Concrete Spillage

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Technical Advisory Document TAD0019

FIRETEX - Concrete Spillage

It has occurred in practice that when casting concrete slabs onto beams pre-coated with FIRETEX, then in some instances the concrete has run down onto the intumescent coating and concerns have been raised about the effect (if any) on the fire performance.

There appears to be 3 main scenarios, these being:

1. Runs of mainly water with slight cement/sand components leaving an unsightly appearance.
2. Runs of the concrete but only in thin layers of 1-2 mm.
3. Significantly thicker runs of concrete.

Remedial Action:

Scenario 1

While there is the potential for a slight reaction between the FIRETEX and the concrete run off while it is still wet, it is not thought that this will be significant and the runs can either be left if aesthetics are not a consideration or water washed and then coated with the appropriate approved topcoat.

Scenario 2

Similar to scenario 1 above: if aesthetics are not a consideration, then leaving the runs is thought unlikely to restrict any subsequent intumescence in a fire situation. Obviously if appearance is a consideration, then the runs will need to be lightly scraped away.

Scenario 3

There is no option but to remove the concrete as thick layers would impede the intumescent reaction. If damage occurs to the coating during concrete removal, then the FIRETEX must be reinstated.

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