Vds 2234en

Publication by the German Insurers on
loss prevention
Firewalls and complex partition walls

Leaflet for arrangement and construction
FW: h 0 cm
CPW: h 50 cm
h
K 90
I 90 H 2m
R 90
S 90
F 90
T 90 T 90
Vervielfältigungen/Veröffentlichungen – auch für innerbetriebliche Verwendung – nicht gestattet
non-combustible
Heruntergeladen von IP 5.226.71.180 am 16.09.2024 - 14:54
cover
The roof membrane is

not taken across the wall
FW: h 0,3 m
© VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH
CPW: h 0,5 m
VdS 2234en : 2024-05 (07)

2
VdS 2234en : 2024-05 (07)
VdS 2234en : 2024-05 (07) Firewalls and complex partition walls

Leaflet for arrangement and construction
Content 1 Preliminary remarks

1 Preliminary remarks.............................3
This leaflet substantiates the requirements for
2 Special notes........................................4 firewalls and complex partition walls and their
construction from the point of view of industrial
3 Terms and definitions...........................4
fire insurance. It was compiled in consultation
3.1 Fire compartment....................................4
with the Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie
3.2 Building elements with a fire
e.V. (BDI) (Federation of German Industry), based
resistance class of 90 minutes................4
on building law regulations.
3.3 Complex...................................................4
3.4 Explanations of spatial fire-
Fire hazard constitutes a serious threat for indus-
compartment or complex separations
trial and commercial businesses. Fire and fire
with intermediate structures....................5
business interruption insurance may cover mate-
4 Arrangement.........................................6 rial damages; however, non-replaceable losses,
4.1 Buildings of the same height...................6 like loss of life, health or the natural livelihood or
4.2 Buildings of differing height.....................7 loss of market participation or migration of expe-
4.3 Effect of angle..........................................9 rienced employees, are of greater importance.
5 Construction, requirements
and proofs..........................................10 Fire hazards in a business can effectively be
countered by preventive fire protection measures.
6 Construction.......................................13 Implementation of the measures presented in this
6.1 Stability..................................................13 leaflet can have a favourable influence on risk
6.2 Openings...............................................15 and premium-related evaluation by the insurer. If
6.3 Engaging or bridging components.......22 damage progression is limited through joint effort
6.4 Joints.....................................................22 of all involved, this will in future be of advantage
6.5 Connection to roofs and roof to all insured parties.
construction...........................................23
6.6 Double-leaf walls...................................26 This leaflet is based on the current perception of
6.7 Exterior wall range.................................26 fire protection. It contains recommendations which
6.8 System walls..........................................27 are aimed at reducing fire hazards and the con-
7 Exterior walls......................................28 sequences thereof. It is the intention to update
this leaflet in mutual consultation, if fundamental
8 Free-standing walls............................28 changes in fire protection technology should arise.
9 Arrangement and installation of

components of the photovoltaic In principle the leaflet applies to newly to be
systems (PV systems) to buildings erected businesses, taking into consideration
or on their roofs .................................. 29 the specific fire protection requirements. Existing
9.1 PV modules on the roof.........................29 businesses should adapt their fire protection
9.2 PV modules on roofs.............................29 measures within the framework of options given
9.3 PV modules mounted to or into in this leaflet.
the façade..............................................31
Compared to the version of January 2008 the la-

10 Literature/Sources..............................31 test amendments of the present leaflet refer to the
10.1 GDV/VdS Guidelines.............................31 arrangement of photovoltaic modules to prevent
10.2 DIN Standards.......................................31 as far as possible any adverse effect on the struc-
10.3 Technical construction regulations........31 tural separation realised with firewalls and com-
10.4 Literature................................................31 plex partition walls in the building and avoid any
10.5 Specific amendments............................31 impediment to effective firefighting.
3
Firewalls and complex partition walls VdS 2234en : 2024-05 (07)
A retrospective removal or reduction of fire pro- 3 Terms and definitions

tection measures can be taken as an increase of
fire hazard (§§ 23 to 32 "VVG"). 3.1 Fire compartment
Fire protection measures requested by building

authorities, industrial inspectorates and government A fire compartment consists of one or more buil-
safety organisations remain unaffected by this leaflet. dings, building sections or open storages, which
have no spatial or constructional separation
This leaflet is not regarded as agreed safety re- among themselves, however are separated from
gulation according to § 7 "AFB", provided that other buildings, building sections or storages.
nothing else has been agreed in individual cases.
Spatial fire compartment separation is on hand
if the distance between buildings or storages of
2 Special notes non-combustible material outdoors is at least 5 m.
Firewalls (FW) confine fire compartments. They For storages of combustible material outdoors, a
are intended to prevent the spreading of fire and minimum distance of 20 m is required.
fumes to other buildings or building sections.
Constructional fire compartment separation is
Complex partition walls (CPW) meet higher requi- on hand if buildings, building sections or storages
rements than firewalls. They separate buildings are separated by a firewall according to this leaflet.
or building sections into complexes.
3.2 Building elements with a fire
The requirements for complex partition walls are
resistance class of 90 minutes
printed in blue in the brochure.
Explanatory notes on deviating building law regu- These are components:

lations are printed in italics. J which have a fire resistance class of at least
F 90-AB according to DIN 4102-4, or
Diagrams show examples of implementation prin- J for which a fire resistance class of at least F 90-
ciples; firewalls and complex partition walls are AB according to DIN 4102-2 has been proven
presented in red, and fire-resistant components in fire tests, and a "general building authority
with a classified resistance of at least 90 minutes test certificate" has been issued.
are presented in yellow.
Note: The essential components of these building

European classification of firewalls: REI 90-M (load- elements, such as load bearing components, are
bearing walls) or EI 90-M (on-load-bearing walls) made of non-combustible materials.
with M = Resistance to mechanical impact on walls
3.3 Complex
Classification F 90-A: With a classified fire resi-
stance of at least 90 minutes and from non-com-
bustible materials A complex consists of one or more buildings,
J load-bearing walls: REI 90 and from non- building sections or open storages, which have
combustible building material. no spatial or constructional separation among
J non-load-bearing walls: EI 90 and from non- themselves, however are separated from other
combustible building material buildings, building sections or storages.
Classification F 180-A: With a fire resistance of at
least 180 minutes and from non-combustible ma- The complex is the basis for calculating the high-
terials est possible damage and a risk-related premium
J load-bearing walls: REI 180 and from non- for fire and fire business interruption insurance.
combustible building material.
J non-load-bearing walls: EI 180 and from non- Spatial separation of a complex is on hand, if
combustible building material the minimum distance
Note: Unfortunately, there is no European classifi- J between buildings with a height of 5 m to 20 m,

cation for complex partition walls. is equal to the height of the higher building,
J to outdoor storages of combustible material is
at least 20 m,
4
J between other buildings and/or storages of Building connecting components (bridges, tun-
5 m is maintained. nels, etc.) do not cancel a spatial fire-compart-
ment or complex separation (see Fig. 3b), if
For special risk situations, e.g. high bay storage
systems, explosion hazard, buildings with a height J they are generally made of non-combustible
of more than 20 m, increased minimum distances materials,
may be required, which would have to be deter- J combustible objects and substances aren’t
mined for each individual case. placed, kept or stored in the space between
the buildings or in course of the connecting
Minimum distances component,
J to open storages of combustible material: 20 m J a spread and transmission of fire and smoke
J otherwise: 5 m are excluded by
J
accesses on both sides of the connecting
Constructional complex separation is on hand component,
if buildings, building sections or storages are se- J
a horizontal and vertical angle influence in the
parated by a complex partition wall according to connection area of connecting components on
this leaflet. both external walls of the building, and
J
a static failure of the connecting components
in the sense of a kinematic chain is excluded.
3.4 Explanations of spatial fire-compart-
ment or complex separations with inter-
The accesses of the connecting component can
mediate structures
be protected either on both sides of the connec-
tion each with a closure (door, gate) classified with
If the distance between two opposite buildings a fire resistance duration of at least 30 minutes or
is less than the height of the higher building or on one side with a closure classified with a fire
less than 5 m, the constructional construction of resistance duration of at least 90 minutes. These
the opposite external in particular walls must be closures shall be permanently closed or closed
taken into account when assessing the spatial timely and in complete manner in the event of fire,
separation of fire-compartments or complexes if necessary by means of a hold-open device.
between buildings. Due to experience, external
walls including their opening closures made of If pipes are routed over the building connecting
non-combustible materials and/or with a classi- component, the requirements in paragraph 6.2.3
fied fire resistance can help to limit the hazards of to 6.2.7 shall be followed as well.
fire spread and transmission.
Note: The alternative solution described here,

does however not take into account the debris
shadow of a possible downfall of an external wall
in the event of fire. It makes therefore sense to
involve the concerned insurer in the planning and
implementation of the above solution at an early
stage.
Figure 3b: Constructions and their location that

do not affect a spatial separation
5
4 Arrangement
Firewalls are of importance from the point of view
of insurance and fire protection, e.g.
J for the division of expanded production and

Storage
Storage storage areas,
Production J for isolation of plants, essential for production,
J for a constructional separation between areas
Management
of differing utilisation,
J for constructional separation between areas
protected by automatic fire extinguishing sys-
tems and unprotected areas,
J for constructional separation between areas
protected by fire alarm systems and unpro-
tected areas,
Figure 1: Firewalls and complex partition walls bet- J as substitute for spatial distance to other buil-
ween sectors of differing utilisation dings or storages outdoors.
These statements also apply to complex partiti-

on walls. Complex partition walls are particularly
well-suited for isolating different hazard areas.
4.1 Buildings of the same height
For roofs that are not fire-resistant or made of

combustible building materials, the fire walls bet-
ween buildings of the same height must project
at least as follows beyond the adjoining roof sur-
faces or the shed top (for further information, see
FW: ü ≥ 30cm
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm section 6.5):
ü
J For new buildings: 50 cm

J For existing buildings:

J
30 cm or
J
50 cm for major structural alterations.
Notes: According to the guideline of buil-

Figure 2: Wall construction for buildings of the same
ding authorities on the structural fire protec-
height tion in industrial buildings (industrial building
guideline – „IndBauRL”), at least 50 cm are
required.
A roof overhang of 80 cm has been proven to

protect fire brigade staff from radiation heat.
6
FW: a ≥ 5m J roofs with a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes

CPW: a ≥ 7m must be connected directly to the adjoining
Firewall. It suffices if the roof on both sides of
the firewall is constructed without an opening
a
for at least 5m and is constructed including
the bearing structure with a fire resistance of
a
at least 90 minutes and from non-combustible
material (F 90-A), see also Section 6.5: Con-
nection to roofs and roof construction).
Note: The cantilever plates in the connection

Roof F 90-A and
to the firewall allowed by some State building
roof structure regulations, was proven to be insufficient for
without openings
roofs with combustible building material.
F 90-A
A complex partition wall

Figure 3: Wall construction for roof with a fire
resistance of at least 90 minutes
J in connection with roofs with a fire resistance
less than 90 minutes, or roofs constructed
with combustible materials must extend to at
least 50 cm (recommended 80 cm) above ad-
joining roof surfaces or the shed apex;
J in connection with roofs with a fire resistance
of at least 90 minutes must join directly. It suf-
fices if the roof on both sides of the firewall is
constructed without an opening for at least
7 m and is constructed including the bear
ing structure a fire resistance of at least 90
minutes and from non-combustible material
(F 90-A), see also Section 6.5: Connection to
roofs and roof construction).
4.2 Buildings of differing height

FW: ü ≥ 0cm
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm
ü For a height difference of less than 2 m, a firewall
in accordance with Section 4.1 must be construc
∆ H ≥ 2m ted as for buildings of equal height.
These requirements also apply to complex parti-

tion walls.
For buildings with a height difference of more than

2 m, the following options are available:
J The firewall must be constructed up to the roof

skin of the higher building.
Note: According to some State building regula

Figure 4: Firewall constructed up to the roof skin of tions, the firewall must extend to 30 cm above
the higher building roof skin height, except for buildings of low
height.
J The complex partition wall must be constructed

up to the roof skin of the higher building; for
roofs with a fire resistance less than 90 mi-
nutes and for roofs constructed with combu-
stible materials it must extend to at least 50 cm
(recommended 80 cm) above adjoining roof
surfaces or the shed apex.
7
Wall without openings and constructed of non-combustible material J The firewall must be constructed at least up
to the roof skin of the lower building. The roof
FW: a ≥ ∆ H; 5m ≤ a ≤ 15m
CPW: a ≥ ∆ H; 7m ≤ a ≤ 15m
of the lower building, including the roof bea-
ring structure, must be constructed with a fire
resistance of at least 90 minutes and from
∆H non-combustible material (F 90-A), which is
corresponding to the height difference of the
a buildings and needs to be at least 5m but not
more than 15 m., The roof may not have any
openings in this section. If combustible roof
sheeting is present in this area, it must be pro-
tected by a layer of gravel, at least 5 cm thick.
Roof F 90-A and roof The wall above the firewall may not have any
structure without openings openings and must be constructed from non-
F 90-A combustible material.
Figure 5: Construction of the lower building J The complex partition wall must be constructed
at least up to the roof skin of the lower building.
The roof of the lower building, including the
roof bearing structure, must be constructed
with a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes and
from non-combustible material (F 90-A), which
is corresponding to the height difference of the
buildings and needs to be at least 7 m but not
more than 15 m, The roof may not have any
openings in this section. If combustible roof
sheeting is present in this region, it must be
protected by a layer of gravel, at least 5 cm
thick. The wall above the complex parti tion
wall may not have any openings and must be
constructed of non-combustible material.
FW: a ≥ ∆ H; 5m ≤ a ≤ 15m
J The firewall must be erected at a distance
CPW: a ≥ ∆ H; 7m ≤ a ≤ 15m from the higher building section, which corre-
sponds to the difference in height between

the buildings, but must be at least 5 m. More
than 15 m is not required.
∆H
J The complex partition wall must be erected at
a a distance from the higher building section,
which corresponds to the difference in height
between the buildings, but must be at least
7 m. More than 15 m is not required.
Figure 6: Building at a distance from the higher buil-

ding section
8
4.3 Effect of angle
If buildings or building sections are arranged at

an angle of <120° to each other, increased dan-
ger arises of fire spreading across. Therefore the
following applies:
J The distance of the firewall from the inner cor-

ner must be at least 5 m, or
FW: a ≥ 5m
CPW: a ≥ 7m
Figure 7: Effect of angle – wall at a distance
J one of the two exterior walls must be constructed

for a length of at least 5 m with a fire resistance
of at least 90 minutes and non-combustible
F 90-A
material (F 90-A), or parts of both exterior walls
at the inner angle must be constructed for a
length of at least 5 m (measured horizontally
diagonally) with a fire resistance of at least 90
minutes and non-combustible material (F 90-
A). This section of the wall may not have any
openings unless they are protected with a fire
resistance of at least 90 minutes and no roof
T 90
overhang of combustible material is allowed.
a
Note: Some State building regulations require
FW: a ≥ 5m firewall quality for this wall section.
CPW: a ≥ 7m
Figure 8: Effect of angle – wall section F 90-A It is a prerequisite for both constructions, that the
eaves are at more or less the same height. Else

the firewall in the higher building or the exterior
wall with a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes
must be arranged at the higher building.
These requirements also apply to complex par-

tition walls, however, 7 m must be taken instead
Wrong
of 5 m.
Right
Figure 9: Measuring the wall section incorrect/correct
9
5 Construction, requirements motion of a test bag (weight: 200 kg) from a drop
and proofs height of 2,0 m.
These requirements for complex partition walls

Firewalls, including bracing components, are are fulfilled by walls, when they comply with
in accordance with fire resistance class F 90-A the requirements regarding arrangement and
according to DIN 4102. They prevent spreading construction of this leaflet.
of fire through flames, heat conduction, heat ra-
diation and fumes for at least 90 minutes. They According to DIN 4102-4 and according to test
retain their stability under three times impact of certificates, firewalls can be constructed from
3,000 Nm and maintain the room sealing accor- masonry according to DIN 1053 without mortar in
ding to DIN 4102-2. butt joints, which may have a width of 5 mm and
more (see also Tables 1 and 2). When using walls
The room sealing according to DIN 4102-2 is re- of this construction type in smoke sensitive areas,
garded as having been achieved, if a defined ball their technical risk suitability must be evaluated
of cotton wool is held against the wall on the op- separately or they have to be fully plastered on
posite side of the fire during a fire test at the worst both sides.
possible arrangements (cracks, gaps, connec-
tions) of the building element being tested, and These requirements also apply to complex parti-
does not ignite. The tightness of the room-sealing tion walls.
element against passage of cold or mildly warm
smoke is monitored, but is not a criterion for pas-
sing the test.
The following building authority proofs of ap-

plicability currently apply for different types of
firewalls:
J standardised construction according to DIN

4102-4 (see Table 1), or
J general building authority concession (only for
walls of reinforced gas concrete), or
J general building authority test certificate of an
accredited testing institute, or
J approval by the responsible highest level buil-

ding authority of the federa states in individual
cases.
Decisive key figures for firewalls of standardised

construction are raw density class, allowed slen-
derness ratio, minimum wall thickness and mini-
mum pitch of reinforcement. Raw density class
specifies the class upper limit of raw density in
[kg/dm³].
Technical specifications of the proofs of applica-

bility are binding.
Complex partition walls, including bracing compo

nents, correspond to fire resistance class F 180-A
according to DIN 4102. They retain their sta-
bility under three times impact of 4,000 Nm
and maintain the room sealing according to

DIN 4102-2. Testing of impact resistance must be
done according to the procedure described in
DIN 4102-3, whereby the required impact energy
of 4,000 Nm is generated through a swinging fall
10
Table 1
The following construction types comply with the requirements for:
Row Construction characteristics raw Allowed minimum thickness d (cm) Slenderness Minimum
den- hs/d2) pitch of re-
single-leaf double-leaf
sity inforcement
construction construction10)
class u (cm)
1 Walls of normal concrete according to DIN 1045
1.1 Non-reinforced concrete — 20.0 2 x 18.0
Dimensioning
according to
1.2 Reinforced concrete according to
DIN 1045
DIN 1045
1.2.1 - non-load-bearing — 12.0 2 x 10.0
1.2.2 - load-bearing — 14.0 1) 2 x 12.0 1) 25 2.5
2 Walls of lightweight concrete with no-fines lightweight texture according to DIN 4232
2.1 ≥ 1.4 25.0 2 x 20.0 Dimensioning
according to n. a.
2.2 ≥ 0.8 30.0 2 x 20.0 DIN 4232
3 Walls of reinforced gas concrete
Non-load-bearing wall panels of
3.1 ≥ 0.7 17.5 2 x 17.5 2.0
strength class 4.4
Dimensioning
Non-load-bearing wall panels of according to
3.2 ≥ 0.6 20.0 2 x 20.0 3.0
strength class 3.3 approval do-
cument
Load-bearing, standing wall panels of
3.3 ≥ 0.7 20.0 2) 20.0 2) 2.0 2)
strength class 4.4
4 Walls of reinforced prefab brick components according to DIN 1053
Vertically perforated panel with bricks according
4.1 — 16.5 2 x 16.5 25
for full plaster butt joints to DIN 1053
4.2 Joined panels with two layers of bricks — 24.0 2 x 16.5 25 Part 4
5 Walls of masonry according to DIN 1053-1 und -2, utilising normal mortar of mortar group II, IIa, III or Illa
8)
Solid bricks and perforated bricks ≥ 1.4 3) 24.0 2 x 17.5

according to DIN 105-1 ≥ 1.0 30.0 (24.0) 2 x 20.0 (2 x 17.5)
5.1
Lightweight perforated brick according
≥ 0.8 36.5 6) (30.0) 2 x 24.0 (2 x 17.5)
to DIN 105-2
≥ 1.8 24.0 5) 2 x 17.5
Sand lime brick according to ≥ 1.4 24.0 2 x 17.5 9)
5.2 DIN 106-1 and Part 1 A14) (currently in
construction) and -2 ≥ 0.9 30.0 (30.0) 2 x 20.0 (2 x 17.5) Dimensioning
= 0.8 30.0 2 x 24.0 (2 x 17.5) according to
DIN 1053 n. a.
Gas concrete bricks according to
5.3 -1 3)
DIN 4165
5.3.1 ≥ 0.6 30.0 2 x 24.0 -2 3)
5.3.2 ≥ 0.6 7) 24.0 2 x 17.5

5.3.3 ≥ 0.5 11) 30.0 2 x 24.0

Concrete bricks according to
5.4
DIN 18151/18152/18153
5.4.1 ≥ 0.8 24.0 (17.5) 2 x 17.5 (2 x 17.5)
5.4.2 ≥ 0.6 30.0 (24.0) 2 x 24.0 (2 x 17.5)
The ( )-values apply to walls plastered according to DIN 41024, Section 4.5.2.10
1) Provided that no higher values are demanded according to DIN 41024, Table 35, due to a high load factor
2) Provided that no higher values are demanded according to DIN 41024, Table 44, due to a high load factor
3) Excentricity e ≤ d/3
4) Also for thin layer mortar

5) When using thin layer mortar and cast bricks d = 175 mm
6) When using lightweight mortar; load factor a 2 ≥ 0.6
7) When using thin layer mortar and cast bricks with mortar in butt and horizontal joints
8) For further information see e.g. [2]
9) When using thin layer mortar and cast bricks: d = 150 mm
10) There are no requirements regarding the distance between the two leaves
11) When using thin layer mortar and cast bricks with tongue and groove, only for mortar in butt and horizontal joints
11
Table 2
The following construction types comply with the requirements for complex partition walls:
Row Construction characteristics Minimum thickness d (cm)

single-leaf double-leaf
construction construction
Walls of masonry according to DIN 1053-1, built with mortar group II, IIa, III
1
or Illa, utilising
Masonry bricks according to DIN 105, solid or perforated bricks
1.1 36.5 2 x 24
(excluding long hole bricks)
1.2 Lime sand bricks according to DIN 106-1 and -2 36.5 2 x 24
1.3 Slag bricks according to DIN 398 36.5 2 x 24
1.4 Gas concrete block bricks and gas concrete cast bricks according to DIN 4165 36.5 2 x 24
Gas concrete cast bricks of strength class P4 and P6; gross density class ≥ 0.7;
1.5 36.5 2 x 24
mortar in butt and horizontal joints
1.6 Cavity block bricks of lightweight concrete according to DIN 18 151 36.5 2 x 24
1.7 Solid and solid block bricks of lightweight concrete according to DIN 18 152 36.5 2 x 24
1.8 Cavity block bricks of concrete according to DIN 18 153 36.5 2 x 24
2 Walls of normal concrete, utilising
non-reinforced concrete according to DIN 1045
24 2 x 18
2.1 load factor α1 = 0.5
30 2 x 18
load factor α1 = 1.0
2.2 reinforced concrete according to DIN 1045, non-load-bearing, bedded or standing 18 2 x 14
reinforced concrete according to DIN 1045, load-bearing
20 2 x 14
2.3 load factor α1 = 0.5
30 2 x 18
load factor α1 = 1.0
Walls of lightweight concrete with no-fines lightweight texture according to
3 35 2 x 24
DIN 4232
4 Walls of reinforced gas concrete, of at least strength class 4.4, utilising
4.1 non-load-bearing, bedded wall panels with gross density class ≥ 0.6 24 2 x 20
load-bearing, standing wall panels with gross density class ≥ 0.7
4.2 load factor α1 = 0.5 24 2 x 20

load factor α1 = 1.0 30 2 x 20
5 Walls of prefab brick components according to DIN 1053-4 24 2 x 16.5
12
6 Construction
Firewalls must be constructed without offset
through all storeys.
Complex partition walls must be constructed

without offset through all storeys.
Figure 10: Offset firewalls or complex partition walls

are not allowed
6.1 Stability
6.1.1 General requirements
Firewalls may not be connected with components

or technical constructions like props, trusses, cei-
ling joists or crane runways in such a way that
the stability of the firewall would be compromised
through expansion or collapse of these compo
nents in case of fire.
Figure 11: Collapse as a result of elongation
If danger exists of adjacent components exerting

forces on the firewall in case of fire, provision
a a must be made for sufficient space between the
firewall and the components.

tion walls.
a: sufficient expansion
gap as per static

calculation
Figure 12: Static separation
13
6.1.2 Connections
Anchor from
flat stainless Statically required connections, which have to
steel
Insulating layer absorb the impact load according to DIN 4102-
3, must be constructed in such a way that the
stability and functionality of the firewalls is not
compromised. Construction of connections is
in accordance with DIN 4102-4 or the proofs of
Steel angle applicability.

tion walls.
Insulating layer
Steel angle
Figure 13: Examples of connection of firewalls to ad-

joining walls or ceilings according to DIN 4102-4
Anchoring of wall plates:

Lugs (or clips) are welded
to the profile
Joint filler
Mortar of Group II, II-A or III Lug

according to DIN 1053, Part 1
Joint filler
Anchor
Joint filler
rail
Plaster or
similar covering
Nailing lug with Mortar of

6 stainless steel nails Group II, II-A
or III according
to DIN 1053, Part 1
Figure 14: Examples of connections of firewalls to ad-

joining walls or ceilings according to DIN 4102-4
6.1.3 Bracings
As an essential element of the stability, braces of

firewalls must at least comply with fire resistance
class F 90-A. Construction of braces is in accor-
dance with DIN 4102-4 or the proofs of applica-
bility.
Braces of complex partition walls must at least

comply with fire resistance class F 180-A. Their
construction is in accordance with DIN 4102-4 or

the proofs of applicability according to DIN 4102-2.
14
6.2 Openings
Openings in firewalls are not allowed in principle.

If they are required for operational purposes, they
K 90
I 90 must be protected with a fire resistance of at least
R 90
90 minutes.
S 90
Wall openings are regarded to be adequately
F 90
T 90
protected if they are furnished with
T 90
J Fire protecting colsures T 90 (EI2 90-C5 accor-

ding to European fire resistance class),
J Glazing of fire resistance class F 90 (EI 90
according to European fire resistance class),
J fire dampers against spreading of fire in venti-
lation ducts of fire resistance class K 90 (EI 90
Figure 15: Openings, which are protected with a fire according to European fire resistance class),
resistance of at least 90 minutes J Fire stop seals for cable ducts of fire resistance
class S 90 (EI 90 according to European fire
resistance class),
J Installation channels for ducting electrical in-
stallations of fire resistance class I 90 (EI 90
according to European fire resistance class).
Conductors, cables, pipes, etc. may not exercise

undue forces on the wall.
These requirements also apply to complex par-

tition walls. However, per storey with a wall area
Wall openings for cable and pipe ducts, J of up to 220 m2 a maximum of four openings
which are not taken into consideration
in establishing the number of with a total area of 22 m2 (including slip doors),
openings and total area
of openings.
J of more than 220 m2 a maximum of four ope-
nings with a total area of 10 % (including slip
doors),
may be present.
Fire stop seals for cable and pipe ducts are not ta-
ken into consideration in establishing the number
of openings and total area of openings.
Figure 16: Area of openings in complex partition walls

15
6.2.1 Fire protection closures

Fire detector
Fire protection closures are constructioned to
Locking sequence controller
Door closer Power protect necessary openings for operation in fire-
supply
compartment walls or complex partitions walls as
passageways. In the event of a fire, they must be
Clamping magnet Clamping magnet
Fire-resisting
closed timely, completely and prevent the spread
closure
of fire over the openings to be protected for a suf-
Closing area
must be kept ficiently long time.
clear!
Manual
triggering
T 90 Fire doors or shuttles must be constrcted with
a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes (T 90, EI2
90-C5) according to DIN 4102-5 and self-locking
Locking area
according to DIN 4102-18. They must either com-
ply with a standardised construction type or must
be approved in terms of general building authori-
Figure 17: Fire barriers with hold-open system ties. If fire doors or shuttles are to be kept open for
operational purposes, they must be furnished with
hold-open systems approved in terms of gene-
ral building authorities. All fire doors and shuttles
must be closed after working hours according to
the “Allgemeine Sicherheitsvorschriften der Feuer-
versicherer für Fabriken und gewerbliche Anlagen
Fire detector (ASF)”, VdS 2038, even if they are furnished with
hold-open systems.
Power supply with
Door closer control system Fire doors and shuttles in complex partition walls
T 90
must be furnished with hold-open systems ap-
Close the
door! proved in terms of general building authorities.
If fixed track conveyors traverse through the fire-

Clamping
Manual magnet wall, fire shuttles for fixed track conveyors T 90,
triggering
approved by general building authorities, are re-
quired. According to the general building autho-
rity certification, they must be approved by a VdS

specialist or a specialist from another testing in-
stitute, appointed thereto by the German Institute
for Construction Technology (DIBt).
Figure 18: Conveyor shuttles
tion walls.
Fire doors and shuttles protecting openings in

firewalls to smoke-sensitive areas, must also
comply with the requirements for smoke protec-

tion doors according to DIN 18095.

tion walls.
16
If a driverless transport system (DTS) is used

which drives through the firewall, the respective
fire protection closure and the DTS must be co-
ordinated in such a way that the fire protection
closure can close timely and completely in the
event of a fire and the closing process is not hin-
dered or impaired by the DTS. For this purpose, it
is among other things necessary that in the event
of a fire, DTSs do not stay in the acting area of fire
protection closures, for example due to a power
failure or an incorrect arrangement of the stop
points for the inductive control of DTSs.
The proper functioning of this fire protection clo-

sure in conjunction with DTS shall be accepted
and documented by an expert inspection body,
Figure 18b: Driverless Transport System (DTS). e.g. the VdS Technical Testing Laboratory.

tions.
17
6.2.2 Safety transition room
Safety transition room may be required in fire-

walls between rooms where explosions or quick
spreading of fire can be expected. Safety tran-
F 90-A
sition room must be constructed with a fire resi-
stance of at least 90 minutes and must consist of
non-combustible materials and must be equipp-
T 90 ted with self-locking fire doors of fire resistance
class T 90 (EI2-C5). The distance between fire
≥ 3m
T 90 doors must be at least 3 m. Hold-open systems
are not allowed for these locks.
Safety transition room may be required in com-

plex partition walls between rooms where explo-
sions or quick spreading of fire can be expected.
Figure 19: Safety lock
6.2.3 Non-combustible pipelines

Essential wall lead-through of pipes and pipe
bundles must be constructed according acknow-
ledged regulations of technology and technical
building regulations. They should preferably be
mounted within the lower third of a firewall, so
that pipes falling down cannot exert any forces
on the wall.
The following constructions have proven them-

selves for protecting lead-through for pipes of
non-combustible material – excluding aluminium
– with an outer diameter up to 160 mm and for
non-combustible media:
Figure 20: Piping for non-combustible pipes J Sand pockets below firewalls, for lines moun-
ted near floor height;
J Y-Sand pockets in the wall for pipe lead-
through (Figure 20);
J Sleeves from non-combustible material (buil-
ding material class DIN 4102-A1) for pipelines
moving in the plain of the firewall, whereby the
remaining space between the pipeline and the
wall is to be filled with a non-combustible ma-
terial with a melting point of higher than 1000°C,

e.g. mineral wool;
J A compensator in front of and behind the fire
wall for stationary pipelines, whereby the space
between the pipeline and the wall is to be com-
pletely filled with mortar or fire-resistant mortar;
J Conveyor shuttles T 90 (EI2 90-C5), approved
by general building authorities or mechanical
pipe bulkheads R 90 (EI 90) for pneumatic ex-

traction systems or conveyors, suitable for this
application.
18
Non-combustible Building
Spreading of fire through heat conduction in non-
pipe sleeve material class combustible pipelines must be prevented. An
DIN 4102-A1 opened
mineral fibre insulating sleeve of building material
Movable class DIN 4102-A with a melting point higher than
pipeline
1,000°C for a length of ≥ 500 mm on both sides
stationary of the wall can be specified for this purpose. The
pipeline
thickness of this sleeve should be at least 60 mm.
T 90 Fire barrier
for pneumatic
conveyors
In order to protect the lead-through of pipelines
Clamping
with combustible media like fuel, and for gas
magnet lines, supplementary fire protection measures,
closed like for instance closing off the pipeline at both
Lyra arches on sides of the wall, may be necessary and must be
Mortar or fire
both sides of
the wall Required
specified for each individual case.
resistant mortar
These requirements also apply to bulkheads for

Figure 21: Wall bulkhead for non-combustible pipe- non-combustible pipelines in complex partition
lines
walls.
6.2.4 Combustible pipelines

Lead-through of combustible pipelines through
firewalls must be avoided as a matter of principle.
If this is not possible, they must be sealed off with
fire barriers of fire resistance class R 90 (EI 90),
R 90 approved by general building authorities.

combustible pipelines in complex partition walls.
Figure 22: Wall bulkhead for combustible

pipelines
6.2.5 Cables and cable trays

S 90
Cables and cable trays must be sealed off with
cable fire barriers of fire resistance class S 90 (EI
90), approved by general building authorities. In

case of fire, no detrimental forces are to be ex-
T 90
pected on the seal-off, if the requirements of the
approval certificates are complied with.

cables and cable trays in complex partition walls.
Figure 23: Firestop seal for cables
19
6.2.6 Glazing
F 90 Parts of walls can consist of glazing of fire resis

tance class F 90 (EI 90), which are approved by
general building authorities.
These requirements also apply to glazing of com-

plex partition walls.
Figure 24: Glazing
6.2.7 Ventilation and air conditioning ducts

If ventilation or air conditioning ducts pass through
firewalls, the openings must be protected by a
damper to prevent the spreading of fire in ven-
tilation ducts (K 90 (EI 90)). These fire protec-
tion flaps must be certified by a general building
authority approval (or a test mark) by the German
Institute for Construction Technology (Details on
ventilation and air conditioning ducts: VdS 2298).
K 90 For horizontal ventilation ducts from steel shee-

K 90 ting with an out insulating cover, the fixtures and
suspenders must be constructed according to
DIN 4102-4, Section 8.5). For such horizontal
ducts with a length of more than 5 m between
Figure 25: Ventilation and air conditioning ducts firewalls, compensators must be fitted to prevent
horizontal forces from developing as a result of
duct expansion.

ventilation and air conditioning ducts in complex
partition walls.
20
6.2.8 Openings of lift wells

FW/CPW
Lift well of with a fire resistance of at least 90
Lift wall (FW)
minutes (F 90 (REI 90)) should be not simulta
neously a part of a firewall. If this is unavoidable,
the walls of the lift well must be constructed like
firewalls and be firmly connected with the firewall.
These requirements also apply to walls of lift wells

as part of complex partition walls.
Lift shaft door according to
DIN 18090 to 18092 or
according to general building
Lift shaft authority approval
Figure 26: Lift well, which simultaneously forms part

of a firewall or complex partition wall
If it is possible to pass through the lift, then a safe

FW/CPW ty transition room of non-combustible material and
Lift shaft wall (FW)
a fire door with a fire resistance of at least 90 mi-
Lift shaft
nutes (T 90 (EI2 90-C5)) according to Section 6.2.1
T 90
must be provided, whereby the wall of lift welland
the walls of the safety transition room must be
constructed like a firewall. It is not allowed to use
tested and approved lift doors instead of the re-
quired fire doors because of the differing degrees
of protection. The distance between fire doors
(T 90 (EI2 90-C5)) and lift doors may be reduced
correspondingly in this case (compare Section
Lift shaft door according to 6.2.2 Safety locks).
DIN 18090 to 18092 or according
to general building authority

approval These requirements also apply to openings of lift
well in of complex partition walls.
Figure 27: Lift well with pass-through option
21
6.3 Engaging or bridging components
d
Firewalls may only be weakened by engaging
components to the extent that the remaining wall
thickness remains stable and fireresistant F 90
(REI 90 or EI 90). The same applies for conduc-
tors, conduit slots and chimneys. Horizontal or
oblique cuts are not allowed.
Firewalls may not be bridged by combustible

material or building elements with a fire resi-
stance of at least 90 minutes. Steel girders and
steel columns may only bridge firewalls if they
d^
= F 90
are constructed with a fire resistance of at least
90 minutest, completely and at full length.
Figure 28: Engaging components Furthermore, bridging components may not ex-
ert any force on the firewalls.
Components may not engage into complex par-

tition walls. The other requirements also apply to
complex partition walls.
6.4 Joints
Mineral wool Building

material class DIN 4102-A1 Joints weaken a firewall. For this reason special
Melting point > 1,000°C construction measures are required to ensure
that spreading of fire and smoke to an adjacent
fire compartment is prevented in case of fire. A
joint has been constructed impeccably in terms
of fire protection technology if
J it has been compactly filled with non-combu-

stible, elastic mineral fibre material of building

Joint covering
material class DIN 4102-A1 with a melting point
of higher than 1,000°C, e.g. mineral wool, over
the full depth, or
J a proof of fire resistance class F 90 according
Figure 29: Joint construction to DIN 4102-2 has been presented for using
the joint construction in conjunction with the
wall construction type, or
J constructive measures have been implemen-
ted, e.g. angled joints and joint covering on
both wall surfaces with different steel sheets or

fire protection panels.
For further details see DIN 4102-4, Section 4.
For complex partition walls, proof of fire resi-

stance class F 180-A of joint construction in con-
junction with the type of wall construction accor-
ding to DIN 4102-2 must be provided.
22
6.5 Connection to roofs and roof

construction
Firewalls must be constructed beyond the roof or

ü the shed apex so that fires do not spread across
the firewall.
non-combustible
covering For roof boards of fire resistance class F 90 and of
The roof membrane is not non-combustible materials (e.g. reinforced con-
taken across the wall
crete, steel truss ceilings with underside cladding
with fire protection panels), the firewall must be
constructed beyond the roof if the moisture bar-
rier, insulating layer, adhesives or roof skin are
FW: ü ≥ 0,3m
of combustible material. Spreading of fire on the
CPW: ü ≥ 0,5m
roof and into the building on both sides of the fire-
wall through light domes or exhaust openings is
Figure 30: Connection to the wall for roof with a fire to be prevented thereby.
resistance less than 90 minutes andcombustible
insulation layer or combustible roof sheeting
Soft roof covering requires a construction of the
firewall of at least 50 cm above roof height. For
hard roof cladding, for which the applicability can
be proven with a general building authority certifi-
cate, the regulations of Section 4.1 apply.
Note: Soft roof covering does not comply with the

requirements of DIN 4102-7 and is therefore not
resistant to flying sparks and radiation heat.
Complex partition walls must be constructed at

least 50 cm above the roof covering or the shed
apex of the higher building (80 cm is recommen-
ded).
Roof openings must be at a distance of at least

5 m from firewalls.
FW: a ≥ 5m
CPW: a ≥ 7m
a
Roof openings must be at a distance of at least
a
7 m from complex partition walls.
For vegetated roofs, vegetation may not occur wi-

thin 1 m on either side of the firewall.

tion walls.
Figure 31: Distance of roof openings

23
6.5.1 Connection to flat roofs

Roof F90-A and without openings
Flat roofs including their bearing structures must

a ≥ 5m a ≥ 5m be constructed with a fire resistance of at least
90 minutes and non-combustible material (F 90-
A) within a range 5 m of either side of the fire-
wall. In addition roof surfaces must be without an
opening in this range. Combustible roof covering
may only be used in this area if it is protected by a
layer of gravel 16/32 of at least 5 cm thick.
F90-A F90-A
Flat roofs including their bearing structures must

be constructed with a fire resistance of at least
90 minutes and non-combustible material (F 90-
A) within a range 7 m on either side of the fire-
wall. In addition roof surfaces must be without
Figure 32: Connection of the firewall to a a roof with a an opening in this range.
fire resistance of at least 90 minutes
FW: ü ≥ 30cm
For flat roofs with a fire resistance less than 90 mi-
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm nutes and or from combustible material, the roof
overhang must be constructed according to the
adjacent figure.
ü
Complex partition walls must always be constructed

non-combustible 50 cm beyond the roof.
covering
The roof membrane is not

taken across the wall
Figure 33: Connection to the wall of flat roofs with a

fire resistance less than 90 minutes
24
6.5.2 Connection to shed, saddleback

or gully roofs
FW: ü ≥ 30cm
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm For shed, saddleback or gully roofs, which are
constructed with fire resistance of less than 90
minutes or from combustible building materials,
the firewall must be constructed at least 30 cm
ü
(80 cm is recommended) above the apex of the
higher building, or be joined to roofs with a fire
resistancance of at least 90 minutes.
For shed, saddleback or gully roofs, the complex

partition wall must be constructed at least 50 cm
(80 cm is recommended) above the apex.
Figure 34: Wall construction crossways to the shed
If the firewall runs parallel to the shed, the shed

roof, including associated structures, can be
constructed with a fire resistant of at least 90 mi-
nutes and from non-combustible materials (F 90-
F90-A
A), instead of a roof overhang.
Figure 35: Construction of firewall shed roofs with a

fire resistance of at least 90 minutes
For roofs with a low pitch (< 15°), constructed

with a fire resistance less than 90 minutes or com-
bustible building materials, the firewall must be
constructed up to a height where the horizontal
distance to the roof surface is at least 5m.
For roofs with a low pitch, constructed with a fire

resistance less than 90 minutes or combustible
building materials, the complex partition wall must
be constructed up to a height where the horizontal
distance to the roof surface is at least 7 m.
FW: ü ≥ 30cm, a ≥ 5m
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm, a ≥ 7m
Figure 36: Roof overhang for a complex partition wall

for very large roof widths
25
6.6 Double-leaf walls

FW: ü ≥ 30cm
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm
For double-leaf firewalls both leafs must be sta
ble, independently of each other.
ü
The leafs must have at least so much distance
between each other, that in case of a fire, thrust
forces will not destroy both.
The clearance must be kept free of combustible

material and may not be utilised (see Section 5.1,
Table 1 for construction details).
These requirements also apply to double-leaf

complex partition walls (see Section 5.2, Table 2).
Figure 37: Double-leaf wall construction
Opposite exterior walls of buildings can be

FW: ü ≥ 30cm
constructed like double-leaf firewalls.
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm
ü This also applies to double-leaf complex partition

walls.
∆ H < 2m Components (e.g. fire doors or gate closures,

fire glazing, cable and pipe bulkheads, etc), that
protecting openings in double-leaf firewalls and
complex partition walls, must be proven to be
suitable regarding fire protection technology for
these walls.

tion walls.
Figure 38: Double-leaf wall construction
6.7 Exterior wall range

FW: ü ≥ 50cm
CPW: ü ≥ 50cm
ü Combustible building materials may not bridge
the firewall on exterior walls. For exterior walls

with combustible building materials it is recom-
mended
J to construct firewalls at least 50 cm above the

exterior wall level, or
J to construct the exterior walls with a fire resi-
stance of at least 90 minutes and from non-
combustible material to 5 m of the range of

the firewall (see Figure 40).
Figure 39: Wall construction beyond the exterior wall

face
26
Combustible building materials may not bridge

the complex partition wall on exterior walls.
When connecting to exterior walls
J complex partition walls must be constructed

at least 50 cm above the exterior wall level, or
J the exterior walls must be constructed to 5 m
of the range with a fire resistance of at least 90
minutes and from non-combustible material
Figure 40: Construction of an exterior wall connecting

to Firewall
6.8 System walls

Covering:
Fire protection panels Besides firewalls of normal construction, industry
Connection to walls/ceilings:
Steel profiles (L-/U-profile) with
offers lightweight construction and dry-walling as
load anchor or metal pin firewall, complying with the test conditions for
firewalls according to DIN 4102-3. The technical
implementation of this type of construction, which
is normally used in storey construction, is subject
to stringent constructional constraints.
Steel trapeze profile and
level steel sheet
System walls in dry-wall and lightweight con
struction, are principally divided into standing and
component construction types, depending on the
substructures, which are covered on both sides
Stand of steel profiles (l-/U-profiles)

and level steel sheet
with single or multiple fire protection panels.
Figure 41: Examples for system walls in standard The following assembly conditions need to be
construction observed specifically:
J maximum wall height

J required connections and bracings
Substructure: Covering: J installation of components as protection of
Wall components of Fire protection panels
insulation and sheet openings (e.g. fire doors, gate closures, fire
steel panels glazing and cable and pipe penetration seals,
etc.), which is only allowed conditionally.
Before using system walls as firewalls in industry,

their performance characteristics should be che-
cked meticulously against the various aspects of
risk evaluation.
Connection to walls/ceilings:
Steel profiles (L-/U-profile)
with load anchor or metal pin
Figure 42: Example for system walls in component

construction
27
7 Exterior walls
Exterior firewalls as replacement for spatial fire
compartment separation must be constructed
on the higher of the two opposite buildings.
They must be constructed up to at least the roof
skin of the higher building.
Exterior firewalls must be constructed like interior

firewalls.
Exterior complex partition walls as replacement

for spatial fire compartment separation must be
constructed on the higher of the two opposite
buildings. They must be constructed up to at
least 50 cm above the roof skin of the higher buil-
Figure 43: Fire or complex partition wall as exterior ding. Exterior complex partition walls must be
wall
constructed like interior complex partition walls.
8 Free-standing walls
FW: ü ≥ 30cm A free-standing firewall must be constructed to

CPW: ü ≥ 50cm a height of at least 30 cm above the top edge of
stored goods.
ü
ü A free-standing complex partition wall must be
constructed to a height of at least 50 cm above
the top edge of stored goods.
For the storage of combustible goods it is essen-

tial that the firewall be constructed sideways be-
yond the edge of the stored goods and to clearly
mark allowable storage height (e.g. by markings
on the wall and floor) in order to prevent fire from

spreading around the wall.
Figure 44: Free-standing wall
tion walls.
28
9 Arrangement and
a a installation of components
of the photovoltaic systems
(PV systems) to buildings
or on their roofs
Components of PV systems, especially the photo-

voltaic modules or PV modules, normally contain
a ≥ 2,5 m
combustible materials, e.g. synthetic materials,
and their arrangement could foster fire develop-
ment and/or fire spread in the case of fire.
When defining where to mount components of

photovoltaic systems in or on the roof as well as
to or in the façade, always see to it that existing
Fig. 45: Required distance between a firewall pro measures constructioned to protect the building
truding from the roof and the components of PV plants
and their use, such as fire prevention and protec-
on the roof, such as PV modules or inverters
tion, stability, etc. will not be impaired. To provide
for this, the owner and the operating party of the
PV system shall agree upon an expert of fire safety
and protection to be involved in engineering and
planning.
ü
The information in Clauses 9.1 through 9.3 apply

to complex partition walls too.
9.1 PV modules on the roof
If PV modules are integrated into the roof cove-

BW: ü ≥ 30 cm
KTW: ü ≥ 50 cm ring (roof-integrated installation), they shall meet
the same requirements as the surrounding roo-
fing; this includes among other things their resi-
stance to radiating heat and flying sparks (hard

roofing).
Fig. 46: Required elevation of the height above roof For any installation of PV modules in the roof, al-
of a firewall ways observe the instructions given in Clauses
6.1 and 6.5.
9.2 PV modules on roofs

For any installation of components of the PV sys-

tems on the roof, always observe the instructions
given in Clause 6.5.
If PV modules are higher than the firewall mounted

on top of the roof, the compulsory German Federal
Building Regulations request a minimum distance
of 2.5 m from the firewall to prevent the fire from
spreading over the firewall (see Fig. 45). This shall

also apply if the required height above roof is red-
uced by elevation of the PV-modules. As an alter-
native, the requested height above roof can be re-
established by elevation of the firewall (see Fig. 46).
29
If components of PV systems, such as the PV mo-

dules, are installed on large-area roofs, e.g. of in-
dustrial buildings and warehouses, it is obligatory
a≥5m to provide for a distance of at least 5.0 m between
l ≤ 40 m the rows of modules and linked areas where mo-
l l dules are installed to delimit the fire spread in
a
case of fire, to minimise the risk for the firefighters
a
l l
in action, and to make hereby effective firefighting

by the fire service possible.
The required minimum distances (as shown in

Fig. 45) may be reduced, if a fire spread in the
case of fire from one component of the PV system
to another installed opposite to the first one has
been proved to be excluded.
Fig. 47: Subdivision of linked rows of modules and in- The aisle between the rows of modules and lin-
stallation areas ked areas where modules are installed is required
also to minimise the risk for firefighters emanating
from operating modules and system components
where modules or module strings, respectively,
cannot be de-energised individually.
If cables containing combustible materials, e.g.

combustible insulation of electric cables, span
the aisles, those shall be protected against fire
spreed.
Note: Also see
J DIN VDE 0132 VDE 0132 Firefighting and tech-

nical assistance in or near electrical installations
J Leaflet by the German Fire Protection Associ-
ation (vfdb) MB 05-02 dealing with firefighting
actions on photovoltaic plants (solar plants for

power generation)
J VdS 3145 being a technical guidance docu-
ment for photovoltaic plants
Arrangement of PV modules above a firewall or a

complex partition wall is not allowed if fire spread
has not been proved to be excluded.
Guiding components made of combustible mate-

rials, e.g. PV modules and electric cables, above

or through firewalls and complex partition walls
should be avoided wherever possible to prevent
any fire spread over the separation between two
fire compartments and complexes.
If it cannot be avoided to install a cable over a fire

wall or a complex partition wall, this cable shall be
protected against fire spreed. The building mate-

Fig. 48: Unavoidable bridging of a firewall
rial used to take such protection measure shall
be proved to be suitable for outside use and, the-
refore, shall be UV-proof and weather-resisting to
provide for full protection over the intended peri-
od of use.
30
If a penetration of cables or pipes through a fire- openings: Terms, requirements and tests, Is-
wall or a complex partition wall cannot be avo- sue 12/85.
ided, appropriate systems shall be used to provi- J Part 17 Melting point of mineral fibre insula-
de for corresponding fire protection sealing (also ting materials; Terms, requirements and tests,
see the Clause 6.2.5). Issue 12/90
Components containing combustible materials, DIN 18 090 Lifts; Swing doors and folding doors
which are guided over or penetrated through a for lift well with a fire resistance of at least 90
firewall or a complex partition wall, shall always minutes, Issue 02/69
be approved by the construction authority in
charge. DIN 18 091 Lifts; Horizontal and vertical sliding
doors for lift well with a fire resistance of at least
90 minutes, Issue 02/69
9.3 PV modules mounted to or into the fa-
çade
DIN 18 092 Light load lifts; Vertical sliding doors
for lift well with a fire resistance of at least 90
If PV modules are mounted to or into the façade, minutes, Issue 05/63
not only the building regulations on how to delimit
fire spread in vertical direction shall be complied DIN 18 095 Smoke protection doors
with but also the information given in Clause 6.7.
J Part 1 Terms and requirements, Issue 10/88
J Part 2 Construction type tests for functional ef-
10 Literature/Sources ficiency endurance, Issue 03/91
10.1 GDV/VdS Guidelines Beuth-Verlag GmbH, Burggrafenstr. 6, 10787 Berlin
VdS 195 Technical Guideline of the Fire and Fire

10.3 Technical construction regulations
business interruption insurance; Risks, Protec-
tion Objectives and Protection Measures.
Construction supervision of industrial buildings
VdS 2038 General Safety Regulations of the (based on the circular issue of the Minister for City
Fire Insurers for Factories and Commercial Plant Development, Residence and Traffic of the State
("ASF"). of North Rhine-Westphalia of October 23, 1989)
VdS 2298 Ventilation systems; Leaflet for fire

10.4 Literature
protection.
VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH – Verlag, [1] Kordina, Meyer-Ottens Beton-Brandschutz-

Amsterdamer Str. 174, 50735 Cologne Handbuch Beton Verlag GmbH, Düsseldorf, 1981
[2] Hahn, Christine Mauerwerk according to DIN

10.2 DIN Standards
4102 Part 4, Issue March 1994 Mauerwerkska-
lender 1995 Ernst & Sohn Verlag für Architektur
DIN 4102 Fire characteristics of building und technische Wissenschaften GmbH
materials and components

10.5 Specific amendments
J Part 1 Building materials; Terms, requirements
and tests, Issue 05/98
J Part 2 Building materials; Terms, requirements DIN VDE 0132 VDE 0132 Firefighting and tech-
and tests, Issue 09/77 nical assistance in or near electrical installations
J Part 3 Firewalls and non-load bearing exterior
walls; Terms, requirements and tests, Issue Leaflet by the German Fire Protection Associ-
09/77 ation (vfdb) MB 05-02 dealing with firefighting

J Part 4 Composition and application of classi- actions on photovoltaic plants (solar plants for
fied building materials, components and spe- power generation)
cial components, Issue 03/94
J Part 11 Pipe sleeves, bulkheads, installation VdS 3145 being a technical guidance document
shafts and channels and sealing of inspection for photovoltaic plants
31
Editor: Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft e. V. (GDV) [German Insurance Association]
Publishing house: VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH · Amsterdamer Str. 174 · D-50735 Cologne
Phone: +49 221 77 66 0 · Mail: verlag@vds.de
Copyright by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. All rights reserved.

Vds 2234en

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vds 2234en

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vds 2234en

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Publication by the German Insurers on

Firewalls and complex partition walls

The roof membrane is

VdS 2234en : 2024-05 (07)

Firewalls and complex partition walls

Content 1 Preliminary remarks

9 Arrangement and installation of

Compared to the version of January 2008 the la-

A retrospective removal or reduction of fire pro- 3 Terms and definitions

Fire protection measures requested by building

Explanatory notes on deviating building law regu- These are components:

Note: The essential components of these building

combustible building material the minimum distance

Note: Unfortunately, there is no European classifi- J between buildings with a height of 5 m to 20 m,

Note: The alternative solution described here,

Figure 3b: Constructions and their location that

J for the division of expanded production and

These statements also apply to complex partiti-

4.1 Buildings of the same height

For roofs that are not fire-resistant or made of

J For new buildings: 50 cm

J For existing buildings:

Notes: According to the guideline of buil-

A roof overhang of 80 cm has been proven to

FW: a ≥ 5m J roofs with a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes

Note: The cantilever plates in the connection

A complex partition wall

4.2 Buildings of differing height

These requirements also apply to complex parti-

For buildings with a height difference of more than

J The firewall must be constructed up to the roof

Note: According to some State building regula­

J The complex partition wall must be constructed

sponds to the difference in height between

Figure 6: Building at a distance from the higher buil-

4.3 Effect of angle

If buildings or building sections are arranged at

J The distance of the firewall from the inner cor-

Figure 7: Effect of angle – wall at a distance

J one of the two exterior walls must be constructed

eaves are at more or less the same height. Else

These requirements also apply to complex par-

Figure 9: Measuring the wall section incorrect/correct

These requirements for complex partition walls

The following building authority proofs of ap-

J standardised construction according to DIN

J approval by the responsible highest level buil-

Decisive key figures for firewalls of standardised

Technical specifications of the proofs of applica-

Complex partition walls, including bracing compo­

and maintain the room sealing according to

Solid bricks and perforated bricks ≥ 1.4 3) 24.0 2 x 17.5

5.3.2 ≥ 0.6 7) 24.0 2 x 17.5

5.3.3 ≥ 0.5 11) 30.0 2 x 24.0

4) Also for thin layer mortar

Row Construction characteristics Minimum thickness d (cm)

4.2 load factor α1 = 0.5 24 2 x 20

Complex partition walls must be constructed

Figure 10: Offset firewalls or complex partition walls

9 Arrangement and installation of

Note: According to some State building regula

Complex partition walls, including bracing compo

Firewalls may not be connected with components

F 90 Parts of walls can consist of glazing of fire resis

If it is possible to pass through the lift, then a safe