What is the best way to protect a steel structure for fire?

Passive fire protection materials insulate steel structures from the effects of the high temperatures that may be generated in fire. They can be divided into two types, non-reactive, of which the most common types are boards and sprays, and reactive, of which thin film intumescent coatings are the most common example. Thin film intumescent coatings in turn can be either on-site or off-site applied.

There are several ways to protect steel, none of which are as thorough and acceptable as an intumescent fire retardant latex coating like CONTEGO.

Alternate spray protectors, such as cementatious coatings, are less expensive but are dirty to apply, have an ugly finish and are easily fractured away from the treated substrate. Covering steel with drywall is an effective but costly and time-consuming method of protection, in addition to taking up considerably more space.

Here are the5 most important benefits of using Contego Fire Barrier Latex Intumescent to protect steel:

1. Contego is applied like regular paint. Unlike some other intumescents or cement-based materials that require high-pressure sprayers and certified applicators, Contego works with a standard paint sprayer, brush or roller—lowering the applied cost considerably.

2. Contego is non-toxic. It makes no sense to protect a substrate from fire while poisoning the atmosphere around it. Contego may be the only VOC-free intumescent product that generates non-toxic smoke during a fire.

3. Contego has an incredibly smooth finish.  Standard application results in a beautifully smooth Level3 Architectural Finish. Contego can be top-coated with any quality acrylic enamel for surface protection and decorative purposes. Unlike many intumescents, top-coating Contego actually increases its fire resistance by20% or more.

4. Contego is tested and re-tested by certified labs around the world. When Contego states it will provide a certain protection time (1,2,3 hour) by using a specified thickness, those claims are supported and confirmed by independent laboratory tests.

Passive fire protection materials insulate steel structures from the effects of the high temperatures that may be generated in fire. They can be divided into two types, non-reactive, of which the most common types are boards and sprays, and reactive, of which thin film intumescent coatings are the most common example. Thin film intumescent coatings in turn can be either on-site or off-site applied.

The UK is fortunate in having an efficient and competitive structural fire protection industry which delivers excellent quality at low cost.

Sure, Agreed with Experts.

The best way to protect steel structure from fire is by enclosing it with concrete (normal or by light weight concrete) and fire retardant coating also might work.

to be painted by sprays to protect the steel from high temprature during fire by coating the steel bars with these paints

Concrete or light concrete chemise

The best way to protect a steel structure from fires is to primarily prevent fires from happening anywhere in the building.

You have to applied Fire Froofing Coating 

best way will be according to the case and type of structure but there are many tequniqes to resist heat like paintings materials , composite sections and offcourse fire fighting system

 the protection method which you apply should consider the environment  and your project budget . cover the all steel structure by fire resistant material  or use concrete  cover   and also  install fire protection system  .