21 Aug Magnesium Wall Board For High-Rise Building Fire Safety
Table of Contents
Magnesium wall board helps keep high-rise buildings safe from fire. Builders pick this material because it does not burn. It can handle very high heat. The table below shows how magnesium oxide boards are different from other building materials:
Property | Magnesium Oxide Boards | Wood, Gypsum, Cement Board, Concrete |
|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Low to high | |
Combustibility | Non-combustible | Combustible or non-combustible |
Smoke Emission | Very low | High to moderate |
Thermal Stability | Up to 1200°C | Weakens or degrades |
Certified magnesium wall boards follow tough rules for fire safety. Many tall buildings in Asia-Pacific and Europe use this product. It helps protect people and their things.
Key Takeaways
Magnesium wall boards can stop fire for up to four hours. They do not burn or let flames spread. This helps keep buildings safer during fires.
These boards make very little smoke and no toxic gases. This helps keep the air clean and safe to breathe in emergencies.
Magnesium wall boards stay strong and keep their shape in high heat. Gypsum or cement boards can get weak or crack, but magnesium boards do not.
They do not get damaged by water or mold. This helps them last longer and keep fire safety in wet or humid places.
Certified magnesium wall boards pass strict fire safety rules. People trust them in high-rise buildings to protect people and property.
Fire Safety Benefits
Non-combustibility
Magnesium wall board does not burn. It will not help a fire spread. In tests, it stays safe even in very hot fires. Builders like this because it stops fire from moving to other rooms or floors. The table below shows how magnesium sulfate boards, gypsum boards, and cement boards compare:
Performance Aspect | Magnesium Sulfate (MgO) Boards | Gypsum Boards | Cement Boards |
|---|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Superior fire resistance; withstands up to 4 hours or more; passes ASTM E136 non-combustibility test; earns A1 rating under EN 13501-1; maintains integrity at temperatures up to 1200°C | Moderate fire resistance; combustible; softens under high heat; limited fire endurance (30-60 minutes); meets ASTM E119 and ASTM E84 standards | High fire resistance but prone to cracking or breaking under extreme heat |
Flame Spread | Very low flame spread; Flame Spread Index (FSI) 0-25 | Moderate flame spread | N/A |
Smoke Emission | Low smoke and no toxic gases | Moderate smoke, non-toxic gases | N/A |
Structural Integrity | Maintains strength during prolonged fire exposure (up to 4 hours or more) | Softens and weakens with heat exposure | May crack or break under extreme heat |
This table shows magnesium wall board is better than gypsum and cement boards. It does not burn and lasts longer in fire. It keeps its shape and strength, even after a long fire.
High heat resistance
Magnesium wall board can take very high heat. It does not fall apart, even at 1200°C. This means walls made with it protect people and things for a long time in a fire. Gypsum boards get soft and weak when hot. Cement boards can crack or break in the same heat. Firefighters and building managers trust magnesium wall board. It helps keep buildings safe during fires.
No toxic smoke
Fire safety is not just about stopping flames. It is also about keeping the air safe to breathe. Magnesium wall board does not make toxic smoke or gas in a fire. Tests like ASTM E84 and ASTM E119 show it does not give off dangerous fumes. The table below compares smoke and gas from different wall boards:
Material | Fire Resistance Duration | Toxic Smoke/Gas Emission | Combustibility |
|---|---|---|---|
Magnesium oxide boards | None | Non-combustible | |
Gypsum board | 0.5 to 2 hours | Low | Combustible |
Cement board | 1 to 2 hours | None | Non-combustible |
Plywood | 0 hours | Yes | Combustible |
Tip: Picking wall boards that do not make toxic smoke can save lives. Clean air helps people get out fast and lets firefighters do their job.
Magnesium wall board helps keep the air clean. It lowers the chance of breathing in smoke during a fire.
Magnesium wall board features
Composition
Magnesium wall board is made from special materials.
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is the main part. This mineral does not burn. It stays strong even in very hot fires, up to 1200°C.
Makers add vermiculite to make the board stronger. Vermiculite also helps stop fire.
These materials together make a board that does not let out bad gases or fumes when there is a fire.
These boards are used for floors, walls, and ceilings that need to be fire-safe.
New ways of making magnesium wall boards have made them better. Some boards are now composite or hybrid MgO panels. These new boards are stronger and safer in fires. Some even have smart sensors that can watch for fire in real time. This makes them safer for tall buildings.
Note: The special mix of materials in magnesium wall board makes it a great pick for places that need strong fire safety and long-lasting walls.
Structural integrity
Magnesium wall board keeps its shape and strength in a fire. Tests like ASTM E119 heat these boards to over 1600°F. They still hold heavy things and do not break. MgO panels can be used as walls that carry weight, even during a fire. This is better than gypsum drywall, which gets weak or falls apart in heat. Magnesium wall board also stops flames from spreading. It does not make bad smoke. This makes it a good choice for places where fire is a risk.
Moisture resistance
Water can damage many building boards, but magnesium wall board does not get hurt by water or wet air. The table below shows how it compares to other boards:
Property/Material | Magnesium Wall Boards | Gypsum Board | Cement Board |
|---|---|---|---|
Moisture Absorption | Higher (~3%) | Absorbs water if unsealed | |
Mold Susceptibility | Low (prevents mold, mildew) | High | Can absorb water and weaken |
Durability | Maintains strength over years | Less durable in wet areas | Less durable if water penetrates |
Magnesium wall board does not soak up much water. It does not bend, get weak, or grow mold. This helps it stay fire-safe for a long time, even in wet places.
Fire resistance
Certifications
Certifications are important for showing magnesium wall board is safe. Labs test these boards to make sure they do not burn. They also check that flames do not spread. Builders and architects want products with good certifications. They use these in tall buildings. The table below lists the most common fire safety certifications:
Certification/Standard | Region/Authority | Fire Safety Aspect | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
EN 13501-1 | Europe | Class A1 Noncombustible | Highest fire resistance; no contribution to fire; minimal smoke and toxic fumes |
ASTM E136 | USA | Noncombustible | Material does not burn under test conditions |
ASTM E84 | USA | Class A Surface Fire Spread | Excellent resistance to surface fire spread |
ASTM E119 | USA | Fire Resistance | Measures fire endurance of assemblies |
NFPA 285 | USA | Fire Propagation | Tests multi-story exterior wall assemblies for fire spread |
CE Marking | Europe | Compliance Mark | Indicates conformity with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements |
ICC-ES ESR-2880 | USA/International | Third-party Evaluation | Confirms compliance with building codes and fire safety standards |
ISO 9001 | International | Quality Management | Ensures consistent product quality and manufacturing processes |
INTERTEK | International | Laboratory Testing | Independent testing and certification |
Note: Picking magnesium wall board with these certifications means it will work well in a fire. Certified boards are the safest and do not burn.
Fire ratings
Fire ratings tell us how long a wall board can stop fire. Magnesium wall board often gets high fire ratings in tests. These ratings help builders pick the best board for each part of a tall building. The table below shows fire ratings for different magnesium boards:
Board Type | Fire Resistance Rating Achieved | Relevant Standards and Notes |
|---|---|---|
Magnesium Sulfate Board | 1 to 4 hours | Tested under ASTM E119; Class A fire rating under ASTM E84; certified under EN ISO 1716 and EN 13501 |
30 minutes | Full-scale fire tests on light gauge steel frame walls; failure due to board cracking or joint opening |
Magnesium sulfate boards can stop fire for up to four hours. This gives people more time to get out. It also helps firefighters put out the fire. Some magnesium oxide boards last only thirty minutes. Builders can add steel sheathing to make them last longer. The best board depends on the building and local fire rules.
Tip: Always look at the fire rating before using wall boards. Higher ratings mean more safety for people and things.
Real-world performance
Magnesium wall board works well in real fires in tall buildings. These boards can take heat over 750°C for thirty minutes. They do not get damaged. They have a 0/0 flame spread rating, so fire does not move across them. In big fire tests, magnesium boards lose about half their mass but keep their shape longer than other boards. Gypsum and wood boards often break in thirty minutes, but magnesium boards stay strong.
MgO boards are good fire barriers in tall buildings.
They help stop fire and protect the building.
Builders say there is less damage after fires with magnesium boards.
These boards also do not get hurt by water, so they last longer.
It is important to install and check panels, fasteners, and joints often. This keeps fire safety strong. Magnesium wall board meets many building and fire codes. Builders trust these boards to keep people safe and lower fire damage.
Callout: Adding steel sheathing to magnesium boards can make them almost fifty percent better at stopping fire. This helps protect tall buildings even more.
Material comparison
Magnesium wall board vs. gypsum
Magnesium wall board and gypsum board both help stop fires. But they work differently in some ways. Magnesium oxide boards get a Class A rating in ASTM E84 tests. This means they do not let flames or smoke spread much. They meet fire safety rules even when they are only 3 mm thick. Gypsum boards need to be about 12 mm thick to do the same job. Magnesium wall board stays strong when it gets hot. Gypsum boards can get weak and lose fire safety if they get wet. Builders pick magnesium wall board for tall buildings. It meets world fire safety rules and lasts longer.
Aspect | Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board | Gypsum Board |
|---|---|---|
~3 mm meets fire safety standards | ~12 mm required for fire safety | |
Fire Rating (ASTM E84) | Class A (low flame spread and smoke development) | Also non-combustible but less effective at thinner thickness |
Structural Integrity at High Temperature | Maintains integrity | Weakened under high temperatures |
Moisture Resistance | High | Low |
Tip: Magnesium wall board gives better fire safety even when thin. This helps save space in building designs.
Magnesium wall board vs. cement
Magnesium oxide boards are better than cement boards for fire safety. Both do not burn, but magnesium wall board can take more heat. It also stays strong for a longer time. Cement boards might need extra help or special coatings in very hot fires. Magnesium wall board makes almost no smoke or bad gas in a fire. Cement boards make a little more smoke. Builders use magnesium wall board where fire safety rules are very strict.
Feature | Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board | Cement Board |
|---|---|---|
Moderate fire resistance; may need extra treatments | ||
Performance under High Heat | Maintains strength | May require additional support |
Smoke and Toxic Gas Emissions | Very low | Low, but higher than MgO boards |
Magnesium wall board vs. wood
Wood panels catch fire easily and help fire spread. Magnesium wall board does not burn or make smoke in a fire. It can take hits and heat, so it works well in tall buildings. Wood panels do not last long in a fire and get weak fast. Magnesium wall board keeps its shape and does not make bad fumes. This makes it safer for places where fire is a big risk.
Material | Fire Resistance Rating |
|---|---|
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board | Up to 4 hours; A1 non-combustible; withstands high temperatures without toxic fumes |
Wood Panels | Combustible; limited fire resistance; prone to burning and fire spread |
Magnesium wall board is A1 fireproof and does not burn.
It does not make smoke when there is a fire.
Wood panels are not good for fire-safe walls in tall buildings.
Note: Magnesium wall board can cost more at first and needs skilled workers to install. Some types can rust metal if they get wet, especially those with magnesium chloride. Makers use magnesium sulfate to stop this and make the boards last longer.
Applications in high-rise buildings
Exterior wall systems
High-rise buildings need strong protection on their outer walls. Builders often use fire-resistant cladding systems to stop flames from moving up the building. Magnesium oxide boards play a key role in these systems. They do not burn and help keep fire from spreading along the outside of tall buildings. These boards also protect the building’s structure from outside fires and harsh weather. The table below shows where these boards are most commonly used:
Application Area | Purpose | Fire Safety Standard |
|---|---|---|
Fire-resistant cladding | Prevents fire spread on facades | EN 13501-1 (A1), BS 476 |
Exterior siding | Shields structural elements from fire | EN 13501-1 (A1) |
Partition walls | Contains fire within building sections | ASTM E119 |
These boards meet strict fire safety standards and work well in both homes and offices.
Critical areas
Some parts of a high-rise need extra fire protection. These include fire control rooms, stairwells, and refuge floors. Builders must follow rules to keep these areas safe:
Boards must meet national fire codes, such as China’s GB50016-2014.
General fireproof areas need at least a 1-hour fire rating. Critical zones require 2 hours or more.
Boards must pass tests for fire resistance, flame spread, and smoke toxicity.
Installers must seal joints and use fireproof materials at seams.
Boards must be asbestos-free and non-toxic for green building standards.
These steps ensure safety and reliability in high-rise buildings.
MgO boards also protect tunnels and data centers. They resist moisture, mold, and pests, making them safe for sensitive places.
Durability
Durability is vital for long-term fire safety. MgO boards keep their strength during fires, which helps limit damage and makes repairs easier. They resist water, mold, and insects, so they do not weaken over time. These boards do not warp, swell, or crack, even in tough conditions. Their strong chemical bonds help them last for decades. This means high-rise buildings stay safer for longer.
MgO boards maintain structure during fire, giving people more time to escape.
They meet building codes for low-combustible materials.
Their long lifespan supports lasting fire safety.
Note: MgO boards help keep escape routes safe by stopping fire and smoke, even under extreme heat.
Magnesium oxide boards give great fire safety in tall buildings. Certified boards stop flames, stay strong, and do not make toxic smoke, even when it is very hot. Builders and architects like these panels because they are thin, do not grow mold, and are easy to put up.
MgO boards follow tough fire safety rules and are better than wood, gypsum, and cement for lasting long and stopping fire.
They are light and help keep heat in, so they work well in new buildings.
Picking certified boards that do not soak up water helps make buildings safer and last longer.
FAQ
What makes magnesium wall board better for fire safety?
Magnesium wall board does not burn. It resists high heat and does not release toxic smoke. Builders trust it for strong fire protection in tall buildings.
Can magnesium wall boards get damaged by water?
Magnesium wall boards resist water and moisture. They do not swell, warp, or grow mold. This feature helps them last longer in wet or humid areas.
Are magnesium wall boards safe for indoor air quality?
Yes. Magnesium wall boards do not release harmful chemicals or gases. They help keep indoor air clean during normal use and in a fire.
Do magnesium wall boards meet building codes?
Certified magnesium wall boards meet strict fire safety standards like ASTM E119 and EN 13501-1. Builders use them to follow local and international building codes.