Metal buildings are a popular choice in the United States and abroad for various low-rise commercial, industrial, assembly, and institutional uses. Their noncombustible structures comprise rigid and braced steel frames that consist of hot- and cold-formed steel shapes, plates, sheets, roof deck, and panels.

In accordance with the International Building Code (IBC) Type IIB Classification, many elements of single-story metal building construction are not required to contain passive fire protection. However, because of the layout of the building and local code requirements, fire-resistant walls may be required in certain Type IIB buildings. Because of these requirements, there have been questions from regulatory officials, fire safety officials, building engineers, and designers about the fire resistance of head of wall (HOW) joints between the fire-resistant walls and unrated roof assemblies. To answer these questions and provide guidance, research was recently conducted to study the fire resistance of HOW joints between fire-resistant walls and unrated roofs in metal buildings.

The project was funded by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), guided by the technical assistance of Hughes Associates Inc., and coordinated by MBMA’s Committee on Fire Protection and Related Insurance Matters. The tests were successfully performed at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in July 2007, and three new UL assembly listings were issued.

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