Fire compartmentation is the practice of dividing a building into sealed sections using fire-resistant walls, floors, doors, and cavity barriers. Each compartment is designed to contain fire, smoke, and heat for a specified period, typically 30, 60, or 120 minutes. This containment protects escape routes, limits property damage, and gives firefighters greater control. Compartmentation is a core requirement of Building Regulations Approved Document B and applies to residential, commercial, and public buildings. Cavity barriers play a critical role by sealing concealed voids where fire could otherwise spread unseen between compartments.
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