Assessment of How and Why the Actual Fire Endurance of a Structural Component May Differ From the Results Obtained From the Standard Testing Procedure



Assessment of How and Why the Actual Fire Endurance of a Structural Component May Differ From the Results Obtained From the Standard Testing Procedure

Introduction

Statement of Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to assess the questions of how and why with regards to actual fire endurance of a structural component may differ from the results obtained from the standard testing procedure.

The paper would aim to answer the questions posited in the aforementioned statement of purpose in a sequential manner. Discussions would begin with clear identification of standards that provide guidelines with regards to fire test methods of building constructions and materials. The process of identification would be followed with discussions that would consider the critics that question the validity and reliability of ASTM E119. The motive of this step is to include all scholarly opinions that aim to question the results of standard testing procedure and its level of difference with actually posited fire endurance test of structural components. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports after WTC events in 2011, September would also be a part of discussion. These assessments would be used to determine the questions put adjacent to fire standard protocols. Concluding sections would provide an insight into changes requisite in the future to ascertain significant levels of similarity between actual fire conditions and those replicated in testing phase under laboratory settings.

Discussion

Fire Test Methods of Building Constructions and Materials (ASTM E119) are a set of nationally identified standards, used widely in the US. The standards are designed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The aim of these standards is to determine the reliability of buildings and other architectural designs exposed to fire incidents. The society is old and renowned; it issued its first set of standards in 1918. The year 2000, witnessed the most recent edited publication of the standards by the concerned society. Organizations including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other relevant international institutions issue similar fire-testing methods around the globe. ASTM E119 also forms a critical foundation for numerous different testing methods. These methods primarily focus on containment of fire in the confines of buildings and similar structures. The worldwide fire protection communities develop relevant testing standards, in focus with technological changes and advancements. These standards are re-established after careful reassessment and incorporation of technological advancements. Though, it may be argued that the testing methods remain objectionably unchanged since its formation in 1918, data accuracy and its quality have advanced significantly. The tests use testable chambers that are aimed at determining the extent and resistance to fire incidences in building assemblies. As such these testable chambers are a part of an elaborate laboratory environment to replicate actual fire situations in buildings etc.

Scholars, critiques and other publishers have questioned the abilities of ASTM E119 standards with regards to reliability and validity. These questions have become pronounced after the incident of ...