Fire Protection in Building Design

Fire protection of buildings is one of the most essential aspects of building design and construction. Fire poses not only a serious threat to human life but can also cause significant financial and environmental damage. With increasing population and urban development, the importance of fire safety is felt more than ever. Chapter 3 of the Iranian National Building Regulations aims to enhance the safety of buildings against fire and reduce the associated risks by setting specific requirements and standards. This chapter examines the weaknesses of structures and building materials in resisting fire and provides principles for protecting buildings. Ignoring these aspects can lead to severe human and financial losses.

In this article, we first review the weaknesses of structures and materials against fire and then discuss the principles of building protection based on Chapter 3 of the Iranian National Building Regulations. The goal of this article is to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to safety principles in building design and construction and to provide solutions to reduce fire-related risks.

Choosing appropriate construction materials is very important. Each material has strengths and weaknesses that must be selected according to the project type, environmental conditions, and safety needs. Compliance with standards and use of suitable materials can help reduce fire hazards and improve building safety. Below, we review the weaknesses and strengths of some common construction materials from a fire safety perspective:

• Concrete has structural stability due to its physical properties and can bear heavy loads. It is also known as a fire-resistant material and can withstand fire for longer durations. However, at very high temperatures, concrete may crack and lose strength. Additionally, its heavy weight can cause design and execution challenges.

• Steel is ductile and can bear dynamic loads with high resistance to tension and compression. However, steel loses its strength at temperatures above 500°C and requires thermal insulation coatings to improve fire resistance, which can be costly.

• Wood, as a natural material, is lightweight and easy to work with, offering aesthetic appeal. However, it has poor fire resistance and loses strength at high temperatures.

• Brick is non-combustible and offers good fire resistance while also preventing heat transfer. However, bricks are heavy and may cause structural design issues and can crack under heavy loads or impacts.

• Thermal Insulation materials are part of the structure that prevent heat transfer and provide extra time for evacuation. Some types, like mineral insulations (cement-based coatings), have good fire resistance. Polymer-based insulations can easily burn and be hazardous. Some insulations may release harmful chemicals when exposed to fire.

Thus, selecting appropriate materials is a key factor in reducing fire risk and protecting buildings. Key properties to consider include fire resistance, heat transfer, and protective coatings.

Fire Protection Systems According to Chapter 3 of the Iranian National Building Regulations

The fire protection principles cover several important aspects, including fire suppression systems and preventive measures:

• Sprinkler Systems: These activate automatically upon fire detection, spraying water to extinguish flames. Proper design and installation can increase evacuation time.

• Fire Alarm Systems: Including detectors and alarms that promptly warn occupants upon sensing smoke or heat, facilitating quicker evacuation.

• Fire Extinguishers: Portable extinguishers must be placed throughout the building, easily accessible, and users trained in their proper use.
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Automatic Fire Suppression Devices: Systems that automatically extinguish fires, such as gas-based suppressants (CO2, FM-200, etc.).

Preventive measures must also be considered, such as designing buildings with easily accessible escape routes and emergency exits. Proper management and regular maintenance of fire safety equipment—including periodic inspections and repairs—are essential. Occupants and staff must be trained in fire prevention and fire equipment use, playing a crucial role in risk reduction.

Standards Compliance and Updates

Chapter 3 of the Iranian National Building Regulations generally aligns with international standards like NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This alignment is evident in building classification, material resistance, fire suppression systems, escape routes, training, and awareness. However, continuous updates and amendments based on scientific advances and global experiences are necessary to optimize building safety. Compliance with international standards not only enhances the credibility of these regulations but also facilitates the exchange of experiences and best practices between countries.

Chapter 3, as a legal and technical framework, sets important requirements for fire protection in buildings, aiming to reduce fire risks and protect lives and property. The alignment of these regulations with global standards such as NFPA and ISO reflects attention to universal safety principles and the need to create safer environments. Requirements related to material resistance, fire suppression systems, emergency exit designs, and fire risk assessment and management during design and construction clearly demonstrate commitment to occupant safety. These measures help decrease casualties and financial losses caused by fire.

Given climate change and increasing fire hazards, regular updates of these regulations based on new technologies and global experiences are essential. Effective implementation requires cooperation among government bodies, builders, architects, and engineers to create safer and more fire-resistant built environments. This effort will protect both human lives and national assets.