Steel retains approximately 50% of its strength when it reaches 1100°F (600°C). Temperatures during fires can be much hotter – a standard fire test reaches 1300°F (704°C) in the first 10 minutes. If left unprotected, the structure may collapse when exposed to fire.
Building codes require certain beam, column, floor, wall and roof assemblies to have fire resistance ratings which are determined on the basis of standard fire tests. Fire resistance ratings can be accomplished with the application of sprayed fire resistance materials (fireproofing) to those assemblies.
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