Steel Protection - FireCase System

FireCase System is British Gypsum’s frameless structural steel encasement solution, designed to provide passive fire protection to universal beams, columns and joists. Using Glasroc F FireCase boards, the system delivers certified fire resistance in accordance with BS EN 13381‑4:2013, ensuring that structural steel maintains its load‑bearing capacity during a fire. The system is engineered so that boards can be screw‑fixed directly to one another, eliminating the need for additional framing. This makes installation faster, cleaner and more space‑efficient than traditional framed encasements or intumescent coatings. FireCase can be finished using standard methods such as tape and jointing or Thistle skim plaster, allowing it to blend seamlessly with surrounding internal linings. No metal stud framework is required, as the boards form a self‑supporting encasement.

A typical FireCase encasement includes:

• Glasroc F FireCase boards (various thicknesses depending on required fire rating).
• Screw‑fixed board‑to‑board joints, forming a rigid box around the steel section.
• Optional tape and joint or Thistle skim plaster finish to match adjacent linings. 

Key Features

• Frameless encasement system – Glasroc F FireCase boards fix to each other without metal framing. 
• Fire resistance from 30 to 120 minutes, tested to BS EN 13381‑4 and BS EN 13381‑9, suitable for solid and castellated beams. 
• SpecSure® lifetime warranty when installed as part of a full British Gypsum system. 
• Moisture‑tolerant Glasroc F FireCase boards allow installation before the building envelope is fully weather‑tight, supporting fast‑track programmes. 
• Easy inspection compared with intumescent coatings, improving confidence during installation and maintenance. 
• Pre‑cut board widths available (subject to minimum order quantity) to reduce waste and speed up installation. 
• Maintains acoustic and thermal performance when detailed correctly at abutments with GypWall partitions. 
• Non‑combustible A1‑rated board with up to two hours’ fire protection when tested as part of the system. 

Typical Applications

• Structural steel beams and columns in commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
• Protection of universal beams, universal columns, joists and castellated sections.
• Projects requiring fast installation or early‑stage fire protection before the building is sealed.
• Situations where clean, inspectable fire protection is preferred over intumescent coatings.

White Book - FireCase

White Book - System design principles

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