KCC, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Engineering, and Korean Society of Steel Construction Jointly Research Fireproofing Methods for Steel Structures

Development of New Fireproofing Method to Revitalize Modular Construction Market

On the 29th, KCC announced that it has signed a joint research and development agreement on fireproofing methods with Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Engineering, and the Korean Steel Structure Society to promote the activation of high-rise steel modular buildings.

On the 28th, at Hyundai Steel Training Center located in Dangjin, Chungnam, KCC signed a business agreement with Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Engineering, and representatives from the Korean Steel Structure Society for effective fireproofing methods of steel structures and discussed future plans. The purpose of the joint research and development is to develop a new fireproofing method that reduces the thickness of fireproof coatings, thereby improving construction efficiency compared to existing methods and further activating the modular construction market.

(From left) Kim Tae-su, Vice President of the Korean Society of Steel Construction, Lee Bo-ryong, Executive Director of R&D Headquarters at Hyundai Steel, Shim Beom-seop, Managing Director of Future Technology Business Division at Hyundai Engineering, and Ham Seong-su, Managing Director of Distribution Paint Business Division at KCC, are taking a commemorative photo at the business agreement ceremony on the 28th. (Photo by KCC)

Modular construction is a method where major structural components and architectural finishes are prefabricated in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly and completion. Since on-site work is minimized, the construction period can be shortened by 20-50%, and it is gaining attention due to reduced noise, dust, and waste generation. When modular buildings are constructed as steel structures with 13 or more floors like general buildings, the main structural parts must withstand fire for more than 3 hours.

Through this research and development, the companies will collaborate to develop a new fireproofing method that can be effectively applied to modular buildings. The new method will utilize Hyundai Steel’s seismic- and fire-resistant composite structural steel sections (rolled steel products with uniform cross-sectional shapes) that increase strength at high temperatures during fires, and KCC’s fireproof coatings that can fully demonstrate fire resistance even with thinner coating thicknesses.

The fireproof coating aims to meet the 3-hour fire resistance certification while reducing the coating thickness. Lowering the coating thickness is expected to reduce both construction costs and duration, resulting in economic benefits.

Hamsungsoo, Executive Director of KCC’s Distribution Coatings Division, stated, "KCC has recently expanded its lineup and continuously invested in research and development, including launching the country’s first organic water-based fireproof coating, the Fire Mask AQ series." He added, "This business agreement is meaningful in that, as a coatings company recognized for its fireproof coating technology, KCC is contributing to the activation of the construction market together with the nation’s top construction companies, steelmakers, and academic societies."