How are structural members that are required to resist fire treatment treated?

Structural members that are required to resist fire treatment receive a fire-resistive coating to enhance their fire resistance. This coating helps to protect the structural elements from the effects of high temperatures during a fire, thereby prolonging their integrity and stability. The application of a fire-resistive material is essential in various building designs, particularly for components that are exposed to potential fire hazards, as it allows these materials to maintain their load-bearing capacity longer than untreated members in the event of a fire.

Leaving the members untreated would not provide the necessary protection and would put the structure and occupants at risk during a fire event. Coating only in high-risk areas might lead to inconsistent fire protection throughout the structure, which is against building safety regulations. Wrapping in fiberglass is not a typical method for fireproofing structural members, as fiberglass does not inherently provide the same level of fire resistance as specialized fire-resistive coatings. Therefore, applying a fire-resistive coating is the standard practice for meeting safety requirements in construction.