Fire compartmentation is one of the most important elements in hotel safety design, ensuring the protection of occupants and limiting damage in the event of a fire . Compartmentation, as part of passive protection, is based on the use of fire-resistant barriers, such as walls, ceilings and fire doors, which divide the building into compartments. This system is essential to contain fire and smoke in limited areas, allowing the safe evacuation of occupants and facilitating the intervention of firefighters.
Reference legislation: the Fire Prevention Code
The Fire Prevention Code, in Chapter S.3, provides guidelines for designing compartmentation in buildings, including hotels. The Code defines three levels of performance:
- Level I : No requirements (not admissible in subject activities).
- Level II : Limitation of the spread of fire within the same activity or towards other activities.
- Level III : Limitation of the spread of fire and cold smoke, required for activities with high crowding, complex geometry or high fire load.
Fire resistance classes
The construction elements used for fire compartmentation must have a specific fire resistance class, which is measured according to three parameters:
- R (carrying capacity),
- E (smoke and flame resistance),
- I (thermal insulation).
Fire resistance classes are indicated with acronyms such as EI 30, EI 60, EI 120, where the number represents the time in minutes during which the element retains its properties.
Vertical and horizontal compartmentalization in hotels
Vertical compartments
Vertical compartmentalization refers to the separation between the different floors of a building, preventing the spread of fire from the bottom to the top, in accordance with the natural movement of smoke and heat . In hotels, this type of compartmentalization is crucial to protect vertical escape routes , such as stairs and elevators, and prevent the spread of fire from one floor to another.
Practical examples of vertical compartmentalization
- Compartmented emergency stairs
Emergency stairs, used to evacuate guests in the event of a fire, must be separated from the corridors on each floor by fire doors of class EI 60 or EI 120. This ensures that even in the event of a fire the stairs remain usable.
- Separate elevator shafts
Elevators are critical points in terms of fire safety. They must be isolated by resistant fire doors (EI 60) to prevent the vertical spread of fire along the shaft.
- Chimneys and ventilation ducts
Chimneys and ventilation ducts must be vertically compartmentalized by fire dampers that close automatically in the event of a fire, to prevent flames and fumes from spreading between floors.
- Sections of compartmentalized service stairs
The service stairs, used by staff, are compartmentalized from the areas reserved for guests, to ensure safety even in these alternative escape routes.
- Separation between basements and living areas
The technical rooms, garages and warehouses located in the basement floors must be compartmentalised from the living areas by means of class EI 120 fire-resistant barriers, to prevent a fire from spreading to the rooms.
Horizontal compartments
Horizontal compartmentalization refers to the separation of spaces on the same floor, such as corridors, bedrooms, kitchens and common areas. This type of compartmentalization is essential to protect horizontal escape routes and prevent a fire from spreading across an entire floor.
Practical examples of horizontal compartmentalization
- Corridors separated from rooms by fire doors
The corridors are compartmentalised horizontally with respect to the rooms with EI 30 or EI 60 class fire doors, preventing the spread of fire along the floor and ensuring the safety of escape routes.
- Separation between restaurants and rooms
Restaurants, often located on the ground floor or in common areas, are compartmentalized from the rooms by fire-resistant ceilings and walls (EI 120), preventing the spread of fire towards residential areas.
- Fire walls between technical and residential areas
The kitchens, laundries and technical areas are compartmentalised from the bedrooms and common areas by means of EI 120 class fire-resistant walls , preventing accidental fires from spreading.
- Fire barriers between hotel sections
In large hotels, the different sections of the building (wings or blocks) are separated by EI 120 fire walls , to prevent a fire from spreading between different areas.
- Compartmentalization of ceilings between common areas and rooms
Ceilings between common areas, such as conference rooms or restaurants, and guest rooms must be compartmentalized with fire-resistant barriers (EI 60 or higher), to ensure that rooms remain safe in the event of a fire in public areas.
Determination of separation distances
Separation distance is another essential element in fire design, determined to prevent the spread of flames between adjacent compartments or towards other activities. This distance can be calculated with tabular or analytical methods, according to the Fire Prevention Code.
Calculating the separation distance (tabular method)
The formula for calculating the separation distance according to the tabular method is as follows:
Calculation of thermal radiation (analytical method)
The analytical method is based on the calculation of the thermal radiation emitted by a fire. The formula used is the following:
Conclusions
Fire compartmentation, both vertical and horizontal, is an essential component in the passive protection of hotels. The correct design and implementation of fire-resistant compartments, combined with the use of alarm systems and precisely calculated separation distances, ensures the safety of occupants and the protection of facilities. Compliance with the regulations of the Fire Prevention Code and the use of certified materials offer effective protection against the spread of fire, allowing for safe evacuation and facilitating the intervention of rescuers.
FAQ on fire compartmentation in hotels
- What is fire compartmentation?
Fire compartmentation is a passive protection technique that involves dividing a building into fire-resistant compartments. These compartments prevent the spread of flames and smoke, limiting damage and ensuring safe escape in the event of a fire.
- What are the advantages of compartmentalization in hotels?
Compartmentalization limits the spread of fire, protecting escape routes and allowing guests and staff to evacuate safely. It also reduces structural damage by protecting areas not affected by the fire.
- What regulations govern fire compartmentation in Italy?
Fire compartmentalization is regulated by the Fire Prevention Code, in particular by Chapter S.3, which establishes the criteria for the division into compartments, the fire resistance classes and the separation distances.
- What is a fire resistance class?
The fire resistance class indicates how long a building element can resist fire before losing its protective capacity. The classes are expressed in minutes, such as EI 30, EI 60, or EI 120 , and indicate the resistance to the passage of flame, smoke and heat.
- What is the difference between vertical and horizontal compartmentalization?
Vertical compartmentalization separates different floors of a building, while horizontal compartmentalization divides areas within the same floor. Both are essential to prevent the spread of fire in different directions.
- What elements need to be compartmentalized in a hotel?
In a hotel, emergency stairs, corridors, bedrooms, kitchens, conference rooms, elevator shafts, ventilation ducts and all escape routes must be compartmentalized.
- What is the fire resistance class required for fire doors in hotels?
Fire doors in a hotel must have a fire resistance of at least EI 30, but in some situations, such as for escape route doors and emergency stairs, higher values may be required (EI 60 or EI 120).
- How is the separation distance between compartments determined?
The separation distance can be calculated using tabular or analytical methods provided by the Fire Prevention Code . These methods consider the percentage of perforation of the facades and the thermal radiation emitted by the fire.
- What formulas are used to calculate the separation distance?
One of the most common formulas for the tabular method is: 
- What is the function of fire dampers in ventilation ducts?
Fire dampers automatically close ventilation ducts in the event of a fire, preventing fire and smoke from spreading through the ventilation system between floors of the building.
- Why is it important to compartmentalize emergency stairs?
Fire escapes are critical escape routes in the event of a fire. Compartmentalization protects these areas with fire-resistant barriers to prevent flames and smoke from blocking evacuation.
- What does the acronym EI 120 mean?
The acronym EI 120 indicates that an element has a fire resistance of 120 minutes, during which it maintains the ability to prevent the passage of flames (E) and the transfer of heat (I).
- What are the risks of an inadequate compartmentalization system?
A non-compliant compartmentation system increases the risk of fire spreading rapidly, making evacuation difficult or impossible and causing further damage to the structure.
- How are elevators protected during a fire?
Elevators are compartmentalized with fire-resistant doors of at least EI 60, to prevent fire from spreading through the elevator shaft, which represents a very vulnerable vertical path.
- What materials are used for compartmentalization barriers?
Materials used for compartmentalization barriers include concrete, fire-resistant brick, fire-resistant plasterboard, and steel. These materials are designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire.
- What role do escape routes play in compartmentalization solutions?
Escape routes must be protected and compartmentalized so that they remain safe and accessible during a fire. Fire doors and heavy-duty barriers ensure that they are not blocked by smoke or flame.
- How do you prevent fire from spreading through ceilings?
Ceilings must be compartmented with fire-resistant barriers (such as those rated EI 60 or EI 120) that prevent fire from passing from one floor to another through ducts or structures.
- What is meant by compartment continuity?
Compartment continuity means that fire barriers must be continuous and uninterrupted, covering all separating surfaces between compartments, including walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Should escape routes always be compartmentalized?
Yes, escape routes, including stairways and corridors, must be compartmentalized to ensure they remain accessible in the event of a fire. This is essential for the safe evacuation of occupants.
- What are the complementary technologies to fire compartmentation?
In addition to physical barriers, complementary technologies include fire detection systems, automatic sprinklers, fire dampers and evacuation alarm systems, which together reduce risks and improve the effectiveness of compartmentation.
- What are fire doors?
Fire doors are safety devices designed to resist flames and heat during a fire . They are made of fire-resistant materials and have gaskets that expand with heat to seal any gaps, preventing the passage of smoke and flames.
- What are the fire resistance classes of fire doors?
Fire doors are classified according to their ability to resist fire and are indicated with acronyms such as EI 30, EI 60, EI 120 , where the number represents the minutes of fire resistance. For example, an EI 60 door can resist for 60 minutes before fire damages it.
- Where should fire doors be installed in hotels?
Fire doors must be installed in escape routes, such as emergency stairs and corridors, and in areas separating high-risk areas, such as kitchens, from residential compartments (guest rooms).
- Do fire doors have to close automatically?
Yes, fire doors must be equipped with self-closing devices to ensure that they close automatically in the event of a fire. In many cases, these doors are held open by an electromagnetic system , which is deactivated in the event of a fire alarm, closing the door.
- Do fire doors require maintenance?
Yes, it is essential to carry out regular maintenance of fire doors, checking their integrity, the functioning of the self-closing devices and the intumescent seals, to ensure that they are always operational in the event of an emergency.
. 21 Examples of Compartmentalization in Hotels: Focus on Doors and Corridors
- Fire doors between rooms and corridors
Any door separating a guest room from the corridor must be a fire door with a fire resistance of at least EI 30. This allows the fire to be contained within the room for at least 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading along the corridor.
- Compartmentalization of corridors every 30 meters
To ensure fire safety, corridors should be compartmentalized every 30 meters with EI 60 fire doors , so as to prevent the spread of fire along the entire floor and protect escape routes.
- Separation of corridors by automatic fire doors
Automatic fire doors in corridors, held open by electromagnetic devices, close automatically in the event of a fire. This system allows free circulation in normal conditions, but ensures compartmentalization of corridors in an emergency.
- Self-closing fire doors in escape routes
Fire doors installed in escape routes (corridors leading to emergency stairs) must be equipped with self-closing devices to ensure that they close in the event of a fire, blocking the spread of fire and smoke towards the stairs.
- Compartmentalized corridors for room sections
According to the Fire Prevention Code, there is no specific requirement that corridors be compartmentalized into sections serving groups of 5-10 rooms each . Compartmentalization in hotels depends on several factors, including:
- Maximum compartment surface area : The regulation establishes limits on the maximum surface area of fire compartments, which vary according to the height of the floors and the Rvita risk profile associated with the occupants. For example, for floors up to 12 m high with Rvita profile A2 (awake occupants not familiar with the building), the maximum compartment surface area is 2,500 m².
- Length of escape routes : The maximum length of horizontal escape routes is a critical parameter. Typically, the maximum distance an occupant must travel to reach a safe place is between 30 and 45 meters, depending on the specific conditions and the presence of active protection measures such as sprinkler systems.
- Building configuration and crowding : The design must consider the layout of the spaces, the number of occupants and the available escape routes.
Dividing corridors into sections that serve groups of 5-10 rooms each can be a good design practice to improve fire safety, but it is not a specific regulatory requirement. This choice can help limit the spread of smoke and flame in the event of a fire, but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a qualified professional based on the characteristics of the building.
Therefore, point 5 is not accurate if understood as a mandatory requirement provided by the regulations. It is important that the compartmentation is designed in accordance with the regulations in force, considering all the risk factors and the specifications of the building, and that the solutions adopted are validated by a qualified technician.
- Double fire doors in main corridors
In main corridors, especially if very long, double fire doors (EI 60) can be installed, which close on both sides of the corridor in the event of a fire alarm, blocking fire and smoke.
- Compartmentalized corridors with separation of public areas
Corridors leading to guest rooms must be separated from public areas, such as lobbies or restaurants, by EI 60 fire doors, to prevent fire from easily spreading to residential areas.
- Fire doors for separating hotel wings
In large hotels with multiple wings or sections, corridors must be compartmentalized with EI 120 fire doors, to prevent fire from spreading from one wing to another.
- Installation of fire-rated glass doors in corridors
In some hotels, glazed fire doors in corridors, with EI 60 fire-resistant glass, can be used to maintain visibility and natural light, while ensuring fire compartmentation.
- Compartmentalization between corridors and technical areas
Corridors must be compartmentalized from technical areas (e.g. boiler rooms or electrical rooms) by means of EI 120 fire doors , so that a fire in the technical areas does not spread to the corridors or rooms.
- Fire doors in corridors leading to warehouses
Corridors leading to warehouses must be compartmentalized with EI 120 fire doors, as warehouses may contain combustible materials that increase the risk of fire.
- Fire doors in escape routes of corridors that connect to emergency stairs
Doors separating corridors from emergency stairs must have a fire resistance of at least EI 60 and must close automatically in the event of fire, to prevent fire from reaching the stairs and blocking evacuation.
- Sliding fire doors in corridors
In some hotels, sliding fire doors may be used in the hallways, which close in the event of a fire. These doors are useful when space is limited and swing doors would be cumbersome.
- Compartmentalized corridors to separate the floors
The corridors connecting the different floors must be compartmentalized with EI 60 fire doors near the stairs, to prevent the fire from easily spreading between the floors.
- Smoke-resistant fire doors in corridors
Fire doors installed in corridors must also have smoke-cold seals, to prevent smoke from spreading rapidly along the corridor and making evacuation difficult.
- Double swing fire doors in luxury hotel corridors
In luxury hotels, double-leaf fire doors (EI 60 or EI 120) can be installed in the widest corridors, ensuring both fire safety and elegant aesthetics.
- Compartmentalized corridors near the kitchens
Corridors adjacent to kitchens must be compartmentalized with EI 120 fire doors, to prevent any fires in the kitchens from spreading rapidly into residential areas.
- Corridor separation with fire doors in historic buildings
In hotels located in historic buildings, custom-made fire doors can be installed in the corridors, respecting the aesthetics of the building but still ensuring fire compartmentation.
- Fire doors in the corridors leading to the suites
The access doors to the suites must be fire-rated (EI 30 or EI 60) , to compartmentalize the main corridor and protect the rooms in the event of a fire.
- Fire doors with resistant glass in corridors adjacent to public areas
In corridors bordering public areas, such as restaurants or lobbies, fire doors with fire-resistant glass inserts (EI 60) can be used to maintain visibility and visual continuity, while ensuring safety.
- How many rooms should corridors be compartmentalized?
The Italian Fire Prevention Code does not provide a fixed rule or a predetermined number of rooms to compartmentalize corridors in hotels. However, the compartmentalization of corridors depends on various factors such as:
- Compartment surface area: The Code establishes a maximum limit to the fire compartment surface area, which depends on the height of the building and the risk associated with crowding. For example, for buildings with moderate risk, the maximum surface area of a compartment may be 5000 m² or less.
- Distance from escape routes: Corridors must ensure that escape routes are not too long, so that occupants can evacuate quickly. The maximum length of the escape route should not usually exceed 30-45 meters, unless automatic extinguishing systems such as sprinklers are present.
- Fire resistance class: The horizontal compartmentalization of corridors, especially on floors containing guest rooms, must be created with EI 30 or EI 60 fire doors, which close the corridor sections to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
In general, compartmentalization must be designed considering the building configuration, crowding, height and length of escape routes, with the aim of ensuring safe escape for occupants and protection of escape routes.
Conclusions
Fire compartmentation is a fundamental strategy to ensure the safety of guests and staff in hotels. Through the correct division of spaces into fire-resistant compartments and the separation of escape routes, it is possible to limit the spread of flames and smoke, facilitating safe evacuation and minimizing structural damage.
The choice of fire doors and other fire-resistant elements is crucial to comply with current regulations and ensure that each compartment offers the necessary protection in the event of a fire. The most effective solutions involve the use of certified doors , designed to meet the requirements of the Fire Prevention Code.
If you are looking for certified fire doors for hotels, visit our collection where you will find a wide range of products that combine safety, design and quality.
The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice. Each project must be reviewed and approved by certified fire safety and regulatory compliance experts.
Porte Italiane declines all responsibility for any errors, omissions or consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this article without due technical advice.
