Fire resistance testing - product development

Purpose

The cubic-metre furnace provides an opportunity to investigate how materials, components and small-scale assemblies behave when exposed to fire. Testing can be used to compare alternative solutions, identify weak points and generate data to support continued product development.

Testing can also serve as a step towards larger-scale or standardised fire resistance testing. By first investigating selected materials, connections or construction principles at reduced scale, development efforts can be focused on the most promising alternatives.

When is this type of testing suitable?

Testing in the cubic-metre furnace may be relevant when you want to:

• compare different materials or construction solutions
• investigate the effect of a modified joint, fixing or material thickness
• identify critical details in an assembly
• study temperature development and thermal response
• evaluate a prototype prior to larger-scale testing
• generate experimental data for modelling or simulation
• conduct a research or development test using a customised test setup
• investigate questions related to timber and timber-based structures under fire conditions

The test setup, instrumentation and evaluation criteria are determined based on the specific question to be investigated.

Examples of products and assemblies

The equipment may be suitable for the development of, for example:

• small-scale wall and board assemblies
• insulation and lining systems
• joints, seams and connections
• fixings and penetrations
• timber and timber-based building systems
• fire protection products
• prototypes and special constructions

Contact RISE for an assessment of whether the test specimen and the question to be investigated are suitable for testing in the cubic-metre furnace.

Method

The test specimen is installed in a test setup designed according to the intended use of the product and the question to be investigated. During the test, the specimen is subjected to a defined temperature or fire exposure.

Measurements and observations are adapted to the specific assignment. These may include, for example, temperatures, visible changes, integrity or other properties relevant to the behaviour of the assembly under fire exposure.

As the testing is often carried out for development purposes, RISE and the customer jointly develop an appropriate test programme before the test.

From development testing to full-scale testing

RISE also has equipment and expertise for standardised fire resistance testing of larger assemblies. If the purpose is classification, certification or verification against a specific regulatory or market requirement, we can help you identify an appropriate test method.

The cubic-metre furnace can therefore be used as part of a step-by-step development process:

1. formulation of the technical question
2. reduced-scale development testing
3. analysis and, if necessary, modification
4. further verification or full-scale testing

Preparations

When requesting a quotation, it is helpful if you can provide information about:

• the product or assembly
• what you want to investigate
• the dimensions and materials of the test specimen
• the intended use of the product
• the desired fire exposure
• the desired measurements and observations
• any relevant standards or requirements
• the intended use of the results

Please also provide drawings, product information and relevant safety data sheets where available.

Deliverables

Deliverables

Following completion of the test, results and observations are compiled in a report or another agreed form of deliverable. The scope, language and content of the report are determined based on the purpose of the test.

Contact us

Do you have a product, assembly or research question that you would like to investigate? Contact RISE and we will help you assess whether the cubic-metre furnace is the right testing environment and develop an appropriate test setup.