Compressible Firestopping Joint for Deflection Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-rated wall systems face challenges in maintaining a consistent air-tight seal at the intersection between the header track and ceiling, and between the header track and drywall, due to protrusions and offsets, which allow smoke and air to pass through deflection gaps, failing UL 2079 tests.
Innovation Solution
A compressible firestopping component with a factory-applied double-sided tape layer is installed within the deflection gap between the wallboard and ceiling, allowing for easy installation and ensuring a tight seal by compressing the foam material as the wallboard is positioned, using intumescent strips for fire and smoke protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid firestopping component is used to block deflection gaps, then fire and smoke protection is improved, but the ability to accommodate structural movement and settling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The firestopping component changes its physical parameters in response to temperature changes. The intumescent material expands when exposed to heat, increasing its volume to fill gaps and block fire and smoke passage, while maintaining compressibility for installation and movement accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The firestopping component combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a compressible foam base material for installation and movement accommodation, and an intumescent coating for fire protection. This composite structure allows the component to fulfill both mechanical and fire protection functions.
2Reliability
If additional sealants are applied to ensure a tight seal at the header track intersections, then the air-tight seal is improved, but the installation complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The firestopping component is designed to create its own seal through the compressible foam material that expands to fill gaps between the header track and ceiling/drywall. The double-sided tape applies itself to the appropriate surfaces, eliminating the need for additional sealant applications and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-sided tape is pre-applied to the firestopping component during manufacturing, preparing it for immediate installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site sealant application and ensures proper positioning and sealing from the start of installation.
3Reliability
If the compressible firestopping component is made more rigid to maintain seal consistency, then the seal consistency is improved, but the ease of installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The component exhibits different mechanical properties in different states. During installation, the compressible foam allows the component to be easily positioned and accommodates variations in gap size. Once installed and subjected to compression forces, the foam densifies and maintains consistent sealing pressure, providing reliable seal consistency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively blocks the passage of fire, heat, smoke, and sound through deflection gaps, meeting UL 2079 standards by providing a consistent seal without additional sealants and simplifying installation.
Implementation Method 1
Intumescent materials work well for this purpose, since they swell and char when exposed to flames, helping to create a barrier to the fire, heat, and/or smoke.
Implementation Method 2
ensuring a tight seal by compressing the foam material as the wallboard is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A head of wall assembly includes a compressible component positioned within a deflection gap between an upper edge of the wallboard and a ceiling or other horizontal structural element. The compressible component includes an intumescent strip in contact with the ceiling or the upper edge of the wallboard. The compressible component held in place by a double-sided tape attached with the header track, the ceiling, or the upper edge of the wallboard. The double-sided tape can partially cover one side of the compressible component.