ASTM E1966-07(2011)

This test method evaluates, under the specified test conditions: (1) the ability of a fire resistive joint system to undergo movement without reducing the fire rating of the adjacent fire separating elements and (2) the duration for which test specimens will contain a fire and retain their integrity during a predetermined test exposure.

This test method provides for the following measurements and evaluations where applicable:

Capability of the joint system to movement cycle.

Loadbearing capacity of the joint system.

Ability of the joint system to prohibit the passage of flames and hot gases.

Transmission of heat through the joint system.

Ability of the joint system, that is an extension of a wall, to resist the passage of water during a hose stream test.

This test method does not provide the following:

Evaluation of the degree by which the joint system contributes to the fire hazard by generation of smoke, toxic gases, or other products of combustion.

Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the joint system.

Measurement of flame spread over the surface of the joint system.

Note 1—The information in 5.3.1-5.3.3 may be determined by other suitable fire test methods. For example, 5.3.3 may be determined by Test Method E84.

Evaluation of joints formed by the rated or non-rated exterior walls and the floors of the building.

In this procedure, the test specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. When different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by, or from, this test method to predict changes to the characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the exposure conditions described in this test method.

1.1 This fire-test-response test method measures the performance of joint systems designed to be used with fire rated floors and walls during a fire endurance test exposure. The fire endurance test end point is the period of time elapsing before the first performance criteria is reached when the joint system is subjected to one of two time-temperature fire exposures.

1.2 The fire exposure conditions used are either those specified by Test Method E119 for testing assemblies to standard time-temperature exposures or Test Method E1529 for testing assemblies to rapid-temperature rise fires.

1.3 This test method specifies the heating conditions, methods of test, and criteria for the evaluation of the ability of a joint system to maintain the fire resistance where hourly rated fire-separating elements meet.

1.4 Test results establish the performance of joint systems during the fire-exposure period and shall not be construed as having determined the joint systems suitability for use after that exposure.

1.5 This test method does not provide quantitative information about the joint system relative to the rate of leakage of smoke or gases or both. However, it requires that such phenomena be noted and reported when describing the general behavior of joint systems during the fire endurance test but is not part of the conditions of compliance.

1.6 Potentially important factors and fire characteristics not addressed by this test method include, but are not limited to:

1.6.1 The performance of the fire-resistive joint system constructed with components other than those tested.

1.6.2 The cyclic movement capabilities of joint systems other than the cycling conditions tested.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.9 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.10 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.