Technical Note ETN-B-1-16
6 pp.; 2016
Concrete and steel are noncombustible materials; that is, they will not ignite or burn when subjected to fire or heat. Flat plate voided concrete slab systems, which have been used for many years in Europe and other parts of the world, are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. because of many inherent benefits that can be provided. The data shows that the design of flat plate voided concrete slab systems for fire protection is the same as that for other reinforced concrete structures and that a ¾ in. cover to the bottom reinforcing bars will provide a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating, which meets minimum required fire resistance ratings for floor assemblies in common occupancies.