Principles for provision of fire-retardant properties of materials

The article provides a review of contemporary solutions targeted at protection of bearing structures from the fire in order to provide their standard fire-resisting conditions. Definitions of fire resistance and thermal conductivity of structures are given; the main factors determining the fire safety of buildings and structures are identified; the necessity of using the fire-retardant systems in construction is substantiated, and the most popular methods of such systems’ arrangement are considered. The main groups of materials aimed at protection against high temperature and which impede distribution of open fire are described. The main principles when selecting fire-retardantmaterials are described. General practical advantages and disadvantages of fire-retardant materials are listed.