Astm E84 2001
Astm E84 2001
Astm E84 2001
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a ne\Y version or discontinued.
Contnct ASTl\1 International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
An American National Standard
Designation: E 84- 01
~~
INTERNATIONAL
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Deparhmmt of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This fire-test-response standard for the comparative
surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to
exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is
conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position \Vi.th the
surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition
source. The material, product, or assembly shall be capable of
being mounted in the test position during the test. Thus, the
specimen shall either be self"supporting by its own structural
quality, held in place by added supports along the test surface,
or secured from the back side.
1.2 The purpose of this test metl10d is to detennine the
relative burning behavior of the material by observing the
fLame spread along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke
developed index are reported. However, there is not necessarily
a relationship between these two measurements.
1.3 The use of supporting materials on the underside of the
test specimen has the ability to lower the fLame spread index
from those which might be obtained if the specimen could be
tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily relate to indices obtained by testing materials without
such support.
1.4 Testing of materials that melt, drip, or delaminate to
such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is destroyed,
results in low flame spread indices that do not relate directly to
indices obtained by testing materials that remain in place.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound 1mits are to be regarded
as the standard.
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and fooinotes
that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be
considered as requirements of the standard.
1. 7 This standard is used to measure and describe the
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Starulards:
A 390 Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel
Poultry Fence Fabric (Hexagonal and Straight Linef
C 36 Specification for Gypsuru Wallboard3
D 4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials4
D 4444 Test Methods for Use and Calibration ofHand-Held
Moisture Meters4
E 69 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated
Wood by the Fire-Thbe Apparatus
E 160 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated
Wood by the Crib Test'
E 162 Test Method for Surface Flanunability of Materials
Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
E 176 Tenninology of Fire Standards6
E 286 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Building
Materials Using an 8-ft (2.44-m) Tunnel Furnace"
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions-For definitions of terms used in this test
method refer to Tenninology E 176. The term flarue spread
index from Tenninology E 176 is of perticular interest to this
standard and is defined in 3.1.1.
3.1.1 flame spread index, n-a number or classification
indicating a comparative measure derived from observations
made during the progress of the boundary of a zone of flarue
under defined test conditions.
2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E5 on. Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Swface
Burning.
CUrrent edition approved July 10, 2001. Published July 2001. Originally
published as E 84- 50 T. Last previous edition E 84- OOa.
Copyright@ ASTM lntematlonal, 100 8arr Harbor Dr!ve, PO Box C700, West
3
4
NOTIC~::
This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTJ.\ti International ('l'\\'W .astm.org) for the latest information
E84-01
Depth:
*'
Length:
5.1.2 The sides aud base of the chamber shall be lined with
au insulating firebrick with the dimensions of 4 y, in. by 9 in.
by 2 y, in. thick as illustrated in Fig. 2. The insulating firebrick
shall have the following properties:
5. Apparatns
5.1 Fire Test Chamber-See Figs. 1-5.
5.1.1 The fire test chamber is a rectangular horizontal duct
with a removable lid. The inside dimensions are as follows:
-----
ASTME84
C.
54'<;
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---~--
Vv'idth:
8 Heat-resistant glass, high-silica, 100% silica glass, nominal 4-in. thick has
been found suitable for the interior pane. Borosilicate glass, nominal V4-in. thick has
----------~~~~~~~~~S~9~~R~:x~~gsT
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19ft.6in.
4'-
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6URIEDTHEAMOCOUP
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3 114
2
23 ft.+-t~'>in.
31/16in.
24 f.
~3in.
SIUnits
76.2 1.6mm
121n.
304.8mm
151n.
381 mm
545in.
1.37mi27mm
4ft. Bin.
1.37 m
19ft. 61n.
5.94m
13ft. 1/2 in.
3.96 m 12.7 mm
23 1/4 ft. 112 in. 7.1 m12.7mm
23ft 1/21n.
7.0 m 12.7 mm
24ft.
7.32m
25ft.3ln.
7.62 m 76.2 mm
FIG. 1 Test Furnace, Showing Some Critical Dimensions (Not a Construction Drawing)
II
BURIED THUlMOCOUPLEdJ
EXPOSED THERMOCOUPLE
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Contact ASThl Ioternational (www.astm.org) for the latest information
E84-01
f-L-LL
FURNACE LEDGES
-r
7--7--T----
-~
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, __________ .J'
-------
rp
CASTABLE INSULATION
'\__EXPANDED METAL
CASTABLE INSULATION
t
LIQUID SEAL_/
-----------;
-""
D~1
-~
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1
4.0+0.5in
Q-, .-7I
DOUBLE PANE
OBSERV ATION
WIN DO
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ws
~-~"'-
.;
oi
rtf
c,-1,
'
OPTIONAL: CASTABLE
REFRACTORY OR FIRE
BRICKUN!NG
2600 F
7.50.51n.
12.0 0.5 in.
17.75 0.25 in.
.s.!..!.!nll
Inch-Pound Uoil
101.613mm
190.5 13 mm
447.7 9.5
1427"'C
Inch-Pound Unit
9ln.
4.5 in.
228.6mm
mm
317.5 13 mm
1/B in.
3.2mm
450.9 6.4 mm
1/4 in.
6.4mm
FIG. 2 Test Furnace Showing Critical Dimensions (Not a Construction Drawing)
2.5 in.
114.3 mm
63.5 mm
9
High-temperature furnace refractruy. Zirconimn silicate, or water-cooled steel
tubing have beea fotmd suitable for this puxpose.
NOTJ:CE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
E84-01
lill.h:!i!.
450.8 6.4 mm
203.2 mm
304.8 12.7 mm
609.6 mm
76.2 mm
a:
@
a:
41------" --14118
"---"
AS REQUIRED
24"
17-3/4 + 1/4"
a:
UJ
tJ:;;
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tl
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UJ
a:
5
UJ
a:
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FIG. 3 Typical Exhaust End Transition (Not a Construction Drav.ring)
(190 13 mm) below the under surface of the test sample. Gas
to the burners shall be provided through a single inlet pipe,
turbulance baffling shall be provided by positioning six refractory firebricks (as defined in 5.1.2) along the side walls of the
chamber. With the long dtmension vertical, 4 V,in. (114-mm)
dimension along the wall, place the bricks as follows from the
centerline of the burner ports:
Fig. 2).
On the window side at 7, 12, and 20 ~ ft (2.1, 3.7, and 6.1 0.2 m)
On the opposite side at 4 .!, 9 "lh, and 16 :!: Y.l ft (1.3, 2.9, and 4.9 :!: 0.2 m)
mm) water column with the sample in place, the shutter at the
fire end open the normal 3 V!o in. (76 2 mm), and the
damper in the wide open position. A draft gage tap to indicate
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TRANSITION
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E84-01
rum) in length, with a cross-sectional area of not less than 200
in. 2 (1290 cm2 ) at any point (see Fig. 3).
5.1.8.2 The transition piece shall in turn be fitted to a 16 in.
(406 rum) diameter duct pipe. A typical duct system shown in
Fig. 4 contains two 90' elbows (see Fig. 5) with the exhaust
duct running beside the fire test chamber. In order to comply
with this typical design, the vertical centerline of the exhaust
duct system is identical to that of the fire test chamber.
5.1.8.3 The exhaust duct is to be insulated with at least 2 in.
(51 mm) of high temperature mineral composition material
from the exhaust end of the fire chamber to the photometer
location.
5.1.8.4 An exhaust fan shall be installed at the end of the
exhaust duct. The air flow shall be controlled as specified in
5.1.11.
5.1.8.5 An alternative exhaust duct layout design shall
demonstrate equivalency by meeting the requirements speci~
fied in Section 7.
5.1.9 Photometer System:
5.1.9.1 A photometer system consisting of a lamp 10 aod
photocell 11 shall be mowrted on a horizontal section of the
16-in. (406-rum) diameter vent pipe at a point where it will be
preceded by a straight run of pipe (at least 12 diameters or 16
ft (4.88 m) and not more than 30 diameters or 40ft (12.19 m)
from the vent end of the chamber, and with the light beam
directed upward along the vertical axis of the vent pipe. The
vent pipe shall be insulated with at least 2 in. (51 rum) of
high~temperature mineral composition material, from the vent
end of the chamber to the photometer location. The photoelectric cell of which the output is directly proportional to the
amouot oflight received shall be mouoted over the light source
and connected to a recording device having a minimum
operating chart width of 5 in. (127 rum) with an accuracy
within 1 % of full scale, for indicating changes in the
attenuation of incident ligbi by the passing smoke, particulate,
and other eflluent. The distance between the light source lens
and the photocell lens shall be 36 4 in. (914 102 rum). The
cylindrical light beam shall pass through 3-in. (76-mm) diameter openings at the top and bottom of the 16-in. diameter duct,
with the resultant light beam centered on the photocell.
5.1.9.2 Lineatity of the photometer system shall be verified
periodically by interrupting the light beam with calibrated
neutral density filters. The filters shall cover the full range of
the recording instrument. Transmittance values measured by
the photometer, using neutral density filters, shall be within
3 % of the calibrated value for each filter.
5.1.10 Draft Regulating Device:
5.1.10.1 An automatically controlled damper to regulate the
draft pressure shall be installed in the vent pipe down-stream of
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DAMPER [e
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PHOTOCEL --
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INCH-POUND UNITS
16 in.
2 in.
5 ft.
6ft.
16-40ft.
SIUNITS
406.4 mm
50.8mm
1.52 m
1.83 m
4.88-12.2 m
10
The sole source of supply of the apparatus lrnmvn to the committee at this time
is 12.Y sealed beam., clear lens, auto spot lamp, No. 4405, from General Electric,
Nela Park, OH. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
infonnation to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, 1 which you may attend.
n The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is No. 856BB from Weston Instruments, Wauconda, IL. If you are a'WIJie of
alternative ffilllpliers, please provide this infonnatiou to ASTM Headquarters. Your
comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee,1 which you may attend.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest infonnation
E84-01
"'
~~
1-----_L_----J'
(n
~ --~L--
81 Units
406.4 mm
203.2 mm
482.6 mm
the smoke-indicating attachment. The damper shall be provided with a manual override.
6.2 The upstrearu end of the fire test chamber shall be filled
with a 14 :': Vs-in. (356 :': 3 mm) length of uncoated 16-gauge
(0.053 to 0.060 in.) steel sheet placed on the specimen
mounting ledge in front of and nnder the leading edge of the
specimen.
6.3 The test specimen shall be conditioned to a constant
6. Test Specimens
6.1 The test specimen shall be at least 2 in. (51 mm) wider
(nominally 2014 :': % in. (514 :': 19 mm)) than the interior
width of the tmmel. The length of the specimen shall be a total
of24 ft:': y, in. (7.32 m :': 13 mm) and shall be butted against
odically with the tmmel sealed from the inlet end to beyond the
photometer system, by placing a smoke bomb in the chamber.
Ignite the bomb and pressurize the chamber to 0.375 :': 0.125
in. (9.53 :': 3.18 mm) water colnnm. Seal all points ofleakage
observed in the fmm of escaping smoke particles.
the vent end of the fire test chamber. The specimen consists of
a continuous, nnbroken len~ or of sections joined end-toend. Specimens shall be truly representative of the materials
for which test results are desired. Properties adequate for
6
NOTICE: TWs standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
E84-01
readings to the preheat temperature shown in the timetemperature curve in Fig. 3. This preheating is for the porpose
of establishiog the conditions that will exist following succes-
sive tests and for indicating the control of the heat input into
ment of velocity, remove the turbulence bricks (see 4.3) and the
exposed 23-ft thermocouple and place 24-in. (670-mm) long
straightening vanes between 16 and 18 ft (4.88 and 5.49 m)
from the burner. The straightening vanes shall divide the
furnace cross section into nine uniform sections. Determine the
test.
vane edge 1 in. from the non-window wall; Trial2 is with the
center axis at the twmel center point; and Trial 3 is run with the
NOTlCE: This standard bas either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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E84-01
600
,.
550
2aa
500
260
-!!
t
~
232
450
30}1111111111111111111111111111111111111111..
0
Time, minutes
FIG. 7 Representative Time-Temperature Curve for Fuel Contribution of Inorganic Reinforced Cement Board
8. Procedure
8.1 With the furnace draft operating, place the test specimen
on the test chamber ledges that have been completely covered
with nominal 1/s-in. (3.2-nnn) thick by 1 \12-in. (38-nnn) wide
woven gasketing tape. Place the specimen as quickly as is
practical. Place the removable top in position over the specimen.
8.2 Keep the completely mounted specimen in position in
the chamber with the thrnace draft operating for 120 :': 15 s
prior to the application of the test flame.
8.3 Ignite the bmner gas. Observe and record the distance
and time of maximum flame front travel with the room
darkened Continue the test for a 10-min period. Termination of
the test prior to 10 min is permitted if the specimen is
completely consumed in the fire area and no further progressive burning is evident and the photoelectric cell reading has
retmned to the baseline.
8.4 Record the photoelectric cell output immediately prior
to the test and at least every 15 s duriog the test.
8.5 Record the gas pressure, the pressure differential across
the orifice plate, and the volume of gas used in each test. If a
temperature- and pressure-compensating mass flowmeter device is used to monitor the gas flow, record only the volume of
gas.
8.6 When the test is ended, shut off the gas supply, observe
smoldering aod other conditions within the test duct, aod
remove the specimen for fi.uther examination.
8. 7 Plot the flame spread distaoce, teroperature, aod change
in photoelectric cell readings separately on the same type of
coordinate paper as used in 7.9 for use in determining the
flame~spread and smoke-developed indexes as outlined in
Section 9. Flame front advancement shall be recorded at the
time of occurrence or at least evezy 30 s if no advancement is
noted. Flame spread distance shall be determined as the
observed distaoce minus 4\lz ft (1.37 m).
9. Interpretation of Results
9.1 The flame spread index (FSI) shall be the valve,
determined as follows, rounded to the nearest multiple of five.
8
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Contact ASThl International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
E84-01
20
18
16
1~
~12
w
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't10
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6
4
2
0
10
5
TIME - MJ NUTE~
AT=
II. Report
+ A2 )
l.
12.4 Between-laboratory (reproducibility) data is given in
Table 2.
12.5 Bias-No information is presented on the bias of the
TABLE 1
Material
12
A1
Mean Value
Relative
Standard
Deviation,%
91
17
15
3
16
17
7
24
17
1
3
19
18
Douglas Ar Plyv.tOod
Supporting data have been. filed at ASTM Headquarters and may be obtained
Repeatability
Standard
Deviation, Sr
13
12
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International {\\'Ww.astm.org) for the latest information
TABLE 2
E84-01
Betvw'een~Laboratory
Deviation, SR
Relative
Standard
Deviation,%
91
17
23
6
25
33
9
7
24
17
3
4
5
4
36
60
23
21
Material
Mean Vslue
Douglas Fir Plywood
Fire Retardant Treated
Douglas Fir Plywood
Type X Gypsum Board
Rigid Polystyrene Foam
Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Composite Panel
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
Al. CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES OF RED OAK DECKS
Al.l Introduction
ALl.l General construction outline of the red oak decks is
shown in Fig. ALL
10
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM Internationnl (\\'Ww.astm.org) for the latest information .
E84-01
..
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241n.
12ln.
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.
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Bin.
1
minimum
...
..
24 in.
..
..
..
.
...
..
241n.
12 in.
rl--------------96ln.--------------
1 in.
25.4mm
2in.
50.8mm
152.4 mm
Sin.
12 in.
304.8mm
24 in.
609.6mm
96in.
2.44m
FIG. A1.1 Red Oak Calibration Deck Construction
A2.1 Introduction
1l
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E84-01
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
Xl. GUIDE TO MOUNTING METHODS
Xl.l Introduction
Xl.l.l Discussion:
Xl.l.l.l This guide has been compiled as an aid in selecting
a method for mounting various building materials in the fire
test chamber. These mountings are suggested for test method
uniformity and convenience; they are not meant to imply
restriction in the specific details of field installation.
X1.1.1.2 For some building materials none of the methods
described may be applicable. In such cases, other means of
support may have to be devised.
X1.1.1.3 These suggested mounting methods are grouped
according to building materials to be tested whicb are broadly
described either by usage or by form of the material.
X1.1.2 Support Pieces:
Xl.l.2.1 Whenever inorganic reinforced cement board is
specified as a backing in this appendix, the material shall be
nominal '/4" (6.3 mm) thick, higb density (110 5 lb/ft3) and
uncoated.
X1.1.2.2 Whenever metal rods or bars are specified in this
appendix as supports they should be:
or installation. A nonhomogenous product containing underlying core (Note X1.1) material that may adversely aJfect the test
results should be tested with a joint. This joint should be
located longitudinally between the burners.
NoTE Xl.l-Core is defined as: a central and often foundational pSit
(a) The rods or bars should span the width of the tunnel.
Rods should be placed approximately 2 in. (51 mm) from eacb
end of each panel and at approxinlately 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals
starting with the fire end of each panel.
(b) Bars are used instead of rods ouly when they are required
to support the sample. The bars should be placed approximately 2 in. (51 nun) from eacb end of eacb panel and at
approxinlately 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals starting with the fire end
of each panel.
X1.1.2.3 Whenever netting is specified as a support in this
appendix, the material shall be 20-gage, 2-in. (51-mm) hexagonal galvanized steel netting conforming to Specification
A390.
Xl.l.3 Joints:
X1.1.3.1 Products that are normally installed adjoining
themselves longitudinally are evaluated under this paragraph.
(a) Mounting methods should be considered for building
products that normally incorporate joint details either in design
Nom ina r r. 2"{2.0. 4.1 em)
Woo d furring s.trjps~
X1.3 Adhesives
X1.3.1 To determine the surface bmning characteristics of
adhesives, they shall be mixed as specified in the manufacturer's instructions and shall be applied to inorganic reinforced
cement board in the thickness or at the coverage rate recommended by the manufacturer. The adhesive application shall be
cured prior to testing.
X1.4 Batt or Blanket-Type Insulating Materials
Xl.4.! Batt or blaoket materials that do not have sufficient
rigidity or strength to support themselves shall be supported by
metal rods inserted through the material and positioned such
~Corrugated
,!.
__l
0.5m
!t--4'2"~1.27m ~
1- 4'2"-1.2lmj
12"i-'t2."~- 3.U m
2 Requ"ired
FIG. X1.1 Wood Frame for Acoustical Materials and Other Similar Panel Products Less Than 20 in. (508 mm)
12
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Contact AS'I'JVI International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
E84-01
X1. 7 Plastics
13
The use of galvanized steel screening nonnally lowers the flame spread index
values obtained for some materials that are tested in this manner and, therefore, the
Iesults do not necessarily relate directly to values obtahted for other materials
mounted without galvanized steel screening.
I"
1'' J
17;!ll 1912 x Y1& Steel ears
~ ~9.5 x 0.5 em
3.8
20"
D.5m
_L
) s""''"
I+--(:.J~{-1.26m~\.....-41'1i"
a:.3l12"
~_,j~
1.21m
,I
2.n m
3 Required
13
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Contact ASTI\i International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
<4lt E 84-01
inorganic reinforced-cement board aod rolled using a 100-lb
(45.4-kg) roller (nominal 5-in. (127-mm) diameter, three 5-in.
long sections placed end to end for a total length of 15 in. (381
mm). The prepared samples can be dead stacked overnight but
X2.1 Introduction
X2.1.1 This appendix contains an abbreviated discussion of
550
FSI=--~KA
where:
K
550
FSI~--~10~
55
K X 97.5, and
550
10 X 97.5
0.564
(X2.4)
X2.3.1 In the idealized straight-line flame spread distancetime curve of Fig. X2.2, lines OJ, OJ', and Ol' produce a
family of trapezoidal areas ORB! ranging from 97.5 to 195
ftmin (Vz by 10 min by 19.5 ft to 10 min by 19.5 ft). This
represents a flame front progression to the end of the specimen
within the 10 min of the test. The area (AT) of ORB! may be
expressed as follows:
(X2.1)
Gby19.5by0R)
+ Gbyl9.5by(10-AJ))
(X2.5)
't:J
w 19.5
Ci
0
<t
0::
a..
rn
w
:a
<t
_J
""
_J
<t
:::l
t-
{X2.3)
0
<t
(X2.2)
TIME,t,MINUTES
FIG. X2.1 Idealized Straight-Line Flame Spread Distance-Time Curve for Total Areas Less than or Equal to 97.5 mlnft
14
(X2.6)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and repL'lced by a new ve1sion or discontinued.
Contnct ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
-w
E84-01
-'
19.5
z
~
rn
0
0
<(
a:
Q_
rn
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<(
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u..
....J
<(
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t-
TIME, t, MINUTES
<l
FIG. X2.21dealized Straight-Line Flame Spread Distance-Time Curve for Total Areas Greater than 97.5 mlnft
X2.3.2 The triangular area OIA divided into a proportionality constant K will determine a relationship between flame
spread indexes and the rate and distance of flame propagation.
The total area available is 195 ftmin, hence area OIA is equal
to 195- ORB!.
Thus, a new flame spread index formula may be derived as
follows:
K
K
FSJ~ OJA ~ 195 ORB!
K
AT
195
(X2. 7)
where:
Kt
R
(X2.8)
where:
AT
t
K1
Thus:
550
FSI=53
141.38' r
550 X (53.63)
55
4900
(X2.11)
195
(X2.10)
K3
(X2.9)
4900/(97.5 X 97.5)
0.515
(X2.12)
5363
FSI = 0.515 Ar
(X2.13)
4900
15
(X2.14)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest Information
E84-01
XJ. COMMENTARY
It was during this time that red oak flooring was selected as a
X3.1 Introduction
X3.1.1 This commentary has been prepared to provide the
user of Test Method E 84 with background information,
including literahrre references, on the development and use of
this test method. It also provides the reader and user with the
basis for the methods that have been used for deriving
nwnerical flame spread indexes; an appreciation of the variability of the test; and comments on its application and
limitations for testing selected types of materials.
X3.1.2 On Nov. 28, 1942, 490 people died In a fire in the
Boston Coconut Grove Nightclub. On June 5, 1946, 61 persons
died in the La Salle Street Hotel fire. On Dec. 7, 1946, a fire in
the Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta, Ga., clahned the lives of 119
persons. These fires had one thing in common. In all three fues,
rapid flame spread along the surfaces of interior finish was
judged to be a major factor in the spread of fire. Two had burlap
wall coverings, and the other an early type of plywood which
seriously delaminated. The fire protection authorities investigated several test methods with the objective of providing one
that could be used to regulate interior finish materials and
minimize repetition of such fires. These tests included: The
Forest Products Laboratory Fire Tube Test (now Test Method
E 69); Federal SpeciJication SS A118b (acoustical ti!elbunseo
burner test) (replaced by SS-A-liSa-7/63-referencing Test
MethodE 84); New York City Timber Test and Shavings Test
(now obsolete); Crib Test-Specification C 160-41 T (now
Test MethodE 160); and The Swedish Schlyter Test. (1) 14 All
of these were relatively small laboratory tests. Test Method
E 84 was developed on the prentise that a large test would
provide a more realistic and comprehensive test, and it has
since been widely adopted for use by the building code
authorities to regulate the use of interior finish materials.
Subsequently during this same period, two other test methods
were developed for use in research and development of new
materials, the NBS Radiant Panel (Test MethodE 162) and the
FPL 8-ft tunnel (Test MethodE 286). These test methods have
been widely used for research and development purposes.
16
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new ve1sion or discontinued.
<4@f E84-01
exhaust duct, and its orientation. The measurement of smoke
tunnel in 5.5 :!: 0.25 min, for a specimen of red oak flooring .
Tests are run with an inorganic reinforced cement board (ACB)
specimen to establish the distance of the exposing flame at 4.5
ft. It should be noted that the calibration specifies ouly the time
at which the flame passes over the end of the specimen. The
FSI depends on the area under the flame spread versns the time
cw:ve. Therefore, theFSI of red oak is no longer exactly 100 as
originally specified.
X3.4.3 Recogoition of the importance of turbulence, including the role of fire bricks and of window recesses, resulted in
a revision in the method in 1976 (see 3.1 and section 3.3 ).
it is based, does not provide a valid measure of fuel distribution. Therefore, although the data are recorded during the test,
this information is no longer normally reported.
composed of tunnel operators is now working on comprehensive design and on operational and procedural revisions to
volatile generation characteristic of the materials under evaluation resulting in a moving, wind-aided flame front.
X3.6.1.2 It involves a large specimen, nominally 36ft' (3.25
m2 ) of exposed area, allowing for realistic fire involvement of
X3.3.2
material surfaces and the development of physical and structural failures (collapse, buckling, large roptures or cracks, etc.)
that may influence flannnability performance during the test
period.
X3.6.1.3 It may be applied to a wide range of materials,
X3.6.1.5 It does characterize most ldgh-flame spread materials identified as haviog been involved in rapidly developing
field fires (for example, ldghly combustile coatings on wood
products, certain cellulosic acoustical materials, insulation
as a calibrating material.
X3.4.2 The operating conditions of the tunnel are adjusted if
necessary to ensure thet the flame spreads to the end of the
17
NOTI.CE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (W\\w.astm.org) for the latest information.
E84-01
X3. 7. 7 Some materials, such as cellular plastics, and ther-
cbanicaliy fastened will often fall to !be floor of !be tunnel and
also usually receive relatively low FSI (10). If supported oo
materials. Where the entire specimen is consumed, as compared to the surface burning of red oak, much more oxygen is
units; adhesiv~:s, batt- and blanket-insulating materials; fueretardant and general-purpose coatings; loose-fill thermal insulations; treated and untreated plywoods; lwnber and wood
composition boards; foamed, molded, reinforced, and laminated plastics; and sheet-type wall coverings.
board in 1960, witb subsequent evaluation of polyurethanetype boards incmporating flame-retardant resin systems (first
geoeration) beginoing io 1964, polymerically aod chemically
modified flame retardant polyurethane type formulations (second genenation) in 1965, polyisocyanurate-type foams initiated
io 1968 and, most recently, urea-formaldehyde type, cavity-fill
foams. Spray-applied and poured-io-place cellular foam systems were first subjected to !be test io 1968 and 1972,
respectively.
tests have been conducted on flame retardant and generalpurpose polystyrene, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate and urea-
series.
challeuged.
X3. 7.11 The flarue spread index of some materials may vary
NOI1C:K: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contnct ASTl\1 Intern,.tional (www.astm.org) for the latest information
E84-,01
Methods E 84, E 162, E 286, the "2-ft tmmel test," the "comer
test" {12) and other tests.
REFERENCES
and Evaluation, Vol 3, No. 1, ASTM, 1975.
(8) Williamson, R B. and Baron, F. M., "A Comer Test to Simulate
Residential Fires," Journal of Fire and Flammability, Vol 4, April
1973, pp. 99-105.
(9) Waterman, T. E., "Relation of the Building Occupancy and Design to
Use of Combustible Materials on Construction," ITTRI Report, Society
of Plastics Industry, Inc., llT Research Institute, Chicago, IL, October
1968.
(lO)D'Souza, M. V. and McGuire, G. H., "ASTME84 and the Flammability of Thermosetting Plastics,'' Fire Technology, Vol 13, No. 2,
May 1977, pp. 83-94.
(11) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Flammability Studies of Cellular
Plastics and Other Building Materials Used for Interior Finish,
Subject 723, U.L., Inc., Northbrook, IL, Jwe 13, 1975.
(12) McGuire, J. H., "'The Spread of Fire in Corridors," Fire Technology,
Vo14, No.2, May 1968, pp. 103-108.
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19