Roofs, fire test methods

Sorathia and co-workers [51] investigated the use of smaller scale fire test methods. From these investigations, two methods, differing in concept and technique, were developed. The methods developed by the UL in the late 1950s are still in use today and are described in the Approval Standard for Class 1 Roof Covers, FM 4470 [52] and Fire Test of Roof Deck Constructions, UL 1256 [53]. 

Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, 1993 (similar to ASTM E-108). Standard for Fire Tests of Window Assemblies, (similar to ASTM E 163). 

ASTM E 84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials ASTM E 108 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings ASTM E 119 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials ASTM E 136 Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C ASTM E 162 Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source... 

As a consequence of a very serious fire under the steel roofs in a large car plant in USA the Underwriters Laboratories Inc., developed a new UL test method, which uses oxygen consumption cone calorimetry to quantify roof covering materials. This test was used to quantify the contribution of roof covering materials to the fire under the roof by capturing effluent from beneath the roof assembly and recording the rate of heat production in kW/min. 

The new UL test method utilises a collection hood and duct system prescribed under various nationally recognised fire test procedures including the UL 1715 Standard [54]. The test structure is a masonry room measuring 2.4 m wide by 3.7 m long by 2.4 m high, with one 2.4 m wide open end. Heptane fuel burners are used to provide the internal fire source. The test method utilises oxygen consumption calorimetry to quantify the roof covering materials. 

The new test method now being used to test roof deck constructions, that contain polystyrene directly over steel decks, is similarly validated. To complete the understanding and acceptance of the new test, UL is documenting the White House Test and the new smaller scale fire test procedure and acceptance criteria. The methods are being reviewed under the UL standards revision process and, upon completion, will be submitted to the ANSI approvals process, to be incorporated into UL 1256 [53]. 

Following the fire in 1953 at General Motors transmission plant (Livonia, MI, USA), it was realised that there was a need for test methods for roofing systems and the... 

UL 790, Standard for Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, 2004. 

ASTM E-108 Test Methods for Fire Test of Roof Coverings, 2011... 

UL 790 Standard Test Method fbr Fire Tests of Roof... 

---