Fire Resistance Rating for loadbearing (structural) elements is defined as: “the ability of the structural element to withstand the effects of a defined fire (e.g. hydrocarbon time/ temperature profile) for a specified time without loss of the loadbearing function of structural members.” Fire Resistance Rating for loadbearing elements is described by defining the following:
the structural element being considered
duration of loadbearing ability
fire load
restricted critical core temperature
Therefore, every loadbearing member shall be suitably fire protected to meet the requirements of the fire resistance rating.