14A.2.1 Forms of construction - Fire divisions

  14A.2.1.1 Fire divisions required by 14A.2.2 are to be constructed in accordance with the remaining paragraphs of this sub-Section.

  14A.2.1.2 Fire divisions using steel equivalent, or alternative forms of construction may be accepted if it can be demonstrated that the material by itself, or due to non-combustible insulation provided, has the fire resistance properties equivalent to those divisions required by 14A.2.2.1.

  14A.2.1.3 Insulation required by 14A.2.1.2 is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise above the point at which the structure would begin to lose its strength at anytime during the applicable exposure to the standard fire test as referenced in the IMO FTP Code. For 'A' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 60 minutes, and for 'B' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 30 minutes.

• 14A.2.1.3.1 For aluminium alloy structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during the applicable fire exposure.

• 14A.2.1.3.2 For composite structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the laminate does not rise more than the minimum temperature of deflection under load of the resin at any time during the applicable fire exposure. The temperature of deflection under load is to be determined in accordance with a recognised international standard.

• 14A.2.1.3.3 Insulation need only be applied on the side that is exposed to the greatest fire risk, ie inside the engine room, a division between two such spaces should however be insulated on both sides unless it is a steel division.

• 14A.2.1.3.4 Special attention is to be given to the fixing of fire door frames in bulkheads constructed of materials other than steel. Measures are to be taken to ensure that the temperature of the fixings when exposed to fire does not exceed the temperature at which the bulkhead itself loses strength.