Beyond the Frame: Engineering for Fire Resilience One of the most common myths in construction is that steel is vulnerable to fire. In reality, modern engineering has made steel one of the safest materials for high-rise developments in Nairobi’s CBD and Westlands. At Vinct Engineering Limited, we adhere to the National Building Code 2022 to ensure every structure is a fortress.
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Strategies
Steel does not burn, but it can lose structural integrity at extreme temperatures. We employ several industry-benchmarked protection methods:
- Intumescent Coatings: These specialized paints are applied at our workshop. When exposed to heat, they expand to form a thick, char-like layer that insulates the steel from the fire, providing up to 4 hours of structural stability.
- Cementitious Sprays: A cost-effective solution for industrial warehouses where aesthetics are secondary to raw safety.
- Encased Steel Design: Combining steel with non-combustible materials like gypsum or masonry for maximum protection in high-density residential buildings.
Compliance and Integrity
Our engineers work closely with the NCA (National Construction Authority) to ensure all weld points and connections are protected. By prioritizing “integrity and professional excellence,” we ensure that your investment is not just built to stand, but built to protect lives.
