FIRE PROPAGATION TEST TO NFPA 285
SCOPE A test method for determining the fire propagation characteristics of exterior wall assemblies and panels used as components of curtain wall assemblies that are constructed using combustible materials or that incorporate combustible components.The fire propagation characteristics are determined for post-flashover fires of interior origin. PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY OF NFPA 285 NFPA 285 is required in the International Building Code (IBC) in multiple situations. The NFPA 285 test is to determine that combustibles, when exposed to fire on the exterior face of the wall, do not spread flame over the surface or through the core of the otherwise non-combustible wall assembly. The test wall has a window in the center of the lower floor. The test scenario is that a flashover fire, unrelated to the combustibles in the wall, has occurred in the lower story room emitting a fire plume through the window and out of the room of origin. Early in the 30 minute exposure the fire plume wraps around the window head, extending up the exterior surface of the wall. TEST APPAR ATUS
APPLICATION The specimen is evaluated for its ability to:
The 30 minute test is conducted on a full scale two story wall assembly, built as it would be in the field, on the front side of a three sided test structure (See figure 1). The Intermediate scale, Multistory Test Apparatus (ISMA) consists of two rooms, open in the front, arranged vertically. Two burners are provided to replicate the post-flashover fire. A room burner placed inside the first story, and window burner placed on a portable platform. TEST SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS The test specimen will be constructed by the test sponsor on a standardized, movable test frame (provided by Al Futtaim Element). AL FUTTAIM ELEMENT
The specimen shall have a minimum dimension of 5.3 m high x 4.1 m wide. A window aperture of size 760 mm high x 1980 mm wide shall be provided on the specimen, centrally aligned along the width of the first story room and with a sill height of 760 mm above the top of the first-story test room floor slab. The exterior cladding shall incorporate at least one horizontal joint between 305 mm and 914 mm above the top of the window opening, and a vertical joint extending upward to the full height of the exterior cladding from the top of the window opening and located within ± 152 mm of the window opening’s center line.
a.
b. c. d.
Resist flame propagation vertically or horizontally along the exterior surface, within the cavity or along the interior surface of the system. Resist the propagation of flame from one story to the next. Resist the lateral flame propagation from the compartment of fire origin to adjacent compartments or spaces. Resist the temperature rise vertically or horizontally along the exterior surface, within the cavity space, and along the interior surface of the system.
Both visual observations and temperature data recordings during the test shall be considered when determining the final result of the test.
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