Rajshahi Compliance with Bangladesh National Building Code Fire Resistance Standards
Rajshahi’s urbanization drives demand for building envelopes that comply with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020), which specifies fire resistance requirements for glazed elements in commercial and residential structures. Part 8, Chapter 2 of the BNBC mandates that fire-rated glazing in escape routes and fire compartments must achieve minimum integrity ratings, often between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on building height and occupancy. Antifires’ products are tested under BS EN 1634-1 and BS 476 Part 22, providing verifiable performance data that meets these local mandates.
| BNBC Requirement |
Antifires Product Rating |
Applicable Standard |
| 60-minute integrity in exit corridors |
E60 / EI60 |
BS EN 1634-1 |
| 90-minute integrity in stairwells |
E90 |
BS 476 Part 22 |
| 120-minute integrity and insulation in fire compartments |
EI120 |
BS EN 1364-1 |
Compliance is verified through documented test reports that demonstrate the glass systems’ ability to prevent flame penetration and limit heat transfer. For example, the 26mm door glass system achieves integrity for 89–90 minutes and insulation for 68 minutes, suitable for high-traffic exit doors. The 28mm EI60 panel provides 66 minutes of integrity and 64 minutes of insulation, ideal for partition walls. These ratings directly align with BNBC’s classification for fire-resistant glazing in Rajshahi’s building projects.
Selecting Fire Rated Glass Grades for Rajshahi’s Climate and Technical Loads
Selecting the appropriate fire-rated glass grade for Rajshahi requires evaluating both climatic conditions and technical loads. The region experiences high humidity and temperature variations, which can affect sealant and frame integrity. Antifires’ systems are engineered with intumescent gel interlayers and ceramic wool seals (density 210 kg/m³) to maintain performance under such conditions. For example, the 10mm FPOS glass (3mm float + 4mm gel + 3mm float) offers 135 minutes of integrity and 16 minutes of insulation, suitable for areas where insulation is secondary to flame containment.
- For exit routes and stairwells: Use EI60 or E90 rated systems to meet BNBC requirements for safe egress. The 15mm FPOS (multi-layer tempered with intumescent gel) provides up to 132 minutes integrity and 33–34 minutes insulation.
- For fire compartments and high-risk zones: Specify EI120 systems like the 50mm or 54mm ultra-high-performance glass, which delivers 120 minutes of both integrity and insulation, controlling radiant heat transfer.
- For door assemblies: The 26mm door glass (5mm + 5.5mm gel + 5mm + 5.5mm gel + 5mm) achieves 89–90 minutes integrity and 68 minutes insulation, ideal for heavy-use doors in commercial buildings.
All systems are installed using G.M.S. hollow steel frames and M6/M8 anchor bolts at 300–600mm spacing, ensuring structural stability under fire loads. The expansion gap of 3–5mm, filled with ceramic fiber, accommodates thermal movement without compromising the seal.
Building Application Scenarios and Engineering Demands in Rajshahi
In Rajshahi, fire-rated glazing is deployed across diverse building types, each with specific engineering demands. For commercial high-rises, such as those in the Shaheb Bazar and Kazla areas, stairwell enclosures require E90 or EI60 rated glass to provide safe egress during a fire. The 21mm FPOS (multi-layer composite insulated glass) offers 120 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, balancing cost and performance for corridor partitions.
In educational institutions and hospitals, where occupant density is high, EI60 systems (e.g., the 28mm panel) are used in internal walls to prevent smoke and flame spread while maintaining visibility for supervision. The 6mm E90 glass provides 90 minutes integrity for smaller vision panels in fire doors. For industrial facilities near Rajshahi Export Processing Zone (REPZ), the 50mm EI120 system is specified for fire barriers between storage and production areas, ensuring compliance with both BNBC and international fire safety protocols.
Installation details are critical: all systems use 12–15mm fire-rated insulation boards behind frames and intumescent fire seals (20mm × 4mm) at joints. The test data shows that maximum deflection toward the furnace ranges from 38mm to 152mm, which is accommodated by the frame design. This ensures that the glazing remains intact and functional throughout the rated period, preventing fire penetration and maintaining compartmentation integrity.
Why Rajshahi Customers Trust Antifires for Certified Fire Protection Systems
Rajshahi customers choose Antifires for fire-rated glass systems because of the company’s adherence to globally recognized testing standards and its ability to provide localized compliance documentation. Every product is tested under BS 476 Part 22, BS EN 1634-1, and ASTM E119, with certified ratings for integrity (E) and insulation (I) up to 120 minutes. This data is directly applicable to BNBC 2020 requirements, simplifying the building permit process with the Rajshahi City Corporation.
Antifires offers a complete system approach, including G.M.S. steel frames, ceramic wool seals, and intumescent strips, all factory-assembled and tested together. This eliminates compatibility issues and ensures that the installed assembly performs as rated. For example, the 26mm door glass system achieves 89–90 minutes integrity and 68 minutes insulation, verified under full-scale furnace tests with up to 55 thermocouples monitoring the unexposed surface.
Technical support includes detailed installation manuals, test reports, and project-specific engineering advice. For Rajshahi’s climate, products are designed with multi-layer gel structures that resist humidity and thermal cycling. The 10mm FPOS and 15mm FPOS options provide flexible solutions for different budget and performance needs. By partnering with Antifires, contractors and architects gain access to 90-minute integrity-only systems and fire partition solutions that meet the highest safety standards.