Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
(OP)
When anchoring structural elements to load bearing firewalls we have run across a requirement for the joists on one side of the wall to stay intact and allow the joists on the other side of the wall to collapse. I am thinking of a joist angle seat that only attaches to the joist through a fiberglass bolt that degrades when exposed to heat and no longer provides a positive attachment to the wall allowing it to fall away.
Has anyone ever run across this requirement? Any ideas or references?
Has anyone ever run across this requirement? Any ideas or references?






RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
DaveAtkins
RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
Typical solutions include: cantilevered firewall, double firewall, tied firewall and weak link firewall.
Don't forget that you also have to leave sufficient distance between the structure and the firewall to accomodate expansion of the steel framing (varies between 2 1/2" and 7 1/2" per NFPA and FM). Otherwise, the expansion may damage the firewall.
The best references are NFPA, FM, NCMA and the Canadian Code.
RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)
The architectural and other non-structural details should also be done with care so that they do not create large forces trying to pull the firewall over if the structure collapses.
I hope this helps!
RE: Fiberglass bolts in sacrificial connections (firewalls)