D-4 Penetrate Structures Introduction
When installing piping systems, it is often necessary to pass through walls, floors, and other structural components of a building. These penetrations must be done carefully to avoid weakening the structure or compromising safety features such as fire separations. In this section, you will learn how to identify building structural components, understand the factors that affect structural penetrations, and apply safe methods for cutting, drilling, and installing piping through different types of construction. You will also become familiar with common terminology and components such as sleeves, block-outs, and supports. By the end of this section, you should be able to install piping through structural elements without compromising the integrity of the building.
Note: The information in this section is general in nature. Always refer to manufacturer specifications, job-site requirements, and applicable codes when performing structural penetrations.
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you will be able to:
- Describe factors affecting penetrations in structures.
- Describe methods of structure penetration.
- Identify and describe building structural components and their structural integrities
- Define structural penetration terminology
- Visually identify the building structural components that are affected by penetration for piping, including fire separations, firewalls, structural supports and components
- Install piping without jeopardizing the structural integrities of the building structure
- Identify and install pipe sleeves, canning and block-outs
- Identify and apply procedures (cutting, drilling, and notching) used to penetrate various building structures for piping without jeopardizing the integrity of structural components, including wood-frame, steel and concrete construction; walls; floors and roof structures
- Apply various methods of firestopping for pipe penetrations, and read and interpret the related manufacturer’s specifications, code regulations and job specifications
- Define firestopping terminology
- Identify and install firestops
- Install piping through vapour and air barriers and rain-screen exterior walls without affecting their structural integrity
Topic areas covered in this publication are in alignment with SkilledTradesBC Harmonized 2018 Program Outlines.
Terminology
The following terms may be used throughout this section. Note that some glossary terms may be in italics throughout the section content but are not included in this list. A complete list of terms can be found in the Glossary.
- ablative: resisting heat transfer by using the heat of the exposing fire to erode the material. The material, by sacrificing itself, protects the unexposed side from rapid temperature rise until it is spent. A typical example is a silicon-based firestop material. (Section D-4.2)
- annular space: The gap between a pipe and the sleeve or opening it passes through. (Section D-4.1)
- block-out: An opening intentionally formed in concrete or other structural components during construction to allow space for pipes, ducts, or other services to be installed later. (Section D-4.1)
- bond beam: A reinforced horizontal element in a masonry wall that strengthens and ties the wall together. (Section D-4.1)
- caddy clip: A fastening device used to secure pipe sleeves to formwork or structural surfaces. (Section D-4.1)
- canning: The process of installing pipe sleeves in formwork before concrete is poured. (Section D-4.1)
- caulking gun: A tool used to apply sealants into joints or openings. (Section D-4.2)
- closure (fire-rated): A device such as a door or shutter used to close an opening in a fire separation. (Section D-4.2)
- concrete formwork: Temporary structures used to shape and support concrete until it hardens. (Section D-4.1)
- core drilling (coring): A method of drilling circular holes in concrete using a specialized drill. (Section D-4.1)
- draft stop: A material intended to stop air movement and fire spread. (Section D-4.2)
- exothermic: A reaction that releases heat energy. (Section D-4.2)
- fire-block: A material installed to prevent the spread of fire through concealed spaces. (Section D-4.1)
- fire load: The amount of combustible material present in a space. (Section D-4.2)
- fire-rated assembly: A construction system designed to resist fire for a specified period of time. (Section D-4.1)
- fire separation: A construction assembly designed to resist the spread of fire. (Section D-4.1)
- firestop: A sealing system used to prevent fire and smoke from passing through penetrations. (Section D-4.1)
- firewall: A fire-resistant wall that separates buildings or sections of a building. (Section D-4.1)
- flashing: A material installed to prevent water penetration at roof or wall openings. (Section D-4.1)
- fusible link: A heat-sensitive component that melts to activate a fire damper. (Section D-4.2)
- glued-laminated beam: (Also called glulam and paralam); an engineered wood beam made by bonding together layers of lumber with adhesive to create a strong, stable structural member. (Section D-4.1)
- I-joist: (Also called I-beam); a lightweight engineered wood beam shaped like the letter “I,” commonly used in floors and roofs. (Section D-4.1)
- load-bearing structural member: A structural element designed to hold up the load above it, such as a second storey or roof. Cutting, drilling, or removing this support will weaken the structure. (Section D-4.1)
- moment critical zone: A section of a structural beam where stress is highest and drilling is restricted. (Section D-4.1)
- non-load-bearing structural member: A support that is installed as a partition to divide space in a structure and does not support the weight above it. Cutting, drilling or removing this support will not weaken the structure. (Section D-4.1)
- party wall: A shared wall between two adjoining buildings or units that acts as a fire separation and may also provide sound insulation. (Section D-4.1)
- pipe chase: A framed or enclosed space within a building used to conceal and protect pipes as they run vertically or horizontally through the structure. (Section D-4.1)
- pipe sleeve: A protective tube that allows a pipe to pass through a structure safely. (Section D-4.1)
- post-tension slab: A concrete slab reinforced with tensioned steel cables to increase strength and reduce cracking. (Section D-4.1)
- rebar (reinforcing bar): Steel bars embedded in concrete to provide strength and support. (Section D-4.1)
- sleeve seal: A sealing device used to close the gap between a pipe and a pipe sleeve. (Section D-4.1)
- structural integrity: The ability of a building or structure to remain strong, stable, and safe under loads without failure or damage. (Section D-4.1)
- teleposts (telescopic): Adjustable steel support posts used to temporarily support structures such as formwork or beams during construction, allowing height to be changed as needed. (Section D-4.1)
- tendon (post-tension): A steel cable used in post-tension concrete to apply compressive force. (Section D-4.1)
- vibration isolator: A device used to reduce the transfer of vibration and noise between components. (Section D-4.1)
- waterstop: A material used to prevent water from passing through joints in concrete. (Section D-4.1)
