Façade Particulars of the UAE Code Windows, Doors & Facades Conf. 2017 Andy Dean FCIOB, FSFE Head of Façades
Learning objectives 1. Overview of the new code layout 2. Awareness of some of the particulars of the code that relate to Facades 2 Structure of this presentation text is included for ease of future reference only. Code references in purple as per the code. The source of many of the images is the code itself.
3 Overview Process started 2015 Multiple contributors Released mid-2017 C. 1300 pages Lots of images and tables adding clarity Intro, 20 chapters & 2 annexes For Facades - Chapter 1 - some of Chapter 18 - context is the whole document Definitions Source: UAE FLS Code of Practice Structured sections
Chapter 1, Section 1 - Definitions Existing buildings Perimeter barrier 4 Curtain wall Engineering Judgments
Ch. 1, Section 1 - Definitions Existing buildings from date of code Perimeter barrier fire, not just smoke 5 Curtain wall non-load-bearing exterior wall assembly Engineering Judgments not by suppliers
Ch. 1, Section 1 - Definitions Fire resistance protection 6
Ch. 1, Section 1 - Definitions Fire resistance protection Protection relating to opening protective (window, door, etc) 7 Fire wall versus high challenge fire wall Fire compartment versus smoke compartment
Ch. 1, Section 1 - Definitions Fire resistance glazing 8
Ch. 1, Section 1 - Definitions Fire resistance glazing System, not just the glass European orientated classifications (E, EW, EI) 9 American orientated classifications (integrity only, integrity & temp.) (Don t confuse fire protection in this context with active systems like detection and suppression equipment)
10 Ch. 1, Section 1 Definitions and Section 2.32 Occupancies and types (1.7) Lot of guidance in this respect - complex Many type classifications There may be cross-overs in descriptions eg low-rise may still be assembly Potentially consider the most onerous requirement. Principal - the use determines the occupancy (2.2.2). Where less than 25%, then this can be considered a minor use. Table 1.1 provides useful guidance and puts building types and uses into categories. Still consider unusual uses or building-specific particular aspects. There are also new construction designations (2.6)
Ch. 1, Section 2 Construction requirements Exterior wall ratings (Section 2.7) Guidance on how to determine the reference 11 Guidance on required rating (Table 1.3) Guidance on percentages of openings (2.8) Guidance on load bearing exterior walls (Table 1.6). Mainly skipped here because it s complex and not appropriate for a presentation, and uncommon.
Ch. 1, Section 2 Construction requirements Fire resistance separation for atria (Table 1.9, Item 44) Close in concept to an external façade Often constructed by the façade contractor 12 May need cavity barriers and perimeter firestopping Sprinklers are an important factor
Ch. 1, Section 2 Construction requirements Balcony, Windows, Terraces and Balustrades (2.17) Height from highest climbable feature 1.2m Openings <100mm 13 No climbable features below 760mm
Ch. 1, Section 2 Construction requirements Balcony, Windows, Terraces and Balustrades (2.17) Height from highest climbable feature 865mm 14 Openings <100mm Use opening restrictors and/or locks
15 Ch. 1, Section 2 Construction requirements Balcony, Windows, Terraces and Balustrades (2.17) Loads specified (0.89kN) Connected by handrail supported by at least 3 glass panels (2.17.6.4.a) High level of redundancy (2.17.6.4.b) Consider post-breakage safety Fence toppings must not be dangerous (2.17.5) Sources: YES glazing solutions, and Beauty Harmony Life
16 Ch. 1, Section 3 Firestop systems Perimeter fire barriers (3.2.4) Cavity barriers now a clear requirement - at every floor joint (3.2.4c) Spandrel dimensions 915mm vertically if fully fire-resistance rated. 760mm horizontally if projecting beyond the line of the curtain wall. (3.2.4d)
17 Ch. 1, Section 3+ Design, installation and maintenance (1.7) Requirements and responsibilities are clarified for: - Design (3.4.1) - Submittals (3.4.2) - Materials handling on site (3.4.3 to 3.4.5) - Installation, identification and labelling (3.5) - Inspection and QC (3.6) - Maintenance and management (3.7) - Civil Defence acceptance (3.8) Similar process for other aspects of installation Qualifications feature prominently Formality in recording the process
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems Materials There are some obvious omissions in the exceptions other non-combustible materials metals, cementitious materials? Should e. Glazing Systems be on this list? (4.2.1.e) 18 Also perhaps we need an others category. Focus is on the system (4.2.2) Focus is on flame spread and propagation rather than compartmentation (4.3)
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems 10-Point Guidance This is advisory But best you take the advice 19
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems Approvals materials/system Testing components first stage limited application. 20 Testing system - project-specific (project consultant) - general for any building (manufacturer) Still needs to be relevant to the project Submittal to the authorities (4.4.3.3)
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems Approvals for project Consultant s responsibility - supervise the design intent - police the design intent - police the implementation (4.4.4) 21 Contractor still has to provide his design and appropriate materials EJ is related to applicability of contractor submittal to project condition (4.4.4.4) NOC for general intent or inprogress design (4.4.4.2)
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems 22 General requirements Concrete sealers (4.5.1) No change in performance (4.5.2) Thermal barriers (4.5.3) Cavity barriers recognising intumescents (4.5.4) Fire breaks (4.5.5) Sealants how does this relate to gaskets? Openings steel framed?
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems General Requirements Figure 1.19a 23
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems Lighting, electricals and housekeeping Lighting (4.5.8) Electrical equipment (4.5.9) 24 Advertising no plastic (4.5.10) Housekeeping operation and occupants (4.5.11)
Ch. 1, Section 4 Façade & Exterior Wall Covering Systems Particular Systems MCM / MCP / ACP (4.6) EIFS / ETICS (4.7) PEWFS (4.7) Sandwich panels (4.9) 25 - Definition - Specific requirements - Testing - Application Tables for conditions with product and system requirements
26 Ch. 1, Section 5 Glazing General Aspects Tests required (Table 1.18) - fire resistance - safety Safety of people, not safety from people Design, inspection, maintenance, qualifications
Ch. 1, Section 5 Glazing Glass in Critical Locations Where is safety glass generally required (Figures 1.21 and 1.22) 27 Impact and breakage requirements (Tables 1.19 to 1.21)
Ch. 1, Section 5 Glazing Glass 28 Manifestations (5.4.3) Overhead glazing (5.4.4) Floors / Stairs (5.4.5) - Design - Installation - Qualifications - Approvals
Ch. 1, Section 6 Roofing Roofing Similar approach to previous sections (Section 6) 29
Ch. 18, Responsibilities of Stakeholders Roles Roles and responsibilities for various parties. Starts with owner 30 Finishes with Tenants
Thank you! Andy Dean andy.dean@wsp.com wsp.com