These test methods are intended to evaluate the duration for which the types of building elements noted in 1.1 contain a fire, retain their structural integrity, or exhibit both properties during a predetermined test exposure.

The test exposes a test specimen to a standard fire controlled to achieve specified temperatures throughout a specified time period. When required, the fire exposure is followed by the application of a specified standard fire hose stream applied in accordance with Practice E 2226. The test provides a relative measure of the fire-test-response of comparable building elements under these fire exposure conditions. The exposure is not representative of all fire conditions because conditions vary with changes in the amount, nature and distribution of fire loading, ventilation, compartment size and configuration, and heat sink characteristics of the compartment. Variation from the test conditions or test specimen construction, such as size, materials, method of assembly, also affects the fire-test-response. For these reasons, evaluation of the variation is required for application to construction in the field.

The test standard provides for the following:

For walls, partitions, and floor or roof test specimens:

Measurement of the transmission of heat.

Measurement of the transmission of hot gases through the test specimen.

For loadbearing elements, measurement of the load carrying ability of the test specimen during the test exposure.

For individual loadbearing members such as beams and columns:

Measurement of the load carrying ability under the test exposure with consideration for the end support conditions (that is, restrained or not restrained).

The test standard does not provide the following:

Information as to performance of test specimens constructed with components or lengths other than those tested.

Evaluation of the degree by which the test specimen contributes to the fire hazard by generation of smoke, toxic gases, or other products of combustion.

Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the test specimen.

Simulation of the fire behavior of joints between building elements such as floor-wall or wall-wall, etc., connections.

Measurement of flame spread over the surface of test specimens.

The effect on fire-resistance of conventional openings in the test specimen, that is, electrical receptacle outlets, plumbing pipe, etc., unless specifically provided for in the construction tested. Also see Test Method E 814 for testing of fire stops.

1.1 The test methods described in thisfire-test-response standard are applicable to assemblies of masonryunits and to composite assemblies of structural materials forbuildings, including loadbearing and other walls and partitions,columns, girders, beams, slabs, and composite slab and beamassemblies for floors and roofs. They are also applicable to otherassemblies and structural units that constitute permanent integralparts of a finished building.

1.2 It is the intent that classifications shallregister comparative performance to specific fire-test conditionsduring the period of exposure and shall not be construed as havingdetermined suitability under other conditions or for use after fireexposure.

1.3 Thisstandard is used to measure and describe the response of materials,products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlledconditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors requiredfor fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, productsor assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.4 These test methods prescribe a standard fireexposure for comparing the test results of building constructionassemblies. The results of these tests are one factor in assessingpredicted fire performance of building construction and assemblies.Application of these test results to predict the performance ofactual building construction requires the evaluation of testconditions.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to beregarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.

1.6 This standard does notpurport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associatedwith its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standardto establish appropriate safety and health practices and determinethe applicability of regulatory limitations prior touse.

1.7 The text of this standard references notes andfootnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes andfootnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not beconsidered as requirements of the standard.