AU2013101759A4 - Fire Resistant Glazing Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire resistant glazing assembly which includes at least two coplanar glazing panels forming at least a double glazing arrangement. At least one glazing panel comprises 5 at least one fire resistant (pyro) glass panel which includes an intumescent interlayer thereby providing fire resistant glazing. The glazing assembly also includes a frame assembly into which each glazing panel is fitted, the frame assembly having at least two adjoining or adjacent sections. The frame assembly is constructed from a timber having a density of at least 850 kg/M 3. The glazing assembly further includes at least 10 one intumescent seal between at least two adjoining or adjacent sections of the frame assembly. spec-961095 2620C 2D---12

Description

FIRE RESISTANT GLAZING ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention generally relates to a glazing assembly, such as a window, door or similar that has been constructed for use in buildings constructed in fire susceptible areas. The invention is particularly applicable for houses, warehouses and other domestic or industrial buildings and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application and could be used be used in any structure which is at risk of contact with high temperatures or flames.

Background of the Invention [0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Windows, doors or other openings in buildings form parts of the building structure which are prone to failure during extreme temperature conditions and which once failed, can allow entry into the building of flames and embers, and of oxygen which fuel the flames and embers. Once a fire is established within a building, it is difficult to extinguish and to save the building from complete destruction. Accordingly, it is recognised that protection of windows, doors and other openings in a building is important in order to protect buildings against destruction by fire.

[0004] Windows can be protected by shutters which typically are positioned to form a cover over the external side of the window. Certain shutters have been developed for protection of windows in bushfire conditions. However, shutters can be unsightly additions to a building, and may not be in a closed position if a building owner is unable or unavailable to activate the shutters once a bushfire threatens that building. For that reason, new Australian building standards (the Australian Standard for use in Bushfire Attack Level BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) -AS1530.8.2-2007) have been developed to ensure glazing assemblies, such as windows and doors remain structurally sound for a prescribed period when subject to high temperatures and flames.

[0005] Existing windows do not effectively prevent transmission of radiant heat from the external or fire side of the glazing assembly to the internal or nonfireside. Thus, radiant heat can cause the interior of a building to become excessively hot, which can be dangerous to occupants of the building and which can increase the likelihood of internal ignition. Furthermore, existing glazing assemblies often fail due to rapid structural damage to the window frame or the glass of the window during extreme heat events. Many existing window assemblies also have sealing issues and therefore can leave gaps that allow ingress to the interior of a building of smoke, embers and oxygen.

[0006] Accordingly, the Applicant is not aware of a glazing assembly, such as a window, door or the like, which operates successfully under extreme temperature conditions as can occur during some bushfire events. The Applicant has therefore developed a new and unique glazing assembly which aims to overcome or at least alleviate some of the disadvantages with glazing assemblies of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention [0007] The present invention provides a fire resistant glazing assembly which includes at least two coplanar glazing panels forming at least a double glazing arrangement. At least one glazing panel comprises at least one fire resistant (pyro) glass panel which includes an intumescent interlayer thereby providing fire resistant glazing. The glazing assembly also includes a frame assembly into which each glazing panel is fitted, the frame assembly having at least two adjoining or adjacent sections. The frame assembly is constructed from a timber having a density of at least 850 kg/m3. The glazing assembly further includes at least one intumescent seal between at least two adjoining or adjacent sections of the frame assembly.

[0008] The combination and make-up of the frames, glass and seals makes the glazing assembly of the present invention substantially airtight and substantially thermally sealed in the event of a fire proximate that glazing assembly. The preferred forms of the glazing assembly of the present invention are therefore able to meet the Australian Standard for use in Bushfire Attack Level BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) (AS1530.8.2-2007). Advantageously, window and glazed door assemblies according to the present invention do not require additional shutters or fire screens. The arrangement of the window and door assemblies are configured to ensure that the external or outdoor flame proximate components of the assemblies burn and char in a controlled manner, and therefore keep their integrity for a desired interval of time. This can reduce radiation on the inside of the assembly to below required levels. The configuration of this glazing assembly also only has minimal smoke penetration.

[0009] The glazing panels form a double glazing arrangement which include the at least one fire resistant (pyro) glass panel spaced apart from another glazing panel. The double glazing arrangement preferably comprises a first glazing panel comprising a glass panel having a thickness of at least 3mm, preferably at least 4mm, spaced apart by at least 8mm, preferably at least 12mm, from a second glazing panel comprising the fire resistant (pyro) glass panel.

[0010] The first glazing panel can comprise any suitable glass, including a float glass panel, a toughened glass panel or a further fire resistant (pyro) glass panel.

[0011] The second glazing panel can comprise any suitable fire resistant (pyro) glass panel. One suitable glass panel comprises a laminated composite glass panel which has an intumescent interlayer laminated between at least two float glass panels. This type of pyro glass is available from Schott UK Ltd, of Stafford, United Kingdom under the brand “Schott Pyranova”. The second glazing panel is preferably at least 10mm thick, and more preferably at least 14mm thick.

[0012] In order to seal the glazing panels to the surrounding perimeter frame assembly, the glazing assembly can further include at least one PVC perimeter seal fitted around the perimeter of at least one of the glazing panels.

[0013] The frame assembly is constructed from a dense timber having a density of at least 900 kg/m3, more preferably greater than 1000 kg/m3. The Applicant considers that the timber density allows for the frame assembly to maintain structural integrity when on fire for a desired length of time. A number of timbers meet this density requirement, such as most hardwood species, and high density hardwood species. One suitable timber for the frame assembly is Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus Sideroxylon or Eucalyptus Tricarpa) which has a density of ~ 1100 kg/m3. The thickness of the frame assembly can assist in the fire resistance of the glazing assembly. The timber of the frame assembly preferably has a thickness of at least 60mm, more preferably at least 68mm.

[0014] The frame assembly can be configured to suit any type of glazing assembly, such as a window, door, sliding door, skylight, roof window or the like. A number of these types of glazing assemblies include a frame assembly having an outer frame assembly and at least one inner frame assembly. Furthermore, one or more of the inner frame assemblies may be moveable relative to the outer frame assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the glazing assembly comprises a window. The at least one inner frame assembly may therefore include at least one sash. Where the glazing assembly comprises a door, the at least one inner frame assembly can includes a door assembly. Where the glazing assembly comprises a sliding door, the at least one inner frame assembly may include at least two door assemblies, each door assembly being releasably sealed at an adjacent section by at least one intumescent seal.

[0016] In these embodiments, intumescent seals are preferably located between the outer frame assembly and the inner frame assembly. Intumescent seals are formulated to be activated at certain temperature and swell or otherwise expand to help lock the inner frame assembly and outer frame assembly together. The intumescent seals may be fitted in any suitable location and arrangement. For example, one or more intumescent seals may be fitted within an elongate groove situated in at least one side of the outer frame assembly and the inner frame assembly. A number of suitable intumescent seals are available for glazing assemblies. One suitable intumescent seal comprises a sodium silicate type seal. Examples of these types of seals include Lorient Grey LP1004 seals available from Kilargo Pty Ltd (Trading as Lorient Australia) of Banyo, Queensland, Australia. Further seals, such as PVC perimeter seals or the like can also be fitted around the perimeter of the inner frame assembly.

[0017] The inner frame is preferably lockable and sealable relative to the outer frame using at least two fittings, and more preferably four or more locking points spaced apart around the glazing assembly. This assists forming a substantially airtight fit between the inner frame and outer frame.

[0018] In some embodiments, the frame assembly includes at least one double rebate.

[0019] The glazing assembly may further include at least one fire rated chalking strip substantially forming a seal between the frame assembly and the glazing panels. The chalking strip preferably has an intumescent composition. For example, at least one chalking strip may comprise a fire rated acoustic sealant around the perimeter of the exterior glazing panel. One suitable chalking strip is formed from Fuller Firesound a fire rated Acoustic sealant from H.B. Fuller Australian Pty Ltd, Dandenong South, Victoria, Australia.

[0020] Where an aluminium weather strip is included, it is preferred that the aluminium weather strip is substantially clad or covered with a timber having a density of greater than 850 kg/m3.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein: [0022] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a glazing window and door combination according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-section along line A-A of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-section along line B-B of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 4 is a vertical cross-section along line C-C of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-section along line D-D of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 6 is a front elevation view of a sliding door assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-section along line Y-Y of Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 8 is a vertical cross-section along line X-X of Figure 6.

Detailed Description [0030] Figures 1 to 8 show two different glazing assemblies 10, 100 configured to provide a fire resistant glazing assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a window and door glazing assembly 10 and Figures 6 to 8 illustrate a sliding door assembly 100. Each glazing assembly 10, 100 includes a construction using similar timber frames, glass and seals enabling that glazing assembly to meet the Australian Standard for use in Bushfire Attack Level BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) (AS1530.8.2-2007).

[0032] Referring firstly to the window and door glazing assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a glazing assembly including a door assembly 12, a fixed base window 14 and a French window assembly 16.

[0033] Each of the door assembly 12, a fixed base window 14 and a French window assembly 16 include a double glazing assembly 20A, 20В, 20C and 20D respectively (collectively referred to as double glazing assembly 20). The double glazing assembly 20 includes coplanar glazing panels comprising a 4mm thick glass panel 22 spaced apart by 12 mm from a second (outer) fire resistant (pyro) glass panel 24. The first glazing panel 22 in each of the door assembly 12 and French window assembly 16 is a toughened glass, for example toughened laminated safety glass available from ESG Ltd, Witham, Essex, United Kingdom under the brand “ESG TuffLam". The first glazing panel 22 is a float glass panel in the fixed base window 14. The second (outer) fire resistant (pyro) glass panel 24 comprises 14mm thick laminated composite glass panel which has an intumescent interlayer laminated between at least two float glass panels. This type of pyro glass is available from Schott UK Ltd, of Stafford, United Kingdom under the brand “Schott Pyranova”.

[0034] The window and door glazing assembly 10 shown in Figure 1 to 5 is fitted within a timber frame assembly 25 substantially constructed from a high density hardwood species such as Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus Sideroxylon) which has a density of ~ 1100 kg/m3. In this respect, all of the window sashes 26, window frame sections 28, door frame 30 and outer frame 32 are constructed from this type of hardwood. This type of timber enable the external or outdoor flame proximate components of the frame assembly burn and char in a controlled manner and therefore keep their integrity for a desired interval of time. The frame assembly 25 is constructed with double mortise and tenon joins and are glued together with a polyurethane adhesive. The timber of the frame assembly preferably has a thickness of at least 60mm, more preferably at least 68mm.

[0035] The window and door glazing assembly 10 further includes a number of seals to assists forming a substantially airtight fit between the inner frame and outer frame. The configuration of the seals of each glazing assembly ensures the glazing assembly 10 only has minimal smoke penetration.

[0036] A number of intumescent sealing strips 41 are positioned between at least two adjoining or adjacent sections of the outer frame assembly 32 and the window sashes 26, and door frame 30 and between the glazing panels 20, 22 and 24 and the adjoining sections of the timber frame 25. Intumescent seals are formulated to be activated at certain temperature and swell or otherwise expand (increasing in volume but decreasing in density) to help lock the inner frame assembly and outer frame assembly together. The intumescent sealing strips 41 are typically fitted within an elongate groove in the illustrated locations. Suitable intumescent seal comprise a sodium silicate type seal such as the Lorient Grey LP1004 seals available from Kilargo Pty Ltd (Trading as Lorient Australia) of Banyo, Queensland, Australia.

[0037] Further perimeter PVC strip seals 42 and 43 are located in suitable grooves around the window sashes 26, and door frame 30 to provide further acoustic and/or draft/thermal sealing. Suitable PVC seals include Schlegel Q-lon 3104 and Sash rebate seals such as Deventer SV130.

[0038] The glazing assembly 10 may further include fire rated chalking strips 45 substantially forming a seal between the glazing panels 20 proximate timber frame section. One suitable chalking strip 45 is formed from Fuller Firesound a fire rated Acoustic sealant from H.B. Fuller Australian Pty Ltd, Dandenong South, Victoria, Australia.

[0039] Further seals, such as a door base seal 47 are also provided to provide a good air tight seal to the glazing assembly 10. One suitable door seal is a Lorient IS8010 door seal, available from Kilargo Pty Ltd (Trading as Lorient Australia) of Banyo, Queensland, Australia.

[0040] The window sashes 26, and door frame 30 is preferably lockable and sealable relative to the outer frame 32 using a number of fittings (not shown) such as sash top and side locking pins and points. These locking pins and points assist forming a substantially airtight fit between the inner frame and outer frame. The configuration of the seals of each glazing assembly also only has minimal smoke penetration.

[0041] The sliding door assembly 100 shown in Figures 6 to 8 has a very similar construction to the window and door glazing assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5. It should therefore be understood that the preceding description is equally applicable to the sliding door assembly 100 shown in Figures 6 to 8. Furthermore, like features in Figures 6 to 8 have been given the same reference numerals as the features shown in Figures 1 to 5 plus 100.

[0042] Figures 6 to 8 show a sliding door assembly 100 having two sliding door 112A and 112B fitted within an outer frame 132.

[0043] Each door assembly 112A and 112B includes a double glazing assembly 120A and 120B respectively (collectively referred to as double glazing assembly 120). Again, the double glazing assembly 120 includes coplanar glazing panels comprising a 4mm thick glass panel 122 spaced apart by 12mm from a second (outer) fire resistant (pyro) glass panel 124. The first glazing panel 122 in each of the door assembly 112A and 112B is a toughened glass, such as a toughened laminated safety glass available from ESG Ltd, Witham, Essex, United Kingdom under the brand “ESG TuffLam”. The second (outer) fire resistant (pyro) glass panel 124 comprises 14mm thick laminated composite glass panel which has an intumescent interlayer laminated between at least two float glass panels. This type of pyro glass is available from Schott UK Ltd, of Stafford, United Kingdom under the brand “Schott Pyranova”.

[0044] The sliding assembly 100 is fitted within a timber frame assembly 125 including door frames 130A and 130B and outer frame 132 are substantially constructed from a high density hardwood species such as Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus Sideroxylon) which has a density of ~ 1100 kg/m3 and can have a moisture content of less than 10% (~9.3%). Again, the frame assembly 125 is constructed with double mortise and tenon joins and are glued together with a polyurethane adhesive.

[0045] The sliding door assembly 100 further includes a number of seals to assists forming a substantially airtight fit between the inner frame and outer frame, allowing only minimal smoke penetration. The sliding door frames 130A and 130B slide on suitable door slide rail fittings (not illustrated) which fit within fitting recess 150. One suitable type of lift-slide door fittings are "Portal" type fitting available from Siegenia-Aubi, Germany. This type of fitting enables the assembly to be almost air tight and firm fitting. However, it should be appreciated that other similar fittings of a different brand are available which could also be used for these door fittings.

[0046] A number of intumescent sealing strips 141 are positioned between at least two adjoining or adjacent sections of the outer frame assembly 132 and door frame 130A, 130B and between the glazing panels 120A, 120B, 122 and 124 and the adjoining sections of the timber frame 125. Again, the intumescent sealing strips 41 are typically fitted within an elongate groove in the illustrated locations. Suitable intumescent seal comprise a sodium silicate type seal such as the Lorient Grey LP1004 seals available from Kilargo Pty Ltd (Trading as Lorient Australia) of Banyo, Queensland, Australia.

[0047] Further perimeter PVC strip seals 143 are located in suitable grooves around the door frame 130 to provide further acoustic and/or draft/thermal sealing. Suitable PVC seals include Schlegel Q-lon 3104 and Sash rebate seals such as Deventer SV130.

[0048] The glazing assembly 100 may further include fire rated chalking strips 145 substantially forming a seal between the glazing panels proximate timber frame section. One suitable chalking strip 145 is formed from Fuller Firesound a fire rated Acoustic sealant from H.B. Fuller Australian Pty Ltd, Dandenong South, Victoria, Australia.

[0049] The door frames 130A, 130B is lockable and sealable relative to the outer frame 32 using five lock points 148 spaced around the door frame 132. Any suitable sliding door lock fitting (not shown) can be used.

Examples [0050] Two Australian Bushfire test in accordance with the Australian Standard for use in Bushfire Attack Level BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) was conducted on the illustrated and described windows and doors of Figures 1 to 8.

Example 1 - Window and Door Combination [0051] A test assembly comprising a nominal 3210mm x 3210mm x 200mm thick wall incorporating a first test specimen comprising a nominal 2400 mm wide x 2400 mm high double glazed door and three double glazed window sashes, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 was prepared.

[0052] The test specimen included 30mm thick double glazing system with a 2320mm high x 800mm wide timber hinged door, two 1460mm high x 725 mm (2-off) wide hinged French windows and a single 800 mm x 1450 mm wide fixed lite window.

[0053] The wall enclosing the test specimen consisted of a timber stud frame faced with plasterboard on the unexposed face and Hebei panel on the (flame) exposed face.

[0054] The test specimen was asymmetrical, and arranged such that the test specimen was exposed to flames from the side that would be normally be "outside” when installed in a building.

[0055] The test was performed in compliance with AS1530.8.2-2007 section 15 as appropriate for a glazed vertical element. The entire specimen was preconditioned to have a moisture content of below 10%. The specimen started at an ambient temperature of 20.3°C. The test side was exposed to furnace temperatures in accordance with AS1530.8.2-2007 section 15 test procedures for 30 minutes, followed by a 60 minute cooling down period.

[0056] The specimen achieved no failure in all the performance criteria: • Formation of through-gap greater than 3mm; • Flaming on the fire exposed face more than 30min after completion of heating; • Radiant heat flux 365mm from the non-fire side exceeding 15kW/m2; • Mean and maximum temperature rises greater than 140K and 180K (none); • Radiant heat flux 250mm from the specimen, greater than 3kW/m2 more than 30 mins after completion of the heating phase; • Mean and maximum temperature of internal faces exceed 250°C and 300°C respectively more than 30mins after completion of heating phase.

[0057] Overall, the radiation measured on the inside of the window or door has to be limited to 15kW or lower. The windows and doors of the present invention had a radiation of only 6KW on the inside during the test and included the cooling down period.

Example 2 - Sliding Door [0058] A test assembly comprising a nominal 3210mm x 3210mm x 200mm thick wall incorporating a second test specimen comprising a nominal 2400 mm wide x 2400 mm high double glazed timber sliding door, as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 was prepared.

[0059] The test specimen included 30mm thick double glazing system with a 2320mm high x 1210 mm wide timber sliding doors.

[0060] The wall enclosing the test specimen consisted of a timber stud frame faced with plasterboard on the unexposed face and Hebei panel on the (flame) exposed face.

[0061] The test specimen was asymmetrical, and arranged such that the test specimen was exposed to flames from the side that would be normally be “outside” when installed in a building.

[0062] The test was performed in compliance with AS1530.8.2-2007 section 15 as appropriate for a glazed vertical element. The entire specimen was preconditioned to have a moisture content of below 10%. The specimen started at an ambient temperature of 20.3°C. The test side was exposed to furnace temperatures in accordance with AS1530.8.2-2007 section 15 test procedures for 30 minutes, followed by a 60 minute cooling down period.

[0063] The specimen achieved no failure in all the performance criteria: • Formation of through-gap greater than 3mm; • Flaming on the fire exposed face more than 30min after completion of heating; • Radiant heat flux 365mm from the non-fire side exceeding 15kW/m ; • Mean and maximum temperature rises greater than 140K and 180K (none); • Radiant heat flux 250mm from the specimen, greater than 3kW/m2 more than 30 mins after completion of the heating phase; • Mean and maximum temperature of internal faces exceed 250°C and 300°C respectively more than 30mins after completion of heating phase.

[0064] Overall, the radiation measured on the inside of the window or door has to be limited to 15kW or lower. The windows and doors of the present invention had a radiation of only 6KW on the inside during the test and included the cooling down period.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0066] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.

Claims (24)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A fire resistant glazing assembly including: at least two coplanar glazing panels forming at least a double glazing arrangement, at least one glazing panel comprising at least one fire resistant glass panel which includes a intumescent interlayer; a frame assembly into which each glazing panel is fitted, the frame assembly being constructed from a timber having a density of at least 850 kg/m3, the frame assembly having at least two adjoining or adjacent sections; and at least one intumescent seal between at least two adjoining or adjacent sections of the frame assembly.
2. 2. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the double glazing panels comprise a first glazing panel comprising a glass panel having a thickness of at least 3mm spaced apart from a second glazing panel comprising the fire resistant glass panel by at least 6mm.
3. 3. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first glazing panel comprises a float glass panel or a toughened glass panel.
4. 4. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second glazing panel comprises a laminated composite glass panel comprising an intumescent interlayer laminated between at least two float glass panels.
5. 5. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second glazing panel is at least 10mm thick, preferably at least 14mm thick.
6. 6. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame assembly is constructed from a dense timber having a density of at least 900 kg/m3, more preferably greater than 1000 kg/m .
7. 7. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, further including at least one PVC perimeter seal fitted around the perimeter of at least one of the glazing panels.
8. 8. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame assembly is constructed from a high density hardwood species.
9. 9. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 7, wherein the frame assembly is constructed from Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus Sideroxylon or Eucalyptus Tricarpa).
10. 10. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the timber of the frame assembly has a thickness of at least 60mm, preferably at least 68mm.
11. 11. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame assembly includes an outer frame assembly and at least one inner frame assembly, one or more of the inner frame assemblies being moveable relative to the outer frame assembly.
12. 12. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 11, wherein the intumescent seals are located between the outer frame assembly and the inner frame assembly.
13. 13. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 12, wherein one or more intumescent seals are fitted within an elongate groove situated in at least one side of the outer frame assembly and the inner frame assembly.
14. 14. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the intumescent seals comprise a sodium silicate type seal.
15. 15. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further including at least one PVC perimeter seal fitted around the perimeter of the inner frame assembly.
16. 16. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the inner frame is lockable and sealable relative to the outer frame using at least two fittings.
17. 17. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 16, further including four or more locking points spaced apart around the glazing assembly to enable a substantially airtight fit between the inner frame and outer frame.
18. 18. A fire resistant glazing assembly according any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the glazing assembly comprises a window and the at least one inner frame assembly includes at least one sash.
19. 19. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the glazing assembly comprises a door, and the at least one inner frame assembly includes a door assembly.
20. 20. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 19, wherein the glazing assembly comprises a sliding door, and the at least one inner frame assembly includes at least two door assemblies, each door assembly being releasably sealed at an adjacent section by at least one intumescent seal.
21. 21. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, further including at least one fire rated chalking strip substantially forming a seal between the frame assembly and the glazing panels,
22. 22. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 21, wherein the chalking strip has an intumescent composition.
23. 23. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 21 or 22, wherein at least one chalking strip comprise a fire rated acoustic sealant around the perimeter of the exterior glazing panel.
24. 24. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim, further including an aluminium weather strip, wherein the aluminium weather strip is substantially clad or covered with a timber having a density of greater than 850 kg/m3.