Fire safety of Nová Karolina with the Conlit DUCTROCK system

Construction of the century… A phrase often heard in conversations and discussions about the modern multifunctional center Nová Karolina, which will replace the long-standing gap left by the Karolina coking plant and complement the historic center of the city of Ostrava. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed in May 2012, with the entire project expected to be finished in 2018. The demanding structure of considerable construction scope requires maximum attention, particularly regarding fire safety. We are talking not only about the external envelope of the buildings but primarily about the internal piping systems, which include both air conditioning ducts and ducts for the removal of smoke and heat. Nearly 6,000 m² of fireproof cladding from OTK is installed on the site, along with applied special insulation materials for fire protection bearing the ROCKWOOL brand.

In this truly unique project, ROCKWOOL collaborated closely with the company Mart Hodonín, a representative of progressive manufacturers of air conditioning ducts (VZT) and ducts for smoke and heat removal (OTK).
The OTK system is utilized extensively on this construction site, considering various aspects such as the unusual construction height, often interconnected extensive spaces, or the large width and depth of individual structures. Under these circumstances, a fire could lead to intense and rapid smoke accumulation in these areas, which poses a certain level of risk. In this case, the ducting is installed just below the ceiling and is clad on almost all horizontal branches on just three sides, so the side insulation is finished with a trim to the ceiling structure.

The insulation of the ducts used the Conlit DUCTROCK system, consisting of Conlit Ductrock 60 insulation boards with an aluminum surface and a thickness of 60 mm. This ducting has a fire resistance of 30 minutes when used for the removal of heat and smoke, both in the event of a fire outside and inside the duct. For this duration, it is therefore capable of serving its intended purpose, for which it was assembled, and the smoke extraction fans must also operate for the same period. Moreover, there is no risk of additional leaks, separation from the structural frame, or other gradually developing defects. The ducting is self-sealing, the Conlit Ductrock insulation boards also feature glued joints – the special adhesive Conlit Fix improves the sealing. The insulation has a surface finish of aluminum foil, which is sealed with self-adhesive aluminum tape at the joints of the insulation boards and at the duct edges. The properties of the system are related to the steel duct, which can adequately compensate for movements and possible expansions of the structure.

Nová Karolina will represent 240,000 m² of retail, office, and residential spaces on an area of 32 ha. In terms of HVAC supplies, this largest construction project convincingly combines specialized suppliers of OTK and VZT ducting, subcontractor insulation preparation, fireproof insulation trade know-how, and the unique properties of the special Conlit Ductrock board from the ROCKWOOL fireproof insulation range.

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