Fireproofing of Steel Structures in Saudi Arabia

Fireproofing of Steel Structures in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two decades. Mega industrial zones, logistics hubs, oil & gas facilities, commercial towers, airports, and warehouses dominate the skylines of cities such as Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Jeddah, Jubail, Yanbu, and NEOM. At the heart of most of these developments lies structural steel—a material valued for its strength, speed of construction, and flexibility.

However, steel has a critical limitation: it loses strength rapidly when exposed to fire. Without proper protection, steel structures can fail within minutes during a fire event. This makes fireproofing of steel structures in Saudi Arabia not only a regulatory requirement but a vital life-safety and asset-protection measure.

At DTC General Contracting, fireproofing steel structures is a specialized service delivered in full compliance with Saudi Building Code (SBC), Civil Defense regulations, and international fire protection standards.

This article provides an in-depth look at steel fireproofing in Saudi Arabia, covering requirements, systems, applications, materials, installation practices, and why DTC is a trusted fireproofing contractor across the Kingdom.

1. Understanding Fireproofing of Steel Structures

Fireproofing is a form of Passive Fire Protection (PFP). Unlike active fire systems such as sprinklers or alarms, passive fire protection is permanently built into the structure and works automatically during a fire.

Purpose of Fireproofing Steel

Fireproofing steel structures aims to:

• Delay temperature rise in steel members

• Maintain load-bearing capacity during fire exposure

• Prevent premature structural collapse

• Allow safe evacuation of occupants

• Enable firefighting operations

• Reduce property damage and business interruption

Steel is non-combustible, but it is not fire-resistant. At temperatures above 500°C, steel loses a significant portion of its strength, making fireproofing essential.

2. Fire Risk and Steel Behavior in Fire

When exposed to fire:

• At 300°C, steel starts losing stiffness

• At 550°C, steel loses around 50% of its strength

• At 750–800°C, steel can lose up to 90% of its load-bearing capacity

This rapid strength loss can lead to:

• Beam deflection

• Column buckling

• Progressive collapse

In large industrial and commercial buildings common in Saudi Arabia, fireproofing steel structures is critical to avoid catastrophic failure.

3. Fireproofing Regulations in Saudi Arabia

3.1 Saudi Building Code (SBC)

The Saudi Building Code (SBC) mandates minimum fire resistance ratings for steel structures depending on:

• Building occupancy

• Height and floor area

• Fire load

• Usage type (industrial, commercial, residential)

Typical fire ratings include:

• 30 minutes

• 60 minutes

• 90 minutes

• 120 minutes

• 180 minutes (high-risk industrial facilities)

3.2 Saudi Civil Defense Requirements

Saudi Civil Defense approval is mandatory for:

• Warehouses

• Factories

• Commercial buildings

• Oil & gas facilities

Fireproofing systems must be tested, approved, and properly documented.

3.3 International Standards Followed

DTC General Contracting applies internationally recognized standards:

• ASTM E119 / UL 263

• EN 13381

• NFPA 251

• ISO 834

• UL Listed & FM Approved systems

These ensure fireproofing performance under real fire conditions.

4. Types of Fireproofing Systems for Steel Structures

DTC offers a full range of certified fireproofing solutions suitable for Saudi Arabia’s climate and construction needs.

4.1 Intumescent Fireproofing Coatings

Intumescent coatings are thin-film paints that expand when exposed to heat, forming a thick insulating char.

Key Features

• Thin and lightweight

• Smooth, architectural finish

• Fire ratings up to 120 minutes

• Ideal for exposed steel

Applications in Saudi Arabia

• Office towers in Riyadh

• Airports and malls

• Hotels and commercial buildings

• Architectural steel structures

Advantages

• Aesthetic appearance

• Minimal added weight

• Easy inspection and maintenance

DTC uses UL-listed and climate-tested intumescent coatings designed for high temperatures and humidity.

4.2 Cementitious Fireproofing (CAF)

Cementitious fireproofing uses gypsum or cement-based materials applied to steel.

Characteristics

• Thick insulating layer

• High fire resistance

• Cost-effective

Applications

• Factories

• Warehouses

• Power plants

• Industrial buildings

Advantages

• Fire ratings up to 4 hours

• Economical for large steel areas

• Proven performance

4.3 Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Materials (SFRM)

Spray-applied fireproofing is one of the most common systems in industrial projects.

Materials Used

• Mineral fiber fireproofing

• Cementitious spray

• Gypsum-based fireproofing

Applications

• Logistics centers

• Parking structures

• Oil & gas facilities

• Manufacturing plants

DTC ensures correct thickness, density, and adhesion through strict quality control.

4.4 Fireproof Boards and Encasement Systems

Fireproof boards physically encase steel members.

Board Types

• Calcium silicate boards

• Fire-rated gypsum boards

• Cement boards

• Mineral wool panels

Applications

• Hospitals

• Schools

• Data centers

• Residential and mixed-use projects

Benefits

• Clean installation

• High durability

• Excellent fire and acoustic performance

4.5 Concrete Encasement of Steel

Concrete encasement provides inherent fire resistance.

Applications

• Structural columns

• Cores

• Heavy industrial structures

Advantages

• Long service life

• High fire resistance

• Structural enhancement

5. Fireproofing Design Considerations

Effective steel fireproofing design depends on several factors:

5.1 Section Factor (Hp/A)

The section factor determines how quickly steel heats up. Higher section factors require thicker fireproofing.

5.2 Environmental Conditions

Saudi Arabia’s climate presents challenges:

• Extreme heat

• Coastal humidity (Jeddah, Dammam)

• Dust and sand exposure

• Industrial corrosion

DTC selects systems tested for these conditions.

5.3 Durability Requirements

Fireproofing must withstand:

• Mechanical damage

• Vibration

• Moisture

• Maintenance activities

6. Applications of Steel Fireproofing in Saudi Arabia

6.1 Industrial Facilities

• Factories

• Steel plants

• Chemical processing units

6.2 Warehouses & Logistics Centers

Large-span steel structures require high fire resistance and Civil Defense approval.

6.3 Oil & Gas Sector

• Refineries

• Power plants

• Substations

Fireproofing systems must resist extreme fire scenarios.

6.4 Commercial Buildings

• Offices

• Shopping malls

• Hotels

Aesthetic fireproofing solutions are often required.

7. Installation Methodology by DTC General Contracting

DTC follows strict method statements:

1. Surface inspection and preparation

2. Cleaning and rust removal

3. Primer application (if required)

4. Fireproofing application

5. Thickness measurement

6. Adhesion and density testing

7. Final inspection and documentation

All works are approved by consultants and authorities.

8. Inspection, Testing, and Quality Control

Quality assurance includes:

• Dry film thickness measurement

• Density checks (SFRM)

• Adhesion testing

• Visual inspection

• Full documentation and certification

9. Maintenance of Fireproofing Systems

Fireproofing systems must be:

• Inspected periodically

• Repaired if damaged

• Reapplied if compromised

Regular maintenance ensures long-term compliance and safety.

10. Why Choose DTC General Contracting

DTC General Contracting is a trusted name for fireproofing of steel structures in Saudi Arabia, offering:

• Certified fireproofing systems

• Compliance with SBC, ASTM, UL, EN, and NFPA

• Experienced engineering and application teams

• Turnkey fireproofing services

• Proven industrial and commercial project experience

Fireproofing of steel structures in Saudi Arabia is a critical requirement for safety, compliance, and asset protection. Without proper fireproofing, steel structures are vulnerable to rapid failure during fire events.

DTC General Contracting delivers reliable, tested, and compliant fireproofing solutions that protect steel structures across Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Khobar, and beyond—ensuring safety, durability, and regulatory approval throughout the Kingdom.

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