Author: Robert H. White

Publisher:

Published: 1982

Total Pages: 16

ISBN-13:

Fire penetration tests were conducted to examine how the thermal protection afforded insulation in fire-exposed wall assemblies is influenced by wood-based panel type and thickness. Small-scale specimens (20-by 20-in.) were fabricated reflecting 1/4- to 3/4-inch plywood over 1-inch slabs of foam plastics; 5/8-inch plywood panels with no backup material, over a 3-1/2-inch loose-fill cellulosic insulation, 3-1/2-inch air gap, 1/2-inch foam plastic, or 3-1/2-inch glass-fiber insulation; and 5/8-inch particle board, 5/8-inch hardboard composite, 5/8-inch solid wood, 5/8-inch fire-retardant-treated plywood or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard over 1-inch slabs of foam plastic. These specimens were then subjected to the time-temperature fire exposure given in ANSI/ASTM Standard E 119. Because this research was conducted only to characterize material response and not to define the more complex performance of full-scale assemblies according to all the requirements of ANSI/ASTM Standard E 119, the information is not directly applicable to establishing the finish rating for a given panel type. However, the results do increase our understanding of what panel characteristics influence finish rating in assemblies. (Author).