Fire resistance of materials is primarily related to what structural property?

The fire resistance of materials is primarily related to mass because mass plays a critical role in how a material conducts and retains heat. When a material has greater mass, it tends to have a higher thermal inertia, meaning it can absorb and dissipate heat more effectively than lighter materials. This property allows massive materials to endure fire exposure for a longer period without reaching temperatures that would cause structural failure.

In the context of fire resistance, mass also influences the time it takes for a material to heat up and lose its structural integrity. Heavier, denser materials like concrete or brick can withstand fire better than lighter materials, providing greater protection to the structure and occupants inside.

While other properties like density, weight, and thickness can contribute to fire resistance, mass is the most direct indicator of how well a material will perform in a fire scenario. For instance, two materials can have the same thickness and weight but different mass due to their density, influencing their fire performance. Thus, the emphasis on mass reflects a more comprehensive understanding of fire resistance in building materials.