Astm E84
Astm E84
Astm E84
Designation: E 84 – 03b
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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FIG. 1 Test Furnace, Showing Some Critical Dimensions (Not a Construction Drawing)
Maximum Recommended Temperature 2600°F (1424°C) so that the entire length of the test sample is observable from
Bulk Density 50 6 3 lb/ft3 (0.77 6 0.046 g/cm3) outside the fire chamber. The windows shall be pressure tight
Thermal Conductivity at Mean
Temperature of
Btu•in./hr•ft2•°F W/m•°C in accordance with 7.2 and 7.2.1.
400°F (205°C) 1.7 0.24 5.1.4 The ledges shall be fabricated of structural materials11
800°F (425°C) 1.9 0.27 capable of withstanding the abuse of continuous testing. The
1200°F (650°C) 2.2 0.32
1600°F (870°C) 2.6 0.37 ledges shall be level with respect to the length and width of the
2000°F (1095°C) 3.2 0.46 chamber and each other. The ledges shall be maintained in a
2400°F (1315°C) 3.9 0.56 state of repair commensurate with the frequency, volume, and
5.1.3 One side of the chamber shall be provided with double severity of testing occurring at any time.
observation windows10 with the inside pane flush mounted (see 5.1.5 Lid:
Fig. 2). Exposed inside glass shall be 2 3⁄4 6 3⁄8 by 11 + 1, −2 5.1.5.1 The lid shall consist of a removable noncombustible
in. (70 6 10 by 279 + 25 − 50 mm). The centerline of the metal and mineral composite structure as shown in Fig. 2 and
exposed area of the inside glass shall be in the upper half of the of a size necessary to cover completely the fire test chamber
furnace wall, with the upper edge not less than 2.5 in. (63 mm) and the test samples. The lid shall be maintained in an
below the furnace ledge. The window shall be located such that unwarped and flat condition. When in place, the lid shall be
not less than 12 in. (305 mm) of the specimen width can be completely sealed to prevent air leakage into the fire test
observed. Multiple windows shall be located along the tunnel chamber during the test.
10
Heat-resistant glass, high-silica, 100 % silica glass, nominal 1⁄4-in. thick has
11
been found suitable for the interior pane. Borosilicate glass, nominal 1⁄4-in. thick has High-temperature furnace refractory. Zirconium silicate, or water-cooled steel
been found suitable for the exterior pane. tubing have been found suitable for this purpose.
5.1.5.2 The lid shall be insulated with a minimal thickness to the burners shall be provided through a single inlet pipe,
of 2 in. (51 mm) castable insulation or mineral composite distributed to each port burner through a tee-section. The outlet
material having physical characteristics comparable to the shall be a 3⁄4 in. NPT elbow. The plane of the port shall be
following: parallel to the furnace floor, such that the gas is directed
Maximum effective use temperature of upward toward the specimen. Each port shall be positioned
at least: 1200°F (650°C) with its centerline 4 6 1⁄2 in. (102 6 13 mm) on each side of
Bulk density 21 lb/ft3 (336 kg/m3)
Thermal conductivity at 300 to 700°F 0.50 to 0.71 Btu·in./h·ft2·°F (0.072 to
the centerline of the furnace so that the flame is distributed
(149 to 371°C) 0.102 W/m·K) evenly over the width of the exposed specimen surface (see
5.1.5.3 The entire lid assembly shall be protected with flat Fig. 2).
sections of nominal 1⁄4-in. (6.3-mm) reinforced cement board 5.1.6.2 The controls used to assure constant flow of gas to
meeting the properties of Annex A3. This protective board the burners during period of use shall consist of a pressure
shall be maintained in sound condition through continued regulator, a gas meter calibrated to read in increments of not
replacement. The protective board is to be secured to the more than 0.1 ft3 (2.8 L), a manometer to indicate gas pressure
furnace lid or place on the back side of the test specimen. in inches of water, a quick-acting gas shut-off valve, and a gas
5.1.6 Gas Burners: metering valve.
5.1.6.1 One end of the test chamber shall be designated as 5.1.7 Air Intake:
the “fire end”. This fire end shall be provided with two gas 5.1.7.1 An air intake shutter shall be located 54 6 5 in.
burners delivering flames upward against the surface of the test (1372 6 127 mm) upstream of the burner, as measured from
sample (see Fig. 2). The burners shall be spaced 12 in. (305 the burner centerline to the outside surface of the shutter (see
mm) from the fire end of the test chamber, and 7 1⁄2 6 1⁄2 in. Fig. 1). The air intake is to be fitted with a vertically sliding
(190 6 13 mm) below the under surface of the test sample. Gas shutter extending the entire width of the test chamber. The
12
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is 12-V sealed beam, clear lens, auto spot lamp, No. 4405, from General Electric,
FIG. 4 Plan View—Typical Duct System (Not a Construction
Nela Park, OH. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
Drawing) information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider-
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.
13
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 aware of
shutter shall be positioned so as to provide an air inlet port 3 6 alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your
1⁄16 in. (76 6 2 mm) high measured from the floor level of the
comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
test chamber at the air intake point. technical committee,1 which you may attend.
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high-temperature mineral composition material, from the vent gasketing tape and 23 ft 6 1⁄2 in. (7.0 m 6 13 mm) from the
end of the chamber to the photometer location. The photoelec- centerline of the burner ports at the center of its width.
tric cell of which the output is directly proportional to the 5.1.11.2 Two No. 18 Awg (1.02 mm) thermocouples are
amount of light received shall be mounted over the light source embedded below the floor surface of the test chamber. These
and connected to a recording device having a minimum thermocouples shall be mounted at distances of 13 ft 6 1⁄2 in.
operating chart width of 5 in. (127 mm) with an accuracy (3.96 m 6 13 mm) and 23 1⁄4 ft 6 1⁄2 in. (7.09 m 6 13 mm)
within 61 % of full scale, for indicating changes in the measured from the centerline of the burner ports. The thermo-
attenuation of incident light by the passing smoke, particulate, couples shall be inserted from below the fire test chamber
and other effluent. The distance between the light source lens through the firebrick until the tip of the thermocouple is 1⁄8 6
and the photocell lens shall be 36 6 4 in. (914 6 102 mm). The 1⁄32 in. (3.2 6 0.8 mm) below the floor surface. The tip of the
cylindrical light beam shall pass through 3-in. (76-mm) diam- thermocouples shall be covered with refractory or portland
eter openings at the top and bottom of the 16-in. diameter duct, cement, carefully dried to avoid cracking.
with the resultant light beam centered on the photocell.
5.1.9.2 Linearity of the photometer system shall be verified 6. Test Specimens
periodically by interrupting the light beam with calibrated
6.1 Specimens shall be representative of the materials which
neutral density filters. The filters shall cover the full range of
the test is intended to examine. The report shall include
the recording instrument. Transmittance values measured by
information on the composition needed for identification of the
the photometer, using neutral density filters, shall be within
test specimen as described in 11.1.1.
63 % of the calibrated value for each filter.
5.1.10 Draft Regulating Device: 6.2 The specimen shall be provided in one of two ways: (1)
5.1.10.1 An automatically controlled damper to regulate the a continuous, unbroken length; (2) sections that will be joined
draft pressure shall be installed in the vent pipe down-stream of or butted end-to-end.
the smoke-indicating attachment. The damper shall be pro- 6.3 The size of the test specimen shall be:
vided with a manual override. Width: between 20 and 24 in. (508 and 610 mm)
5.1.10.2 Other manual or automatic draft regulation de- Length: 24 ft + 12 in. — 6 in.
vices, or both, are allowed to be incorporated to help maintain Thickness: maximum 4 in. (101 mm).
fan characterization and air-flow control throughout the test.
5.1.11 Thermocouples: NOTE 1—The test apparatus is not designed for testing at thicknesses
greater than 4 in. (101 mm), but has the ability to be modified if required.
5.1.11.1 A No. 18 Awg (1.02-mm) thermocouple, with 3⁄8 6 This is accomplished through (a) modifications to the test apparatus lid to
1⁄8 in. (9.5 6 3.2 mm) of the junction exposed in the air, shall
maintain an airtight seal, and (b) the introduction, usually of additional
be inserted through the floor of the test chamber so that the tip sample/lid supports above the test apparatus ledges. Due to the composi-
is 1 6 1⁄32 in. (25.4 6 0.8 mm) below the top surface of the tion of some materials, test results obtained at a thickness greater than 4
at the geometrical center of each section. During the measure- representative preheat curve is observed, suitable adjustments
ment of velocity, remove the turbulence bricks (see 4.3) and the in the fuel supply may be necessary based on red oak
exposed 23-ft thermocouple and place 24-in. (670-mm) long calibration tests.
straightening vanes between 16 and 18 ft (4.88 and 5.49 m) 7.7 Allow the furnace to cool after each test. When the floor
from the burner. The straightening vanes shall divide the thermocouple at 13 ft (3.96 m) shows a temperature of 105 6
furnace cross section into nine uniform sections. Determine the 5°F (40.5 6 2.8°C), place the next specimen in position for
velocity with furnace air temperature at 73.4 6 5°F (23 6 test.
2.8°C), using a velocity transducer. The velocity, determined as 7.8 With the test equipment adjusted and conditioned as
the arithmetic average of the seven readings, shall be 240 6 5 described in 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.6, make a test or series of tests,
ft (73.2 6 1.4 m)/min. using nominal 23⁄32-in. (18.3-mm) select-grade red oak flooring
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FIG. 7 Representative Time-Temperature Curve for Fuel Contribution of Reinforced Cement Board
11. Report 11.1.5 Graphical plots of flame spread and smoke developed
11.1 Report the following information: data.
11.1.1 Description of the material being tested, including its 12. Precision and Bias 14
composition or generic identification, thickness, and any rel-
evant additional details, 12.1 Precision—A series of interlaboratory tests for this test
11.1.2 Test results as calculated in Section 9, method was run using eleven laboratories and six materials.
11.1.3 Details of the method used in placing the specimen in Four replicates of each material were tested. The complete
the chamber, to include the following: results have been placed on file at ASTM Headquarters as a
11.1.3.1 A statement whether a continuous or sectioned Research Project entitled “Interlaboratory Test Study on ASTM
specimen is used, E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics
11.1.3.2 A description of the number of sections and their of Building Materials.” Data was calculated in accordance with
sizes, when the specimen consists of sections joined end-to- Practice E 691 and ISO 5725.
end, 12.2 Even though Test Method E 84 provides measurement
11.1.3.3 The mounting method employed, of a Flame Spread Index and a Smoke Developed Index, only
11.1.3.4 The method of placement of the cement board the Flame Spread Index is considered in this precision state-
protecting the furnace lid assembly. ment because the test series utilized a smoke measurement
11.1.4 Observations of the burning characteristics of the
specimen during test exposure, such as delamination, sagging, 14
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM Headquarters and may be obtained
shrinkage, fallout, etc., and by requesting PCN 33000014-31.
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1.1 Introduction
A1.1.1 General construction outline of the red oak decks is
shown in Fig. A1.1.
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(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 Introduction ing core (Note X1.1) material that may adversely affect the test
X1.1.1 Discussion: results should be tested with a joint. This joint should be
X1.1.1.1 This guide has been compiled as an aid in selecting located longitudinally between the burners.
a method for mounting various building materials in the fire NOTE X1.1—Core is defined as: a central and often foundational part
test chamber. These mountings are suggested for test method usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature
uniformity and convenience; they are not meant to imply (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary).
restriction in the specific details of field installation. (b) The surface burning behavior should be determined using
X1.1.1.2 For some building materials none of the methods the manufacturer’s recommended joint detail.
described may be applicable. In such cases, other means of (c)If a joint detail is not recommended by the manufacturer,
support may have to be devised. the product should be tested both with a separation of 3⁄16 6 1⁄16
X1.1.1.3 These suggested mounting methods are grouped in. (4.26 1.5 mm) and with the edges in direct contact.
according to building materials to be tested which are broadly
described either by usage or by form of the material. X1.2 Acoustical and Other Similar Panel Products Less
X1.1.2 Support Pieces: Than 20 in. (508 mm)
X1.1.2.1 Whenever reinforced cement board is specified as X1.2.1 For acoustical materials and other similar panel
a backing in this appendix, the material shall be nominal 1⁄4 9 products whose maximum dimension is less than 20 in. (508
(6.3 mm) thick, meeting the properties of Annex A3. mm), metal splines or wood furring strips and metal fasteners
X1.1.2.2 Whenever metal rods or bars are specified in this shall be used.
appendix as supports they should be: X1.2.2 Steel tee splines for mounting kerfed-acoustical tile
Steel rods, 1⁄4 in. (6.3 mm) diameter shall be nominal 1⁄2-in. (13-mm) web by 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) flange,
Steel bars, 3⁄16 by 2 in. (5 by 51 mm)
formed No. 24 MS gage sheet metal.
(a) The rods or bars should span the width of the tunnel. X1.2.3 Wood furring frames for mounting acoustical mate-
Rods should be placed approximately 2 in. (51 mm) from each rials and other similar panel products less than 20 in. (508 mm)
end of each panel and at approximately 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals shall be nominal 1 by 2-in. (20 by 41-mm) wood furring joined
starting with the fire end of each panel. with corrugated-metal fasteners. Use two frames as shown in
(b) Bars are used instead of rods only when they are required Fig. X1.1.
to support the sample. The bars should be placed approxi-
mately 2 in. (51 mm) from each end of each panel and at X1.3 Adhesives
approximately 2-ft (0.6-m) intervals starting with the fire end X1.3.1 To determine the surface burning characteristics of
of each panel. adhesives, they shall be mixed as specified in the manufactur-
X1.1.2.3 Whenever netting is specified as a support in this er’s instructions and shall be applied to reinforced cement
appendix, the material shall be 20-gage, 2-in. (51-mm) hex- board in the thickness or at the coverage rate recommended by
agonal galvanized steel netting conforming to Specification the manufacturer. The adhesive application shall be cured prior
A 390. to testing.
X1.1.3 Joints:
X1.1.3.1 Products that are normally installed adjoining X1.4 Batt or Blanket-Type Insulating Materials
themselves longitudinally are evaluated under this paragraph. X1.4.1 Batt or blanket materials that do not have sufficient
(a) Mounting methods should be considered for building rigidity or strength to support themselves shall be supported by
products that normally incorporate joint details either in design metal rods inserted through the material and positioned such
or installation. A nonhomogenous product containing underly- that the bottom of the rod is approximately 1⁄4 in. (6.3 mm)
FIG. X1.1 Wood Frame for Acoustical Materials and Other Similar Panel Products Less Than 20 in. (508 mm)
X2.1 Introduction X2.2.4 To relate the current formula, which is of the straight
line, origin intercept form, to the previous (Test Method E 84)
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X2.1.1 This appendix contains an abbreviated discussion of
the derivations of the flame spread area formulas used to formula, it is necessary to equate the two as follows:
calculate the flame spread index in this test method. This 550
appendix will show not only the derivations of the formulas, FSI 5 t 5 KA (X2.2)
but will illustrate the relationship between this method of flame
spread calculation and a previous method. where:
X2.1.2 In these calculations, it is assumed that the flame K = proportionality constant for equations of the
front never recedes. Hence, in Fig. 8 there is an imaginary line current formula’s type, and
AT = total area under area ORA.
bounding the upper edge of area A2.
If AT = 97.5 ft·min at t = 10 min, then
X2.2 Formula 1—Constant 550
FSI 5 100 5 K 3 97.5, and (X2.3)
X2.2.1 In Fig. X2.1, an idealized straight-line flame spread
distance-time plot is drawn. Lines OA, OA8, and OA9 produce
a family of areas ORA having a maximum possible area of 97.5 550
K 5 10 3 97.5 5 0.564 (X2.4)
ft·min (1⁄2 by 10 min by 19.5 ft). These represent a steady
progression of the flame front to a maximum distance at the
end of the 10-min test. X2.3 Formula 2—Constant
X2.2.2 When the flame front spreads its maximum distance X2.3.1 In the idealized straight-line flame spread distance-
(19.5 ft) in 10 min, a formula used in Test Method E 84 would time curve of Fig. X2.2, lines OI, OI8, and OI9 produce a
yield the following:
family of trapezoidal areas ORBI ranging from 97.5 to 195
550 550 ft·min (1⁄2 by 10 min by 19.5 ft to 10 min by 19.5 ft). This
FSI 5 t 5 10 5 55 (X2.1)
represents a flame front progression to the end of the specimen
X2.2.3 Also, when the flame front is maximized at 19.5 ft in within the 10 min of the test. The area (AT) of ORBI may be
10 min, the area in Fig. X2.1 ORA is maximized to 97.5 ft·min. expressed as follows:
FIG. X2.1 Idealized Straight-Line Flame Spread Distance-Time Curve for Total Areas Less than or Equal to 97.5 min·ft
FIG. X2.2 Idealized Straight-Line Flame Spread Distance-Time Curve for Total Areas Greater than 97.5 min·ft
S 1 1
D S D K = 0.564 in Formula 1 and 5363 in Formula 2, a further
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2 by 19.5 by OR 1 2 by 19.5 by ~102AI! (X2.5)
mathematical modification is made.
which is equal to: X2.4.2 In order to establish a relationship between the
195 2 9.75 AI (X2.6) constants (K) in X2.2 and X2.3, it is necessary to consider the
since OR is always 10 min. form of the basic formulae, which are as follows:
X2.3.2 The triangular area OIA divided into a proportional- K1
ity constant K will determine a relationship between flame FSI 5 195 2 A ~A . K2! (X2.10)
T
spread indexes and the rate and distance of flame propagation. FSI 5 K3AT ~A, K2!
The total area available is 195 ft·min, hence area OIA is equal
to 195 − ORBI.
Thus, a new flame spread index formula may be derived as where:
follows: K1 = 100 (195 − R),
R = the area associated under the curve that is to be
K K K
FSI 5 OIA 5 195 2 ORBI 5 195 2 A (X2.7) associated with an index of 100,
T
K2 = an arbitrary choice within the limits of 0 and 195, and
X2.3.3 To establish K, a relationship between the current K3 = K1/(K2[195 − K2]).
and the previous Test Method E 84 formulas will be established X2.4.3 Choosing K2 = 195/2 produces a minimum value of
at the red oak calibration point of 19.5 ft progression at 5.5 min
K3, that is, any other K2 value will result in a higher K3 value,
as follows:
and choosing R, the area under a red oak calibration plot, as a
550 K median value of 146, implies the following:
FSI 5 t 5 195 2 A (X2.8)
T
K1 5 100 ~195 2 146! 5 4900 (X2.11)
where:
AT = 195 − (9.75 (5.5)) = 141.38 ft·min, and X2.4.4 Then using 97.5 as the value for K2, K3 would be:
t = 5.5 min. K3 5 4900/~97.5 3 97.5! 5 0.515 (X2.12)
Thus:
X2.4.5 Thus, the formula for flame spread index in 8.1.2 is
550 K as follows:
FSI 5 5.5 5 195 2 141.38 , or (X2.9)
FSI 5 0.515 AT (X2.13)
550 3 ~53.63!
K 5 5 5363
5.5 X2.4.6 Thus, the formula for flame spread index in 8.1.3 is
X2.4 Formulas 1 and 2 as follows:
X2.4.1 To account for the disproportionate increase which 4900
FSI 5 195 2 A (X2.14)
can occur in FSI values at the lower end of the index scale, for T
X3.1 Introduction or lower, round the average to the nearest multiple of 5 points.
X3.1.1 The following is a recommended procedure for The rounded average is considered the SDI.
average flame spread index and smoke developed index results:
X3.4 Smoke Developed Index (SDI)-Average Smoke
X3.2 Flame Spread Index (FSI)
Value Over 200
X3.2.1 Average the individual calculated flame-spread val-
ues determined in accordance with 9.1, then round the average X3.4.1 Average the individual calculated smoke developed
to the nearest multiple of 5 points. The rounded average is the values determined in accordance with 9.2. If the average is
FSI. over 200, round the average to the nearest multiple of 50
points. The rounded average is the SDI.
X3.3 Smoke Developed Index (SDI)-Average Smoke
Value 200 or Under
X3.3.1 Average the individual calculated smoke developed
values determined in accordance with 9.2. If the average is 200
X4. COMMENTARY
X4.1 Introduction materials, the NBS Radiant Panel (Test Method E 162) and the
X4.1.1 This commentary has been prepared to provide the FPL 8-ft tunnel (Test Method E 286). These test methods have
user of Test Method E 84 with background information, been widely used for research and development purposes.
including literature references, on the development and use of
this test method. It also provides the reader and user with the X4.2 History of Test Method E 84
basis for the methods that have been used for deriving X4.2.1 The first “tunnel-type” furnace was built at Under-
numerical flame spread indexes; an appreciation of the vari- writers Laboratories around 1922 when “fire-proofing” paints
ability of the test; and comments on its application and and specifically “white wash” were actively promoted. The
limitations for testing selected types of materials. equipment consisted of a long bench with a noncombustible
X4.1.2 On Nov. 28, 1942, 490 people died in a fire in the top. The sample consisted of a wood trough about 16 ft long,
Boston Coconut Grove Nightclub. On June 5, 1946, 61 persons 18 in. wide, and 18 in. deep (5.568 m long, 0.522 m wide, and
died in the La Salle Street Hotel fire. On Dec. 7, 1946, a fire in 0.522 m deep), placed upside down on the bench. The inside of
the Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta, Ga., claimed the lives of 119 the trough was coated with the paint. A known quantity of
persons. These fires had one thing in common. In all three fires, wood at one end furnished the ignition source.
rapid flame spread along the surfaces of interior finish was X4.2.2 In 1927 and 1928, chemically impregnated wood
judged to be a major factor in the spread of fire. Two had burlap was being developed, and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,
wall coverings, and the other an early type of plywood which used a tunnel 36 in. wide, 23 ft long, and 13 in. deep (1.044 m
seriously delaminated. The fire protection authorities investi- wide, 8 m long, and 0.377 m deep) to evaluate its performance.
gated several test methods with the objective of providing one It was during this time that red oak flooring was selected as a
that could be used to regulate interior finish materials and control to calibrate the furnace. The sample formed the top of
minimize repetition of such fires. These tests included: The the tunnel. The fuel and draft were also controlled.
Forest Products Laboratory Fire Tube Test (now Test Method
X4.2.3 In the early 1940’s, a desire to reduce flammability
E 69); Federal Specification SS A118b (acoustical tile/bunsen
of wood-based products, and the introduction of new building
burner test) (replaced by SS-A-118a-7/63-referencing Test
materials and combinations of materials brought about the need
Method E 84); New York City Timber Test and Shavings Test
to further improve the tunnel. The development of the third
(now obsolete); Crib Test-Specification C 160 – 41 T (now
tunnel furnace is explained fully in Underwriters Laboratories
Test Method E 160); and The Swedish Schlyter Test. (1)16 All
Bulletin of Research No. 32 (2). Subsequent refinements were
of these were relatively small laboratory tests. Test Method
incorporated, and the first formal test method was published as
E 84 was developed on the premise that a large test would
Standard U.L. 723 by Underwriters Laboratories in August
provide a more realistic and comprehensive test, and it has
1950. Revised editions were published in 1958, 1960, 1971,
since been widely adopted for use by the building code
1977, and 1979. The National Fire Protection Association
authorities to regulate the use of interior finish materials.
adopted the method as NFPA No. 255 in 1955 with revisions in
Subsequently during this same period, two other test methods
1958, 1961, 1966, 1970, 1972, and 1979. The test was adopted
were developed for use in research and development of new
by the American Society for Testing and Materials as a
tentative standard in 1950 and formally adopted in 1961 with
16
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end revisions made in 1967, 1968, 1970, and from 1975 through
of this test method. 1980.
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X4.6.1.4 It may be used to measure the effects of density, materials that are not so supported. Conversely, materials that
thickness, surface contour, surface finish, delamination, are supported on rods, such as batt insulation may produce
strength, and joint design on the surface flammability of the higher FSI if retained on the ceiling rather than allowed to burn
specimen. on the floor.
X4.6.1.5 It does characterize most high-flame spread mate- X4.7.6 Some materials, such as composites may delaminate
rials identified as having been involved in rapidly developing during the test. This may cause two possible responses, the
field fires (for example, highly combustile coatings on wood material may expose two or more surfaces to the flame
products, certain cellulosic acoustical materials, insulation increasing the FSI; the material may sag or drop one end into
facings applied with combustible adhesives, etc.), as well as the fire chamber impeding further flame spread.
providing an accurate characterization of the performance of X4.7.7 Some materials, such as cellular plastics, and ther-
some low flame-spread materials in actual fires (for example, moplastic and thermosetting materials, may be difficult to
gypsum and mineral products). evaluate. Thermoplastic and thermosetting materials not me-
X4.6.1.6 Although this is a test to measure “surface burning chanically fastened will often fall to the floor of the tunnel and
characteristics,” the visual observation of flame travel is based also usually receive relatively low FSI (10). If supported on
on maximum flame extension anywhere within the tunnel wire screen, rods or other supports, these materials may be
volume, not necessarily directly on the specimen surface that completely engulfed in flame, and a questionable comparison
may not be clearly visible. Surface flammability measurements is being made between the surface flame-spread of nominal
of building materials do not yield a unique material property. 1-in. (0.039-mm) thick red oak with the burning rate of these
Rather, the measurement is influenced by the method of test to materials. Where the entire specimen is consumed, as com-
a very considerable degree. pared to the surface burning of red oak, much more oxygen is
used and higher smoke developed indexes are usually obtained
X4.7 Uses and Limitations for these materials.
X4.7.1 The orientation of the specimen in this method is in X4.7.8 The materials described above, that is, those that
a horizontal ceiling position. This orientation places some drip, melt, delaminate, draw away from the fire, or require
limitations on the type of material that can be realistically artificial support present unique problems and require careful
mounted during testing. Prior to 1960, the tunnel was used interpretation of the test results. Some of these materials that
primarily for the investigation of the surface burning charac- are assigned a low FSI based on this method may exhibit an
teristics of homogeneous compositions of ceiling and wall increasing propensity for generating flame-over conditions
finishes, such as acoustical tiles, wall coverings, coatings, and during room fire test with increasing area of exposure of the
REFERENCES
(1) Steiner, A. J., “Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,” Fire and Evaluation, Vol 3, No. 1, ASTM, 1975.
Engineering, May 2, 1951. (8) Williamson, R. B. and Baron, F. M., “A Corner Test to Simulate
(2) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,“ Fire Hazard Classification of Build- Residential Fires,” Journal of Fire and Flammability, Vol 4, April
ing Materials,” Bulletin of Research, No. 32, Chicago, IL, September 1973, pp. 99–105.
1947. (9) Waterman, T. E., “Relation of the Building Occupancy and Design to
(3) Steiner, A. J., Building Offıcials Conference of America Yearbook, Use of Combustible Materials on Construction,” IITRI Report, Society
1949–1950, pp. 115–116. of Plastics Industry, Inc., IIT Research Institute, Chicago, IL, October
(4) Fang, J. B., “Fire Buildup in a Room and the Role of Interior Finish 1968.
Materials,” NBS Technical Note 879, June 1975.
(5) Endicott, L. E. and Bowhay, R. B., “A Statistical Evaluation of the Fire (10) D’Souza, M. V. and McGuire, G. H., “ASTM E84 and the Flamma-
Hazard Classification Furnace (ASTM E84 – 68),” ASTM Materials bility of Thermosetting Plastics,” Fire Technology, Vol 13, No. 2,
Research and Standards, May 1970, pp. 19–21, 50–52. May 1977, pp. 83–94.
(6) “Round Robin Tests on Tunnel Type Flame Spread Furnaces” for (11) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Flammability Studies of Cellular
ASTM Project No. 1–811–2, Final Report, Southwest Research Plastics and Other Building Materials Used for Interior Finish,
Institute, San Antonio, TX, April 16, 1959. Subject 723, U.L., Inc., Northbrook, IL, June 13, 1975.
(7) Lee, T. G. and Huggett, C., “Interlaboratory Evaluation of theASTM (12) McGuire, J. H., “The Spread of Fire in Corridors,” Fire Technology,
E84 – 70 Tunnel Test Applied to Floor Coverings,” Journal of Testing Vol 4, No. 2, May 1968, pp. 103–108.
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