Two-Piece Deflection Drift Angle Fire-Rated Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating fire-rated head-of-wall joints in buildings are time-consuming and expensive, and they do not effectively address the dynamic movement requirements of modern multi-story structures, which can compromise stability and allow fire, heat, and smoke to pass through.
Innovation Solution
A fire-rated assembly comprising a steel fire-rated angle and a vinyl gasket profile, where the vinyl profile slides over the steel to provide sound protection and seals against uneven structures, and an intumescent material expands to block fire and heat, while the steel maintains structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mineral wool material is stuffed into the head-of-wall joint and elastomeric material is sprayed over it, then fire protection is provided, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system is divided into separate functional components: a metal profile for structural support and fire resistance, and an intumescent material layer for fire blocking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the installation process compared to the conventional monolithic approach of stuffing mineral wool and spraying elastomeric material.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal profile with integrated intumescent material is pre-manufactured as a complete fire-rated assembly before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site construction of fire protection measures, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable fire protection performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wall studs are rigidly attached to the slotted track, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate deflection and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between wall studs and the slotted track is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The slots allow the wall studs to move freely in the vertical direction, enabling the structure to accommodate deflection and movement while maintaining stability through the header track's rigid connection to the ceiling and floor structures.
3Reliability
If intumescent material is used in the head-of-wall joint, then fire blocking performance is improved, but the need for precise installation alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal profile and intumescent material are merged into a single integrated assembly where the intumescent material is permanently attached to the metal profile. This combination eliminates the need for separate installation of fire blocking materials and reduces the precision requirements for alignment during installation, as the complete assembly can be positioned as a single unit.
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 efficiently and cost-effectively seals the head-of-wall gap, passing UL fire rating tests, and provides sound protection, maintaining stability and preventing fire and heat from passing through the joint for up to 20 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
Intumescent materials work well for this purpose, because they swell and char when exposed to flames helping to create a barrier to the fire, heat, and/or smoke.
Implementation Method 2
When temperatures rise (e.g., due to a fire), the intumescent material on the DDATM fire block product expands. This expansion creates a barrier which fills the deflection gap
Implementation Method 3
the vinyl profile slides over the steel to provide sound protection and seals against uneven structures
Implementation Method 4
The fire-rated assembly efficiently and cost-effectively seals the head-of-wall gap, passing UL fire rating tests, and provides sound protection, maintaining stability and preventing fire and heat from passing through the joint for up to 20 minutes.
Data Source
AI summary
A fire-rated component for a fire-rated joint, such as a head-of-wall assembly, includes a fire-rated assembly include a fire-rated angle and a gasket profile. The fire-rated angle can be coupled with the gasket profile to form a single unit within the head-of-wall assembly.