Oxford Method Research Programme

Fire Casings

These are fixed in position, following the erection of cladding elements, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. At corner junctions they are specially made up of two components which are fixed separately.

The fire casings take three forms:

1. Asbestos cement U-sections (in two skins) which are wrapped round the steel column or beam and screwed at regular intervals to asbestos packs between the flanges of the column (or beam).
2. Steel faced asbestos cement flats clipping into one another and similarly fixed to packing pieces.
3. Reinforced fibrous plaster casings again in U-sections or totally enclosing the steel member.

All casings are ordered and delivered in previously determined lengths.

After casings are in position, vertical battens for internal partitions are fixed on the inside face of the column to receive the first partition in any given run. Where this occurs the asbestos packs supporting the fire casing must be located in positions suitable to receive partition fixings.

To make the system acceptable to changes the method of accommodating changes and service was made possible by the use of a sub basement. Concrete slabs with knock-out positions allowed access so a change of design at a later date could be possible.