Firestopping, Joint Systems and Dampers aims to provide designers, contractors, code officials, plans examiners and inspectors with a solid understanding of the technical requirements for each system and how the provisions work together to protect the building and its occupants. The primary topics covered in this book include:

• Basics of fire-resistance ratings and fire-protection ratings: Includes details of the ASTM E 119 and UL 263 tests.

• Damper provisions: Includes types of dampers, their testing, ratings, actuation requirements, access and where and when each type of damper is required.

• Penetrations: Covers the test standards for penetration firestop systems, where penetration protection is required for fire-resistance-rated walls and horizontal assemblies, non-fire-resistance-rated horizontal assemblies, and smoke barriers. Also addresses the use of sleeves; dissimilar materials; application to ducts; and the installation, inspection and maintenance of the penetration firestopping.

• Joint systems: Addresses the test criteria, where joint systems are required and exempted, requirements for voids at the intersection of a floor and an exterior curtain wall, spandrel panel requirements and joints in smoke barriers.

• Miscellaneous topics: Includes differences between mineral wool and mineral fiber; the compression, orientation, density and support of insulation; engineering judgments; the inspection and installation process and information on construction documents.

• Differences between the 2012 and 2015 editions of the IBC: Provides details on code changes related to these topics and how the changes affect the application of the provisions.