Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 2: Concept Design 2 - 48 Some manufacturers provide slotted holes in the side rail connections to allow for thermal expansion. In order to ensure that this does not compromise the stability of the column by removing the restraint under normal conditions, the slotted holes are fitted with washers made from a material that will melt at high temperatures and allow the side rail to move relative to the column under fire conditions only. Details of this type of system are illustrated in Figure 7.5. 3 1 2 1 Side rail 2 Slotted hole for expansion 3 Cleat Figure 7.5 Typical fire wall details showing slotted holes for expansion in fire