DESIGN OF FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES WITH STEEL JOISTS

The Design of Fire Resistive Assemblies with Steel Joists is designed to assist structural engineers, specifiers, and architectural professionals in the selection, adaptation, and specification of fire‑resistive floor‑ceiling and roof‑ceiling assemblies containing steel joists. It begins with an extensive review of fire‑resistance ratings — explaining the meaning of hourly ratings, test procedures (such as UL 263 / ASTM E119), and how they apply to assemblies supported by steel joists. It then guides the reader through the design of fire‑resistive assemblies: how to interpret listed assemblies, how to evaluate field conditions vis‑à‑vis test arrangements, and how to make permissible changes without forfeiting the fire endurance rating. One of its key features is a step‑by‑step procedure for substituting K‑Series steel joists in fire‑rated assemblies originally listing S‑, J‑ or H‑Series joists — subject to restrictions on depth, weight per foot, and chord stress. The digest also includes a large appendix that compiles a complete listing of U.L. fire‑rated assemblies that incorporate steel joists. These listings are organized by hourly fire‑resistance rating, type of protection (spray‑applied, board, etc.), insulation level, type of deck (steel deck, concrete slab, etc.), and minimum joist size and spacing. This allows specifying professionals to efficiently locate assemblies suitable to their project requirements and then adapt them intelligently to their design conditions. The publication offers both theory (why certain assemblies achieve fire ratings) and practical tabular data for project use. It serves as both a reference manual for enforcing fire‐resistive standards and a practical tool for selecting joist‑supported assemblies in compliance with building codes.

Key aspects:

• Fire-Resistance Ratings: Explains hourly ratings, test methods (UL 263 / ASTM E119), and their application to steel-joist assemblies.
• Interpreting Listed Assemblies: Guidance on reading and applying UL-rated assemblies for floor/roof systems.
• Joist Substitution Procedures: Step-by-step method for replacing S-, J-, or H-Series joists with K-Series while maintaining fire rating.
• Assembly Adaptation: Criteria for modifying assemblies without compromising fire-resistance performance.
• Comprehensive Appendix: Tabulated listings of UL fire-rated assemblies, organized by rating, protection type, deck type, insulation, and joist specifications.
• Practical Design Tool: Bridges theory (fire endurance principles) with real-world application for structural engineers and specifiers.
• Code Compliance Focus: Assists in ensuring assemblies meet building codes and fire safety regulations.

Highlights:

• Authoritative Resource: Published by the Steel Joist Institute, a recognized authority on steel joist design.
• Practical & Field-Ready: Provides both guidance and ready-to-use tables for selecting suitable fire-resistive assemblies.
• Adaptable: Procedures for substitutions and modifications allow flexibility in design while maintaining compliance.
• Time-Saving Reference: Easy lookup of UL-rated assemblies based on fire rating, deck type, and joist type.
• Bridges Theory & Practice: Explains why assemblies achieve their ratings while providing actionable data for design projects.

About SJI

The Steel Joist Institute (SJI) is a non-profit technical organization founded in 1928 in the United States. Its mission is to advance the design, specification, and construction of steel joist and deck systems. SJI develops standards, technical digests, manuals, and research publications that provide authoritative guidance to engineers, architects, contractors, and code officials.

Other Works:

• Technical Digest 9: Handling and Erection of Steel Joist and Joist Girders – Paperback
• WELDING OF OPEN-WEB STEEL JOISTS AND JOIST GIRDERS
• DESIGN OF LATERAL LOAD RESISTING FRAMES USING STEEL JOISTS