ENGINEERING JUDGEMENT
When field conditions differ from the original design or
unanticipated construction hindrances are encountered and the
field conditions cannot be easily or cost-effectively redesigned,
design recommendations are typically made to propose alternative
methods that ensure that the performance of the firestop system is
not compromised. These are referred to as ‘Engineering Judgments
or EJs’ and are specified below for guidance only. Since these
recommendations are not based upon identical designs as those
which were fire tested, it is important that they are developed using
sound engineering principles and good judgment.
Firestop Applications should always be treated as very critical and
must be applied per properly tested certifications of the complete
system. It must be known that Fire Rating of the assembly is not only
dependent on the Firestop material but also on all the components
in the system.
But very often the job site conditions differ from the original design
or unanticipated construction hindrances are encountered and the
field conditions cannot be easily redesigned.
In the absence of the exactly tested certifications similar to the
job site conditions, firestop design recommendations are provided
which are typically made to propose alternative methods that ensure
that the performance of the firestop system is not compromised,
they are known as ‘Engineering Judgments or EJs’. Engineering
Judgements are made as per the guidelines laid down by the
International Firestop Council (IFC).
The typical Firestop Selection process should start with finding the
nearest UL or of any accredited tested system (Intertek etc).
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