---
title: "Define fire resistance"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:property-fire-resistance"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/property-fire-resistance
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define fire resistance

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 1: Introduction to Civil Engineering Material

- Asked in: 2080 Baisakh, 1 marks
- Video: [Fire Resistant Building Materials for Construction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLPxbeKPsRw) — Gurukul of Civil Engineers
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/property-fire-resistance
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-1

## Question

Define fire resistance [printed 'first resistance'] as a property of materials.

## Short answer

Fire resistance is the ability to withstand fire without losing strength or stability for a specified time, preventing fire spread. It is rated in hours. Brick, concrete, and fire clay are fire resistant; steel loses strength at high temperatures.

## Answer

**Fire resistance** is the ability of a material or building element to withstand fire without losing its strength, shape or stability for a stated time, and to prevent the spread of fire. It is expressed as the number of hours it can stand a standard fire test (for example a 2-hour rated wall). Brick, stone (to a limit), concrete and fire clay are fire resistant; timber burns and steel loses strength at about 500 to 600 °C.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Fire resistance is the ability to withstand fire without losing
   A. strength, shape or stability for a stated time
   B. colour
   C. weight
   D. porosity
   Answer: A. Definition. (Key point: Definition)

2. Fire resistance is expressed as
   A. N/mm^2
   B. hours in a standard fire test
   C. W/(m K)
   D. ratio of voids
   Answer: B. E.g. a 2-hour rated wall. (Key point: Expression)

3. Steel loses strength at about
   A. 50 to 60 °C
   B. 100 °C
   C. 500 to 600 °C
   D. 2000 °C
   Answer: C. As stated. (Key point: Steel)

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