Heat release from wood wall assemblies using oxygen consumption method

Abstract

The concept of heat release rate is gaining acceptance in the evaluation of fire performance of materials and assemblies. However, this concept has not been incorporated into fire endurance testing such as the ASTM E-119 test method. Heat release rate of assemblies can be useful in determining the time at which the assemblies start to contribute to the controlled fire and the magnitude of heat contribution. Twelve wood wall assemblies were tested in an ASTM E-119 fire endurance furnace at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Heat release measurements using the oxygen consumption method were a part of this program. The data demonstrate the usefulness of the oxygen consumption calorimetric technique for calculating heat release rate. The tests reconfirmed previous work that showed heat release from assemblies protected with gypsum board is negligible during the first 30 min and is significantly less than that of unprotected assemblies for the duration of the test. With proper specifications for the fire endurance furnace, such as air supply and furnace pressure, the method can be incorporated into the ASTM E-119 test standard. Accuracy of the method is discussed.

Citation

Tran, Hao C.; White, Robert E. 1990. Heat release from wood wall assemblies using oxygen consumption method. Fire and polymers : hazards identification and prevention : proceedings of 197th national meeting of the American Chemical Society : 1989 April 9-14, Dallas, TX. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1990. ACS symposium series ; 425