The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to describe acceptable methods of protecting the fire-resistive covering of columns that are subject to impact. California Building Code (CBC) Section 704.9, requires the fire protective covering material of structural column which may be subject to impact damage from moving vehicles, the handling a merchandise or other activity to be protected by corner guards or by substantial jacket of metal, or other non-combustible to a height adequate to provide full protection but not less than 5 feet from the finished floor, except for concrete columns in open or enclosed parking garages.

Acceptable Methods

1.   A 22-guage minimum metal jacket. This method is applicable to concrete, masonry, steel or wood columns.
2. 2"x2"x1/4" steel angles firmly attached on all corners.  This method is applicable to concrete, masonry, steel or wood columns.
3. Wood columns qualifying as heavy timber construction (not less then 8" in nominal dimension) need not be protected with impact protection.