Sandwich panels in Germany: fire protection documentation

MBO is not the only source to check

Requirements for a German project must be established for the specific federal state, facility and works. DIBt explains that general requirements arise from Landesbauordnungen, while the Muster-Verwaltungsvorschrift Technische Baubestimmungen is a model for implementation in state law. Citing MBO alone in an enquiry does not confirm compliance with all project requirements. DIBt — Technische Baubestimmungen and state implementation.

DIBt provides document editions and an overview of state implementation. Before approving a solution, the person responsible for design should identify the applicable basis and the building’s fire protection concept requirements. This article organises installation preparation; it does not determine compliance of a specific envelope element.

Two concepts that must remain distinct

Reaction to fire concerns a product’s behaviour under test conditions. Fire resistance concerns a building element in a defined configuration. A panel sheet stating reaction to fire does not replace evidence of the entire wall’s required performance. Manufacturer tables link resistance to application conditions, so the configuration must be checked against the design. Kingspan — fire resistance and classification matrices.

Ask which exact document confirms the requirement for this location and configuration. A classification abbreviation in an offer title does not answer questions about span, installation direction, fixings, joints and openings.

Documents to check before installation

• Fire protection requirements assigned to walls, roofs and partitions on drawings.
• Exact product designations and performance documents.
• Relevant classifications and application conditions.
• Support, connection, termination and adjacent element junction details.
• Agreed opening and service penetration solutions.
• A person approving changes and a method for documenting concealed work.

The digital MVV TB separates fire protection topics by external walls, partitions, roofs and other elements, among others. This is another reason not to apply a requirement from an arbitrary building location to the entire envelope. DIBt — digital MVV TB, fire protection requirements.

Installation to the approved solution

A clear procedure for reporting deviations is needed during execution. Moving an opening, substituting a fastener or changing a detail should be referred to the person responsible for the solution. The contractor should not independently add fire performance claims after completion, even if the product has suitable documentation for another configuration.

Making scope acceptance easier

Before starting, agree the documents and photographs needed for handover. Give each photograph a location, stage and reference drawing. In the record, distinguish confirmation of installation work from design assessment and whole-building acceptance. This lets the general contractor gather evidence from the appropriate participants instead of expecting one general statement from the crew.

Questions to the designer should be specific

Instead of requesting a general ‘fire protection confirmation’, identify the element on the drawing, required parameter and proposed product. Describe discrepancies such as a different panel orientation or new service penetration. The responsible person can then assess the solution. The answer should reference a specific revision to prevent use in another sector by mistake. Share it with the adjacent trade, whose later intervention may alter the connection. The installer needs a clear decision available on site.