- Author
-
Bostrom, L.
- Title
- Ageing Effects on the Fire Resistance of Building Structures.
- Coporate
- SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute, Boras, Sweden
- Report
-
SP Report 2002:29; Brandforsk Project 322-011
2002
46 p.
- Distribution
- FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute, Box 857, SE-501 15 BORAS, Sweden. Telephone: +46 33 16 50 00, Fax: +46 33 13 55 02, Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.sp.se/eng/default.htm
- Keywords
-
fire resistance
|
aging (materials)
|
classifications
|
load bearing elements
|
heat transfer
- Identifiers
- ageing mechanisms; ageing of components and materials
- Abstract
- The fire resistance of structures is based on tests performed on specimens manufactured shortly before the fire test. The only requirement in respect of conditioning is that the temperature and moisture content shall be the same as expected in practical use. Since there are many components and materials used in different building structures, it is of great importance that they behave in the same manner throughout the whole life of the structure as when the fire test was performed. The present study has examined some different materials and building structures in order to determine possible ageing problems with respect to fire resistance. The objective of the study has been to see if there are materials or components used in fire-resisting structures that may change their characteristics over the assumed life span of the structures. There are several materials which, under certain conditions, can lose their characteristics and thus possibly reduce the fire resistance. Examples are gypsum, when exposed to temperatures above 45 C, and different types of polymers when exposed to UV light. There are today no European requirements with respect to ageing tests for fire resistance. It is also difficult to find information regarding ageing and its effects on fire resistance for many materials and components. Since ageing of materials in structures may affect the fire resistance, it is of great importance that it is further studied.