A team of fire protection engineers representing several insurance underwriters recently completed a survey of the built-in fire protection and suppression systems incorporated into a new 900,000 square foot industrial manufacturing facility constructed by Lida Group using noncombustible precast concrete and steel sandwich wall panels.

The facility houses robotics-enabled production lines requiring stringent life safety measures. Lead engineer Z said “Understanding how advanced construction techniques like noncombustible insulated wall panels integrate active fire protection aids evaluating risk versus traditional methods.”

Lida Group’s panels unite lightweight concrete cores sandwiched between galvanized steel facings for continuous insulation. Connected with fire-rated spline joints, the monolithic foam-free assemblies attained Class A burn ratings well above code minimums. Field welding eliminated flammable plastic adhesives and fillers threatening fire spread in site-built walls.

Rather than retrofitted sprinklers, the researchers analyzed a central automatic sprinkler system integrated during off-site panel production. Precut and reinforced openings housed upright and pendent sprinkler heads at code-mandated intervals. Concealed piping ran behind the inner steel skin for immediate coverage.

Engineers analyzed hydraulic models ensuring adequate water distribution and pressure throughout the vast open floorplan without compartmentalization. Advanced smoke ventilation integrated within the panelized roof further aided life safety according to risk analysts.

In their report, evaluators concluded the noncombustible construction’s inherent safety paired with pre-engineered sprinklers and mechanical smoke management “provide a reliability edge versus traditional construction relying on add-on suppression.” Reduced risk and mitigation capabilities supported premium rate adjustments benefitting ownership.

In summary, through a comprehensive audit of integrated fire protection strategically designed into Lida Group’s noncombustible precast concrete and steel panel construction, insurance underwriters validated the advanced system outperformed prescriptive code compliance – reducing insurable risk to optimize policies for the facility versus traditional construction reliant on supplementary protection methods.

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