On the Issue of Safe Use of Fiber Cement Materials in the Buildings and Structures

Abstract

Fiber cement finishing materials are widely used in the construction of industrial buildings and structures due to the complex of valuable operational properties. In the Russian market there are fiber-cement panels with a variety of design solutions for their coloring and application of protective coatings. Fiber cement board is a strong and moisture-resistant composite material made from a cement-sand mixture, reinforcing cellulose fibers and special additives. Not being a non-combustible material, the fiber cement boards in accordance with the current mandatory requirements, as a decorative, finishing and facing material for walls and ceilings have restrictions on their use. Existing domestic requirements regarding the methodology for assessing the combustibility of fiber cement products largely narrow the field of using these materials. Therefore, it is advisable to develop the proposals for amending the test methods and the regulatory framework governing their fire-safe extended scope. In the course of this work execution, the main provisions of the regulatory and methodological framework that establish the requirements for the fire-safe use of fiber cement materials are analyzed. Experimental complex studies of fire hazard properties of various types of samples of the fiber cement finishing panels and slabs were carried out. It is established that fiber-cement materials belong to the class of the least fire-hazardous materials. Advisability is determined concerning the introduction to the national regulatory practice of GOST R «Building materials. Test method for fire hazard under thermal exposure with a single burner (SBI)». Classification parameters of the group of non-combustible materials NG2 were established to amend GOST R 57270—2016 (method 1). Classification parameters of the group of non-combustible materials NG2 for making changes in GOST R 57270—2016 (method 1) are established. Proposals were developed to expand the scope of application of the materials and products made of fiber cement as enclosing structures, partitions, and decorative finishes (cladding) in the buildings and structures.