Comparative Analysis of Passive Fire Protection Methods for High-Rise Buildings: Intumescent Coatings vs. Fire-Resistant Boards

China Nuclear Power Engineering Co.LTD, Beijing, 100840, China

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Abstract

Fire safety in high-rise buildings represents a fundamental aspect of structural engineering, particularly with respect to ensuring the thermal stability of steel frameworks under fire exposure. This study presents a comparative analysis of two prevalent passive fire protection (PFP) strategies—intumescent coatings and fire-resistant boards—evaluating their thermal performance, cost efficiency, and environmental implications. A systematic comparative framework was established, incorporating thermal simulations under standardized fire conditions, cost modeling on a per-unit-area basis, and quantitative assessment of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The results indicate that intumescent coatings exhibit superior thermal insulation during the initial phase of fire exposure, whereas fire-resistant boards provide more sustained thermal resistance at a comparatively lower cost. Nonetheless, the higher VOC emissions associated with coatings may pose concerns regarding indoor air quality. The study concludes with evidence-based recommendations tailored to specific application scenarios, providing guidance for the optimized selection of passive fire protection materials in future high-rise construction practices.