Compartmentalisation is the division of a building into fire compartments to limit the spread of fire and smoke.
How does compartmentalisation work?
In compartmentalisation, a building is divided into separate zones — called fire compartments — by means of fire-resistant walls, floors and doors. Each compartment is designed to contain a fire for a specified period (commonly 30, 60 or 120 minutes), giving occupants time to evacuate and fire services time to respond.
The effectiveness of a compartment depends on the fire resistance of its boundaries. Walls and floors must achieve the required integrity and insulation ratings, while penetrations for services such as pipes, cables and ventilation ducts must be sealed with intumescent collars, fire-stop mortar or other approved materials. Doors within compartment boundaries are fitted with self-closing devices and intumescent strips that expand in heat to seal gaps.
Applications
Compartmentalisation is a fundamental principle in building design and is mandated by building regulations in most countries:
- Residential buildings — separating individual dwellings so that a fire in one flat does not spread to neighbours.
- High-rise structures — creating refuge floors and limiting vertical fire spread through shafts and stairwells.
- Hospitals and care homes — enabling phased evacuation of patients who cannot move quickly.
- Industrial facilities — isolating high-risk processes from storage and office areas.
Correct compartmentalisation also helps limit property damage, reduces insurance costs and protects the structural integrity of the building during a fire event.
Related terms
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Concrete
- Construction
- Facade
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