Research and analysis

Fire safety: Structural fire resistance

Research into building design provisions that maintain stability and compartmentation during a fire, and how these relate to modern building practice.

Applies to England

Documents

Fire safety: Structural fire resistance and fire separating elements (full report)

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Details

The research evaluates the provisions in Approved Document B (ADB) on structural fire resistance and fire-separating elements to determine whether they provide adequate guidance.  

The study examines information on modern buildings, the state of available knowledge, and the basis for the existing provisions. It includes research into the fire performance of combustible structures and modular construction, the methods used to assess cavity barriers, and the required fire resistance periods for car parks.

Background

The government commissioned the research as part of the technical review of Approved Document B (fire safety).  

BRE Global, Design Fire Consultants, Buro Happold and University of Edinburgh carried out the work, and the findings and recommendations do not represent government policy.

Updates to this page

Published 22 December 2025

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