One of the main priorities in architecture is protecting people against fire. Everyone inside a building need to have sufficient time to evacuate, and to a large extent this depends on what materials have been used for the building, and the way they react in the event of a fire.

The European Union has adopted Standard EN 13501-1, which gives a range of classes determining how different construction materials used in architectural solutions react to fire. The classification system offers a unified comparison based on consistent testing methods, and is currently used as a reference in many countries around the world.

Euroclasses provide planners with information on materials and the way they react in the event of a fire, measuring combustibility, smoke production and flaming droplets.

The most fire-resistant materials

When choosing materials for a new building, taking into account their resistance to fire can prevent disasters such as the fires that occurred at the office tower in Madrid or Grenfell Tower in London. 

Here are some of the most fire-resistant materials that can be used in a building: 

Glass

Fire-resistant glass, composed of layers of glass and intumescent gel, acts as an effective barrier against flames, radiant heat and gases. Depending on its EI (Fire Resistance and Insulation) rating, it can maintain its integrity for over 60 minutes. It is ideal for passageways or shared spaces where a balance between safety, design and functionality is required.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials due to its excellent fire performance: it is non-flammable, does not emit toxic gases and its thermal mass delays heat transfer. Its structural strength can be maintained even after long periods of exposure to fire, especially when used in walls and floors with suitable steel reinforcement coverings.

Ceramic brick

With a fire resistance of over 120 minutes, ceramic bricks are an efficient solution. Their porous structure and inorganic composition slow down the action of fire, especially when installed with mortar coatings and additional layers of fireproof insulation. In addition, if both sides of the wall are lined, its fire resistance is significantly improved, increasing the exposure time before structural collapse. This technique is particularly useful in interior partitions or compartmentalisation elements.

Krion® Lux

Krion® Lux is a Solid Surface composed mainly of alumina trihydrate (ATH) and high-strength resins. This type of formulation gives it excellent fire performance, making it an ideal material for architectural applications where safety is a priority.

Among its properties, its thermal stability, inert composition and low thermal conductivity stand out. Thanks to these characteristics, Krion® Lux withstands high temperatures without deforming or degrading. Its composition does not feed flames or contribute to the spread of fire. Furthermore, as it does not emit dense fumes or toxic gases, it facilitates the safe evacuation of occupants in the event of a fire.

Another key advantage is that it does not generate flaming droplets, which prevents the ignition of nearby materials. Its low thermal conductivity delays heat transmission, thus helping to maintain the integrity of the space and reinforcing its use in public, healthcare and commercial spaces.

Gypsum

Gypsum, especially in the form of RF (fire-resistant) boards, incorporates glass fibres and additives that improve its thermal performance. It acts as a natural heat regulator thanks to its ability to release water in the form of vapour, slowing down the rise in temperature during the early stages of a fire.

Stucco

Hydraulic lime or gypsum-based stucco, used as a continuous finish on building surfaces, adds an additional layer of thermal protection. Its performance depends on its thickness and composition, but it can provide between 30 and 90 minutes of additional fire resistance when combined with fire-retardant substrates.

 

 

 

Fire resistance classifications

The standard UNE-EN 13501 includes the classifications of materials according to their fire resistance. Krion® Lux is a material classified as B-s1-d0. Later in this article we will see what this classification means. But first, let's look at how fire resistance is classified according to European standards.

Contribution to fire (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F)

Contribution to fire indicates whether a material helps to maintain a fire. 

• Materials in class A are fully flame-retardant, non-combustible materials that do not contribute to the fire, such as stone. 
• Class B refers to materials that are combustible but with very limited contribution to the fire. 
• Class C indicates that a material is combustible and has a limited contribution to the fire. 
• Class D refers to a combustible material with a moderate contribution to the fire. 
• Materials in class E are combustible materials with a high contribution to the fire. 
• Class F is designated for materials that have not been tested. 

Smoke opacity (s1, s2, s3)

This measures the density and opacity of smoke produced by the material, indicating its toxicity level. Only 3 ratings are available: s1; s2; s3, ranging from lowest to highest in terms of opacity and safety. 

• s1 means that there is low smoke production. 
• s2 refers to medium smoke production. 
• s3 indicates high smoke production.

Flaming droplets (d0, d1, d2)

This indicates a material's capacity to produce flaming droplets that contribute to fire spread. This is classified as d0, d1 or d2 depending on the amount of droplets produced, from none upwards. 

• d0 indicates that no droplets or particles are produced.
• d1 means the material produces droplets or non-inflamed particles. 
• d2 means the material produces inflamed droplets or particles. 

Euroclasses. What does the B-s1-d0 classification mean?

Now you know the fire resistance classifications, it is interesting to note that when tested against this European standard, Krion® Lux obtained Euroclass B-s1-d0, demonstrating its suitability for installation in any location. But what does this classification tell us?

As we have seen, each of the 3 aspects of Euroclass Reaction to Fire indicates key information on a material's behaviour. For the Krion® Lux mineral compact we can see the following:

1. CONTRIBUTION TO FIRE (B): Indicates whether a material contributes to the spread of a fire. Krion® Lux obtained a B classification, standing out against other solid surface competitors. This means that it is a combustible material but with very limited contribution to the fire.
2. SMOKE OPACITY (s1): Krion® Lux is rated s1, the best rating, indicating that the smoke produced by the KRION solid surface would not pose a health risk.
3. FLAMING DROPLETS (d0): Krion® Lux is rated d0, indicating zero contribution to the spread of fire as it does not produce any flaming droplets or particles. 

 

Thanks to the EN 13501-1 standard for the fire classification of construction products and building elements, we can be sure our Krion® Lux material is a safe and effective choice. 

A material that not only brings design and endless possibilities, but also an extra level of reliability and trust wherever it is installed, creating safer spaces for people.