Hot-dip galvanizing has quickly established itself as an economical and sustainable fire protection option and is being used more and more. In Germany, approval was previously required in individual cases or a project-related type approval, which is no longer necessary.
Fire protection by hot-dip galvanizing has been declared a regular construction method. The so-called Model Administrative Regulation for Technical Building Regulations (MVV TB) must be implemented by the federal states. Brandenburg, Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have already done so, others will follow. Hot-dip galvanizing optimizes the fire resistance of steel structures, as hot-dip galvanized steel emits less heat radiation. This delays the heating of the components in the early stages of a fire and can facilitate the required fire resistance.
Construction projects such as halls, residential and commercial buildings and industrial extensions demonstrate the fire protection provided by hot-dip galvanizing. Meanwhile, during a visit by NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur to a hot-dip galvanizer, the hot-dip galvanizing industry association called for a clear transformation perspective for the hot-dip galvanizing industry "It is astonishing that the important industrial SME sector Fire protection through hot-dip galvanizing - transformation perspective required is excluded from many transformation measures, such as the climate protection agreements. We need a much stronger commitment to SMEs here (...)", says Sebastian Schiweck, Managing Director of the German Hot Dip Galvanizing Industry Association.
