Reactive coatings are often used for protecting steel buildings during a fire when the structural, aesthetic, and architectural features of the structural membersshould be preserved. Indeed, these paints form a thin protective layer on the steel surface, that if exposed to fire or elevated temperatures, expands in volume with a consequent reduction in density. Hence, the protective layer captivates heat and protects the structural member from damage or elevated deformation. This reactive fire protection is designed using prescriptive tables, in which the paint thickness is chosen according to the required fire resistance, critical temperature, and section factor of the steel element.
