intumescent paint is allowed to be used for protection of structural steel members of all stations provided all of the following requirements are complied with:
a. The paint shall be of a proprietary system that has been demonstrated to achieve the fire resistance performance as required in BS 476: Part 20/ 21 or its equivalent, together with the specified weathering tests as specified in the BS 8202: Part 2.
b. Coating of intumescent paint onto structural steels, and subsequent maintenance shall conform to BS 8202: Part 2. Fire test for fire resistance performance shall be conducted on the specimens after the weather tests. The fire resistance rating of the tested specimen shall not diminish more than 25%, post-weathering tests.
c. A signage depicting the below minimum information shall be affixed at a conspicuous location:
(1) Name of supplier
(2) Fire resistance rating of the intumescent paint
(3) Date of painting
(4) Expected date of re-painting
(5) Caution note: “Caution – No other paint/ coating shall be applied to the surfaces of the structural steel members protected by the intumescent paint system”
3.15.3 Flame retardant chemicals
R Rationale - Clause 3.15.3The main concerns for not accepting flame retardant chemicals are:
a. The performance of the flame retardant chemicals in combustible materials may deteriorate over time;
b. The flame retardant chemicals are toxic elements, which when subjected to fire, would produce large quantities of toxic gases.
Flame retardant chemicals, intended for upgrading of fire resistance rating of any combustible material, shall not be allowed to improve the required fire resistance.
3.15.4 Elements of structure
All elements of structure shall be constructed of non-combustible materials in addition to the relevant provisions as follows:
a. Cl.3.3 for fire resistance of elements of structure
e. Cl.3.8.2, Cl.3.8.2, Cl.3.8.4, Cl.3.8.7c., Cl.3.8.8, & Cl.3.8.9a. for protected shafts.
3.15.5 Protection of openings
Materials used for the protection of openings shall comply with the relevant provisions of Cl.3.9 of this Code for protection of openings.
3.15.6 Exit staircases
Exit staircases shall be constructed of non-combustible materials to comply with the provisions of Cl.3.10.1.
3.15.7 Raised floors
Materials used for the construction of raised floors shall comply with the provisions of Cl.3.11.7a. and Cl.3.11.7e..
3.15.8 Ceiling supports
Materials used for construction of ceiling supports shall comply with the provisions of Cl.3.11.8a..
3.15.9 Fire stopping
Materials used for fire stopping shall comply with the relevant provisions of Cl.3.12.2 and Cl.3.12.3.
3.15.10 Roofs
Materials used for roof construction shall comply with the provisions of Cl.3.14.1.
3.15.11 Non-load bearing walls, partitions, claddings/ wall panels, false ceilings, balustrades and railings
Internal non-load bearing walls, partitions, claddings/ wall panels, false ceiling, balustrades, and railings in stations, including the materials for surface finishes, shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.
Exception: Wall finishes in the form of thin sheets of at most 1mm thickness mounted on non-combustible substrate in commercial space where sprinkler protection is provided.
3.15.12 Materials containing plastics R Rationale - Clause 3.15.12 The main concern is the combustible core of the panels, which could readily ignite and hasten fire spread.
Composite panels and sandwich panels which has non-combustible covering but consist of plastic or combustible core are prohibited.
3.15.13 PVC pipes
PVC pipes are prohibited in underground stations, except for:
a. Encased PVC pipes in concrete;
b. PVC pipe sleeves in structure; and
c. Condensate drain pipes for air-conditioning units.
3.15.14 Fire-rated glass
Fire-rated glass if used as walls and doors for fire compartmentation of shops, shall comply with the following:
a. the walls and doors shall have the necessary fire resistance, including insulation, when subject to test under BS 476: Part 20-23; and
b. the walls and doors shall meet the requirement of Class A for Impact Performance when tested under BS 6206 and EN 12600 or AS 2208.