Adherence to Chilean NCh 935 and Local Concepcion Fire Code Requirements for Building Compartments
Concepción’s building sector demands fire-rated assemblies that can withstand both thermal stress and seismic forces. Antifires’ systems are designed to meet the stringent requirements of NCh 935 for fire integrity and insulation, while also satisfying the structural performance criteria of NCh 433. The company’s glazed assemblies utilize hollow steel frames (G.M.S.) with ceramic wool and intumescent seals, ensuring that expansion gaps of 3–5 mm are properly managed during a fire event. These systems achieve fire resistance ratings of 60, 90, and 120 minutes, verified through furnace tests that monitor temperature rise on the unexposed side (≤140°C average) and prevent flame penetration. For high-risk institutional and commercial structures in Concepción, such as hospitals and government buildings, the combination of integrity and insulation (EI classification) is essential. Antifires provides 28mm EI60 panels (integrity 66 min, insulation 64 min) and 50mm EI120 assemblies (integrity 120 min, insulation up to 120 min), which are ideal for compartment walls and escape routes. These products are engineered to maintain their fire-resistant properties even after seismic movement, thanks to flexible ceramic fiber fillers and anchor bolt systems spaced at 300–600 mm intervals. By referencing official test data from BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1364-1, Antifires offers Concepción specifiers a reliable, code-compliant solution for passive fire protection.
Fire Rated Glass Selection: E, EW, and EI Classifications for Concepcion’s Coastal and Industrial Environments
Local municipal ordinances in Concepción require active fire compartmentation in high-rise residential and mixed-use developments. Antifires’ glazing and door solutions are classified according to E (Integrity), EW (Integrity + Radiation Control), and EI (Integrity + Insulation) categories, allowing architects to select the appropriate performance level for each application. For example, EW120 rated glass is suitable for corridors where radiant heat control is critical, while EI60 systems are mandated for stairwell enclosures and fire-rated partitions. The company’s 10mm FPOS glass (integrity 135 min, insulation 16 min) is ideal for vision panels where thermal insulation is secondary, whereas the 21mm FPOS (integrity 120 min, insulation 30 min) provides balanced performance for general compartmentation. For coastal environments in Concepción, where humidity and salt exposure are concerns, Antifires’ multi-layer tempered glass with intumescent gel offers superior durability. The 26mm door glass (integrity 89–90 min, insulation 68 min) is specifically engineered for high-traffic egress doors, ensuring safe evacuation during a fire. These products are tested under ambient conditions of 27°C–36°C and relative humidity up to 90%, replicating real-world coastal conditions. Specifiers can review certified test reports in Spanish to facilitate smooth municipal plan-check submissions.
Engineering Applications: Fire Rated Partition Systems for Concepcion’s Commercial Hubs and Industrial Facilities
For Concepción’s commercial hubs and industrial facilities, Antifires offers engineered fire rated partition systems that combine transparency with robust fire resistance. These systems are designed to create safe compartments within large open-plan offices, manufacturing plants, and logistics centers. The 50mm and 54mm ultra-high-performance glass assemblies provide EI120 ratings, making them suitable for high-risk zones where fire separation must be maintained for extended periods. The structural design incorporates fire-rated insulation boards (12–15 mm) and ceramic tape (3–6 mm, density 210 kg/m³) to seal joints and prevent thermal bridging. In industrial settings, where chemical exposure or high temperatures may be present, the multi-layer composite structure of Antifires’ glass ensures that the intumescent gel layers activate reliably at elevated temperatures, forming a rigid insulating barrier. The maximum deflection observed during testing (38–152 mm toward the furnace) is accounted for in the framing design, ensuring that the assembly remains intact under load. These partition systems are also compatible with seismic movement joints, a critical feature for Concepción’s active tectonic environment. By integrating fire door systems and glazed partitions, Antifires enables seamless compartmentation that meets both fire safety and aesthetic requirements.
Why Concepcion Specifiers Trust Antifires: Localized Technical Support and Certified Product Traceability
Concepción specifiers and contractors trust Antifires for its localized technical support and certified product traceability. Each product is accompanied by detailed test reports that document performance under BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1 standards, with data on furnace thermocouple placement (9–12 Type K channels) and unexposed surface monitoring (10–55 thermocouples). This transparency ensures that every assembly can be verified for compliance with NCh 935 and local building codes. Antifires provides on-site consultation for Concepción projects, including guidance on frame selection, sealant application, and anchor bolt spacing (M6/M8, 300–600 mm intervals). The company also offers installation training to ensure that fire-rated systems are correctly integrated into the building envelope. For projects requiring expedited delivery, Antifires maintains stock of common configurations, such as E90 glass (integrity 90 minutes) and EI60 door panels, with lead times tailored to construction schedules. All products are traceable to specific test batches, providing a clear chain of custody for building permit submissions. By combining international certification with local expertise, Antifires delivers a level of assurance that is essential for Concepción’s demanding construction environment.