How should gypsum board be applied to achieve the required fire-resistance rating for structural steel columns according to the 2018 International Building Code?

To achieve the required fire-resistance rating for structural steel columns using gypsum board, apply Type X gypsum wallboard vertically without horizontal joints or with staggered joints. The total thickness of the gypsum board depends on the fire-resistance rating and the weight-to-heated-perimeter ratio (W/D) of the column.

To ensure the required fire-resistance rating for structural steel columns, Type X gypsum wallboard should be applied vertically to the column. This can be done in a single layer without horizontal joints or in multiple layers with staggered horizontal joints. The joints should be staggered by at least 12 inches vertically between layers and not less than 8 feet vertically in any single layer. The total thickness of the gypsum board is determined based on the specified fire-resistance rating and the weight-to-heated-perimeter ratio (W/D) of the column. For fire-resistance ratings of 2 hours or less, one layer of gypsum board may be applied to the exterior of sheet steel column covers, with specific attachment requirements for screws and corner beads.