Effects of a change of fire classification system for internal surface products on building costs: Project 9 of the EUREFIC fire research programme

The effects of a new reaction to fire classification system on the building cost and use of materials was studied. Where possible the EUREFIC classification proposal was taken as an example of the new classification system. The Finnish statistics of building material prices and use in different types of occupancies was used as the basis of the estimates. Because no regulations exist to set requirements based on the proposed classification system, much of the analysis was based on speculations rather than well-known consequences of the classification system as such. The assumption was, however, that the safety level of the buildings was not supposed to be changed significantly. The total effect of the change of classification system was estimated to be in the range from a reduction of FIM 65 million per year (0.1 %) to an increase of up to FIM 100 million per year (0.15 %). With a performance based classification system one may achieve, however, significant flexibility in product selection building design. Rational product development to meet the classification requirements also becomes easier.