Why you should choose Aestuver fire protection boards?

Aestuver fire protection panels stand out as the premier choice when it comes to ensuring the highest level of safety and durability in tunnel and building construction. The material itself was manufactured for the first time already in 1981. Due to continuous development and unique product composition, there are numerous projects worldwide with fire protection systems using Aestuver boards.

In this short summary we would like to present why Aestuver fire protection boards are the optimal solution for your fire protection needs.
 

Unmatched Structural Fire Protection Panels

Aestuver fire protection panels are designed to provide exceptional fire resistance, protecting tunnel structures from high temperatures and preventing the devasting concrete spalling effect. This ensures the structural integrity of tunnels during a fire, reducing the risk of collapse and extensive damage. The boards meet or exceed the high specifications of international time-temperature fire curves, including ISO, ZTV-ING, EBA, HC, HCM, and RWS curves.These fire curves simulate the impact of fires on building structures, ensuring that the fire protection measures are robust and reliable. The ISO curve (ISO 834), also known as the standard fire temperature curve, represents the lowest level of thermal stress and reflects temperature requirements resulting from interior fires in buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

• The ZTV-ING curve applies to road tunnels in Germany and ensures that the supporting reinforcement of the tunnel structure is not heated to a temperature exceeding 300°C.
• The EBA curve, defined by the German Federal Railroad Authority, simulates the time-based temperature profile of fire gases in railroad tunnel systems.
• The hydrocarbon curve (HC) and its modified version (HCM) account for higher fire loads in tunnels, with the HCM curve reaching a maximum temperature of 1,300°C.
• The Rijkswaterstaat curve is based on a tanker fire with 45,000 liters of gasoline, reaching maximum temperature of 1,350°C within 60 minutes and sustaining 1,200°C for an additional hour after the fire has been burning for 2 hours.

 

Superior Durability of Aestuver fire protection panels

Aestuver fire protection boards are renowned for their durability. They are freeze-thaw resistant and water-resistant, making them ideal for environments exposed to harsh weather conditions. Aestuver fire protection boards have the highest exposure class of Type X for fire protection materials according to EAD 350142-00-1106. This property is confirmed by the European Technical Assessment (ETA). Water resistance is often the most sought-after requirement for materials installed in harsh tunnel conditions. Due to the humid environment and potential water leakages, there's a risk of water ingress and damage to the fire protection system. Nevertheless, Aestuver fire protection panels are resistant to water and don't lose it's fire protection properties.

This resilience ensures long-term performance and reliability, even in the most demanding situations. The boards have been tested in accordance with the ÖBV guideline "Protective layers for enhanced fire-protection for underground transportation structures," confirming their suitability for environments that are fully or partially exposed to weathering. Aestuver fire protection boards are made from cement-bonded, glass-fiber reinforced lightweight concrete. They have an apparent density of approximately 690 – 980 kg/m³ and a flexural strength of 3.5 N/mm². The thermal conductivity of the boards is 0.175 W/mK, and they have a compressive strength of 9 N/mm².

 

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

Aestuver fire protection boards feature a smooth surface that allows for easy cleaning using conventional methods, including high-pressure water jets and steam. What is more, as confirmed in the ETA certificate, the fire boards are also abrasion resistant. Which means that boards can be cleaned with tunnel cleaning vehicles equipped with industrial brushes. Tests carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 11998 have confirmed the good cleanability of the boards' surface.

This makes maintenance straightforward and cost-effective, ensuring that the fire boards remain in top condition with minimal effort. To allow easy replacement and inspection of the tunnel structure (concrete) and the structural joints, individual boards can be dismantled and any leaks in the concrete structure detected and repaired.

 

Health and Safety during installation of fire protection panels

Safety is a top priority with Aestuver fire boards. They are non-combustible and produce low dust emissions during installation, ensuring a safer environment for workers. Additionally, the boards can be easily machined and installed using simple, standard tools, making them safe to handle and install. Thanks to low density of the fire boards, it is also easy to handle, transport and install the Aestuver fire protection boards with optimal dimensions of 2600x625mm.

The boards are non-combustible, classified as A1 in accordance with DIN EN 13501-1, and do not release any harmful substances in the event of a fire. This ensures that the fire protection measures are not only effective but also safe for both workers and the environment.

 

Versatile Applications of Aestuver fire protection panels

 

Aestuver fire protection boards are highly versatile and can be used in various applications, including tunnel cladding, fire protection lining, escape routes, cable trough covers and also in building construction for fire rated walls, partitions and ceilings. Their adaptability makes them suitable for both new constructions and retrofitting projects, providing comprehensive fire protection solutions.

The boards can be used as independently fixed or directly concreted (Permanent Formwork) cladding in underground transport systems, protecting the entire concrete structure and reinforcement from harmful temperatures. The boards are suitable for environments that are fully or partially exposed to weathering, confirmed by European Technical Assessment. For our Aestuver Tx board ETA please refer here.

Aestuver fire protection boards can be found at both road and rail tunnels. The areas of application cover tunnel ceiling, walls, escape routes, maintenance walkways, exhaust smoke extraction facilities, air ducts or cable ducts.

Aestuver fire protection panels are also compatible with numerous adhesives and mastics, like Aestuver FPM - fire protection mastic. 
 

Compliance and Certification of Aestuver fire protection panels

Aestuver fire protection panels meet or exceed international fire safety standards, including ISO, ZTV-ING, and EBA curves. This compliance ensures that your projects adhere to the highest safety regulations, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your fire protection measures. The boards have been tested and certified to meet the requirements of various international standards, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in fire protection.

The boards have been tested in accordance with international time-temperature curves for constructions set in concrete, including ZTV/EBA, RWS120, RWS180, HC180, HCM120, and HCM180. They have also been assessed and certified with European Technical Assessments (ETA), ensuring their compliance with international standards.Furthermore, Aestuver fire protection panels were tested according to ASTM E84-23a, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials with flame spread index 0 and smoke developed index 0.
 

There are also numerous project related tests like suction/pressure, impact or jet flame tests which we can discuss if you reach to our Aestuver team. Not only Aestuver fire protection panels are tested for versatile applications. Being part of the international James Hardie Group means that you can rely on high quality of production. Our factory that produces the Aestuver panels is also certified for quality management according to EN ISO 9001:2015 and for environement managmenet according to EN ISO 14001:2015.

Technical Specifications
Aestuver fire protection panels are made from cement-bonded, glass-fiber reinforced lightweight concrete. They have an apparent density of approximately 690 – 980 kg/m³ and a flexural strength of 3.5 N/mm². The thermal conductivity of the boards is 0.175 W/mK, and they have a compressive strength of 9 N/mm². Aestuver boards are also freeze-thaw resistant. It means that the fire protection panels can used outdoors in fully exposed conditions throughout the entire year. The fire properties are not affected by such exposure. This property is confirmed in the ETA documents.

The boards are available in various thicknesses, ranging from 10 mm to 60 mm, with surface weights per m² ranging from approximately 11 kg to 50 kg. They have a bending elasticity modulus of ≥ 2,000 N/mm² and an equilibrium moisture content of approximately 7% at 65% relative humidity and 20°C air temperature.

You can read more about individual differences between the boards by browsing through the technical documents in the Downloads or here.

Expert Support and Services
Choosing Aestuver means gaining access to a team of fire protection experts who offer personalized support and project-specific solutions. From planning to installation, Aestuver provides comprehensive services to ensure your fire protection systems are effective and compliant. The company offers a range of services, including planning and project support, technical customer service at the building site, and exploratory tunnel-fire tests.

Aestuver offers individual advice that is fair, needs-based, and personalized. Besides tailor-made products, they also offer extensive services at no cost. Aestuver sees itself as a supplier of integrated system solutions, from planning to installation and beyond. Their logistics service center guarantees just-in-time delivery to your building site, production facility, or any other location, ensuring that your projects run smoothly and efficiently.

 

Conclusion

Aestuver fire protection panels offer unparalleled fire protection, durability, and ease of maintenance, making them the ideal choice for tunnel construction and other demanding environments.
Their compliance with international standards and the support from Aestuver’s expert team further enhance their value, ensuring that your projects are safe, reliable, and efficient.
Contact us to discuss your fire protection requirements.

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