ASTM E119 Fire Resistance Test

The ASTM E119 standard is used to determine the fire resistance performance of various building structural components. For different products and different applications, the evaluation criteria have both similarities and differences.

ØSimilarities:

Basic indicators are the same: these include integrity and thermal insulation.

ŸFire Integrity:

Under standard fire test conditions, it is the ability of a building separation element to prevent flame and hot gas penetration or the occurrence of flames on the unexposed side for a specified period when one side is exposed to fire.

ŸFire Insulation:

Under standard fire test conditions, it is the ability of a building separation element to limit the temperature rise on the unexposed side to below a specified value for a specified period when one side is exposed to fire.

Regardless of the structural component, evaluation must be conducted based on fundamental aspects such as integrity and thermal insulation performance.

For example:

Whether it is a ceiling or another building component, during testing, it is necessary to examine whether there are penetrating cracks or other phenomena that affect integrity, and to measure the temperature on the unexposed side to assess insulation performance.

ØDifferences:

ŸSpecific Indicator Values:

The specific evaluation criteria values may vary for different products.

For example:

For different types of fire doors, depending on their usage scenarios and fire protection requirements, the specific temperature limits and time requirements for integrity and insulation may differ. Generally, Class A fire doors for building use require a fire resistance rating of 1.5 hours, during which indicators such as the temperature rise on the unexposed side must comply with strict regulations. Fire doors used in some special locations may require higher fire resistance ratings, with correspondingly stricter indicators.

ŸDifferences in Test Conditions:

For different products, the loading methods and heating conditions during testing may be adjusted based on product characteristics.

For example:

For wall specimens and floor specimens, the loading methods will differ. Walls may primarily consider horizontal thrust and pressure, while floors mainly consider vertical uniformly distributed loads. Additionally, some special products may require appropriate modifications to the standard heating conditions to more accurately simulate their actual performance in a fire.

ŸFocus of Qualification Assessment:

Due to their different functions in buildings, the focus of qualification assessment varies for different products.

For example:

The assessment of fire shutters may place greater emphasis on integrity and rapid response performance, ensuring they can quickly lower and prevent the spread of fire. For some insulation materials, thermal insulation is the most critical factor, with relatively lower requirements for structural stability.

ØEvaluation Criteria:

ŸLoss of Integrity:

Integrity is considered lost when the cotton pad ignites or sustained flaming occurs on the unexposed side for more than 10 seconds;

During testing, if a 6mm diameter probe can pass through a crack into the furnace and move along the crack for a length of not less than 150mm;

If a 25mm diameter probe can pass through a crack into the furnace, the specimen is considered to have lost integrity.

ŸLoss of Insulation:

Insulation is considered lost when the average temperature rise on the unexposed side exceeds the initial average surface temperature by 140°C, or when the temperature rise at any point on the unexposed side exceeds the initial temperature at that point by 180°C.

ŸLoss of Load-bearing Capacity:

Load-bearing capacity is considered lost if the specimen collapses during the test; or if the maximum deflection of beam and slab components, the axial deformation of column components, or the axial deformation rate of column components exceeds specified values.