DFT - or Dry Film Thickness - is the thickness of an applied coating above the substrate, measured once the coating has dried. Dry film thickness can be measured using one of two methods:

• destructive thickness measurement, where the coating is cut to the substrate using a cutter
• non-destructive coating thickness measurement, using techniques like magnetic induction and eddy current thickness measurement

Board encasement systems are a type of fireproof cladding - using fire rated boards - that completely enclose structural steel, allowing for the installation of windows, doors and walls directly adjacent to the encased steel.

The fire rated board consists of non-combustible core composed primarily of gypsum or cement.

The fire rated board construction system is sometimes referred to as as plasterboard or cement board but it should be noted that not all plasterboard or cement board is fire rated. In fact the vast majority is not.

Fire rated boards are ideal for achieving a high quality, architectural grade finish, facilitating perfect colour matching with surrounding ceiling and wall surfaces.

As they are factory manufactured, fireproof boards ensure uniform thickness and, thus, ensure adequate protection.

See more about fire rated boards on this page.

FRL - or Fire Resistance Level - is the period measured in minutes for three key facets of fire resistance: structural adequacy, integrity and insulation.

An example of an FRL might be 60/90/60, which indicates the item offers a 60 minutes of structural adequacy, 90 minutes of integrity and 60 minutes of insulation.

If an FRL has a dash within it, that indicates the relevant facet is not applicable. Given that structural steel offers little or no insulation from fire, most structural steel FRLs are shown as, for example, 60/90/-.

Further information on FRLs can be found here.

The second component of an FRL, this is the ability of a structure to resist flames and hot gases when tested in accordance with AS 1530.4. Failure of integrity is deemed when continuous flaming occurs on the non-exposed side of the item or when cracks or other openings through which flames can pass reveal themselves.

The third and final component of an FRL, this is the ability of a item to maintain a temperature below specified limits on the surface not exposed to flames below the limits specified, when tested in accordance with AS1530.4.

Failure for the insulation criteria is deemed when the temperature rise of the non-exposed side exceeds predetermined thresholds.

The NCC - or National Construction Code - is released by the Australian Building Codes Board and it contains the Australian Building Code - or BCA (see above).

It sets out the minimum requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in construction.

Passive fire protection comprises a group of systems that compartmentalise a building through the use of fire-resistant walls/floors.

Compartmentalising a building into smaller sections slows or event prevents the spread of fire and smoke from one room into the next. PFP includes fire/smoke dampers, fire doors and fireproof walls and floors.

Compartmentalising a building is only one aspect of passive fire protection.

An equally important part is maintaining the structural integrity of the building through the protection of structural steel work, frequently through the use of intumescent coatings.

By containing the fire to sections of the building and maintaining the structural integrity, occupants are given more time to evacuate the building.

As discussed above, passive fire protection is one part of a building's defences against fire. The other part, of course, is active fire protection.

The first component of an FRL, this is the ability of a structure to maintain its stability and load-bearing capacity when tested in accordance with AS 1530.4. Failure of the structural adequacy is deemed when the element collapses or when the rate of deflection for the element is in excess of prescribed limits.