The Role of Access Doors in Construction Engineering
What is Construction Engineering?
Construction engineering involves designing, planning, construction, and management of infrastructures such as buildings, facilities, and other projects. Construction engineers are required to supervise construction activities and inspect buildings upon completion.
Nowadays, new materials are being specially developed to provide solutions to a variety of civil engineering applications. For ensuring security in facilities and supporting internal building systems, industry professionals opt for the use of sturdy access doors and panels.
Access doors are invented primarily to gain access to critical areas behind walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs. They are necessary for reaching important building utilities such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and HVAC components during service adjustments or periodic maintenance. These building materials have evolved over the years. Different types of these doors are now available for a wide variety of applications and various purposes.
The different types of access doors and their roles in building construction
Fire rated access doors
To assist with fire safety in buildings, contractors make sure to use fire rated panels. It offers more than unlimited and convenient access to building fixtures. It has a primary purpose of preventing the transfer of heat and smoke from one door to another during a fire situation. Fire rated doors possess a fire rating of 48 up to 72 hours and feature a self closing and self locking mechanism. To be up to code, it is important for fire doors to be NFPA-compliant.
Security access doors
Security access doors are used for highly controlled facilities requiring optimum security. These panels typically come with heavy-duty construction and tamper-proof locks prohibiting unauthorized access to critical areas behind walls. Security access panels come in variants medium security, high security, and fire rated security applicable for prisons, correctional facilities, housing projects, etc.
Sound rated access doors
Beyond maintenance and accessibility, a sound rated access panel provides for improved privacy in facilities through its noise reduction or controlling feature. With top grade insulation, sound rated panels generally meet noise containment and sound transmission blocking requirements for walls. They are applicable for installation in judicial settings - GSA acoustic isolation ratings; learning spaces such as music rooms and performing spaces; in healthcare, HIPAA requirements for patient privacy; and LEED enhanced acoustical performance credits for schools.
Airtight/watertight access doors
Airtight/ watertight access doors have been tested for air infiltration and water penetration. The door and frame are fully welded and gasketed. These doors are ideal for use in laboratories, clean rooms, operating rooms, etc. where an airtight/watertight seal is required. They are also used for exterior installations providing building components protection against outdoor weather elements and temperature.
Access panels can also be classified according to the surface material they are installed, location, and size. Other types include interior and exterior doors; plaster, drywall, stucco, plastic; hand-access and large walk through doors.
Failure to account for a building’s construction requirements can turn a simple access panel into a safety hazard. Make sure to install the accurate access door for specific locations and surfaces by consulting the industry experts. It is equally important to partner with a reliable company to supply you with quality yet economical products for new building construction and major renovations.