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3A Composites Americas is announcing a groundbreaking exterior wall assembly milestone for designing with ALUCOBOND PLUS panels, while maintaining fire safety through NFPA 285 compliance.
ALUCOBOND PLUS, when used in rainscreen applications, has expanded design freedom even further by successfully passing another series of rigorous tests, complying with the 2024 International Building Code (IBC). This compliance was achieved by meeting the specific fire safety requirements of NFPA 285 Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components.
3A Composites Americas is the first aluminum composite material (ACM) manufacturer to pass NFPA 285 with mineral wool assembly testing and an air cavity gap between the façade and sheathing as wide as seven inches.
“The successful NFPA 285 testing resulted in the largest air cavity spaces for a wall assembly incorporating mineral wool insulation and an ACM in my experience,” according to Art Parker, principal fire protection engineer with Jensen Hughes. Additional testing and analysis will allow for evaluating project wall assemblies with air cavity spaces potentially larger than tested, he adds.
“Achieving this large cavity air gap wall assembly building code compliance for ALUCOBOND PLUS is a significant breakthrough for maximizing aesthetic options without any compromise on the fire safety and façade performance,” said Mike Marushka, vice president of architecture sales, 3A Composites Americas. “The investment in testing and engineering analysis by 3A Composites Americas has provided validated solutions that address the specifics of the International Building Code, ensuring fire safety, durable wall performance, freedom of design and lower installation costs for complex facades.”
Architects and developers can now confidently specify the ALUCOBOND PLUS in a wide range of rigorously tested and code-compliant assemblies whether the panels are straight, angled or curved – giving shape to great design ideas.
Key Benefits:
- Code Compliance: Meets the stringent fire requirements of the 2024 IBC.
- Validated Performance: Successfully passed rigorous NFPA 285 testing expanding air cavity leading to simplification of design and installation. See here for details.
- Water Management: Maintains the essential ventilation and drainage of rainscreen systems.
- Reliable Solution: Provides architects and developers with trusted and validated solutions.
3A Composites Americas is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. This approval marks a significant advancement in fire safety for exterior wall assemblies, offering architects and developers reliable and code-compliant ALUCOBOND PLUS assemblies with unleashed creativity.
Visit www.alucobondUSA.com for more information.
