Research and analysis

Fire safety: Light gauge steel frame walls

Research into the performance of light gauge steel frame walls when exposed to fire and their impact on structural fire resistance.

• From: Health and Safety Executive
• Published: 22 December 2025

Applies to England

Documents

Fire safety: Light gauge steel frame (LSF) walls exposed to fire (executive summary)

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Fire safety: Light gauge steel frame (LSF) walls exposed to fire (full report)

PDF, 12.9 MB, 224 pages

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Details

The research investigates the fire resistance performance of load bearing light gauge steel frame (LSF) walls when exposed to fire from two sides.  

The researchers:  

• reviewed the literature on LSF wall fire resistance performance 
• investigated the load-bearing performance of LSF walls under one and two-sided fire exposure 
• carried out thermal modelling and a study on the influence of design parameters

Background

The government commissioned the research as part of the investigation of real fires project. 

OFR Consultants carried out the work, and the findings and recommendations do not represent government policy.

Published 22 December 2025