ASTM E3037-20

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3037 − 19 E3037 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Relative Movement Capabilities of Through-
Penetration Firestop Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3037; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers testing procedures for through-penetration firestop systems. This test method is intended for the
following uses:
NOTE 1—Refer to Test Method E814 for definition of “through-penetration firestop system.”
1.1.1 To determine relative movement capability in two separate and distinct planes of movement for different types of
through-penetration firestop systems,
1.1.2 To standardize a comparison of movement capability by establishing standardized test conditions, in order to allow the
type of through-penetration firestop system’s movement capabilities to be examined,
1.1.3 To provide the user with information on amplitudes of relative movement between the penetrating items and the substrate
(concrete-based or gypsum-based).
NOTE 2—Amplitude is the measure of change over a single cycle.
1.2 This test method is intended to be used only as part of a specification or acceptance criteria due to the limited movements
tested, and limited number of variables examined.
1.3 This test method uses standardized configurations for the test specimen. Test results will not be representative of all possible
through-penetration firestop systems.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 The text of this standard references notes, comments, and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes,
comments, and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of this standard.
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Safety Hazards.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E814 Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
E1399/E1399M Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural
Joint Systems
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on
Serviceability.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019July 1, 2020. Published January 2020July 2020. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 20162019 as
E3037–16.–19. DOI: 10.1520/E3037–19.10.1520/E3037-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 834 Fire-resistance tests -- Elements of building construction
ISO 10295-1 Fire tests for building elements and components -- Fire testing of service installations -- Part 1: Penetration seals
2.3 UL Standards:
UL 263 Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
ANSI/UL 1479 Standard for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestops
2.4 ULC Standards:
CAN/ULC-S101 Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials
CAN/ULC-S115 Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems
2.5 Other Standards:
EN 1366 Fire resistance tests for service installations
FEMA 461 Interim Testing Protocols for Determining the Seismic Performance Characteristics of Structural and Nonstructural
Components
IMO FTP Code International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method and associated with building issues, refer to the definitions contained in
Terminology E631. For definitions of terms used in this test method and associated with fire issues, refer to the definitions
contained in Terminology E176.
3.2 When there is a conflict between Terminology E631 and Terminology E176 definitions, Terminology E176 definitions shall
apply.
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.1 allowable movement, n—the cyclic displacement length measured and recorded from a given test series prior to the one
for which failure of the through-penetration firestop system was observed.
3.3.2 annular space, n—the distance, measured in a straight line, between the outer most portion of the penetrating item and
the inside periphery of the opening in the test assembly.
3.3.3 cyclic movement, n—the periodic change between the extremes of movement in one plane in an automatically
mechanically controlled system.
3.3.4 penetrating item, n—the continuous item that traverses from one side of a wall or floor or roof to the opposite side through
the opening in the assembly.
3.3.4.1 Discussion—
Examples of penetrating items include cables, conduits, ducts, pipes.
3.3.5 substrate, n—the material of the wall assembly or roof assembly that the through-penetration passes through.
3.3.6 test specimen, n—the penetrating item or items, the test assembly through which the penetrating items are arranged to pass,
and the materials or devices, or both, that seal the opening in the through-penetration firestop system being tested.
3.3.7 type of through-penetration firestop system, n—the unique combination of penetrating item type (for example, metal pipe,
plastic pipe, cabling), substrate type (concrete-based or gypsum-based), and firestop material or device, including their method of
installation.
3.3.8 y-direction, n—the direction of movement parallel to the surface of the test assembly.
3.3.9 z-direction, n—the direction of movement perpendicular to the surface of the test assembly.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A rectangular test assembly is made from concrete or gypsum board according to the targeted application. The penetrating
item and firestop materials are chosen to represent the type of through-penetration firestop system for which movement data is
desired.
NOTE 3—A simplified example of such a test assembly is shown schematically in Fig. 1.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 N.W. Lake Rd., Camas, WA 98607-8542, http://www.ul.com.
Available from ULC Canada, 7 Underwriters Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1R 3A9, http://canada.ul.com/ulcstandards.
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Rue de la Science 23, B - 1040, Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
Available from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 500 C St., SW, Washington, DC 20472, http://www.fema.gov.
Available from International Maritime Organization, Organization (IMO), 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, http://www.imo.org.
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FIG. 1 Simplified Example of Test Assembly Used for Movement Testing, Y-direction and Z-direction of Cycle Movement Shown
4.2 Two independent tests are conducted for each combination of through-penetration firestop system type and test assembly.
One of the tests cycles the penetrating item in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the test assembly. A second independent
test is conducted to cycle the through-penetration firestop system in the direction parallel to the plane of the test assembly. The
cycling tests continue to the magnitude requested by the test sponsor, as adjusted by ongoing observations during the test.
4.3 The cyclic movement tests are followed by a fire resistance test of each test assembly, as described in 9.11, to establish the
fire resistance rating of each such assembly.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended to standardize the cyclic movement of a through-penetration firestop system prior to a fire
resistance test. If the amplitude of movement in a design application can be predicted, then the numerical values of allowable
movement can be used as one data point in helping to establish suitability of the through-penetration firestop system for the given
application.
NOTE 4—The fire resistance rating of a through-penetration firestop system is established in accordance with a relevant fire test, as acceptable to the
Authority Having Jurisdiction. Examples of such tests include Test Method E814, CAN/ULC-S115, UL 1479, and ISO 10295-1.
5.2 This test method will assist users, producers, building officials, code authorities, and others in understanding relative
movement capabilities of representative test specimens of through-penetration firestop systems under standardized test conditions.
5.3 This test method is not intended to predict the absolute movement capabilities of all likely permutations of through-
penetration firestop systems under all likely types of real-life movement.
5.4 This test method does not provide information on:
5.4.1 Durability of the through-penetration firestop system under actual service conditions, including the effects of cycled
temperature on the through-penetration firestop system;
5.4.2 Rotational shear capabilities of the test specimen;
5.4.3 Any other attributes of the test specimen, such as wear resistance, chemical resistance, air infiltration, water-tightness, and
so forth; and
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5.4.4 Compatibility of through-penetration firestop system components and the penetrating items.
5.5 This test method is only to be used as one element in the selection of a through-penetration firestop system for a particular
application.
5.6 This is not a fire test standard. To determine the effect of cyclic movement on the fire resistance rating of a
though-penetration firestop system, conduct a fire test in accordance with a fire resistance test method acceptable to the Authority
Having Jurisdiction subsequent to this movement test.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Machine, capable of a range of movement that includes the maximum z-direction and y-direction movement planned
for the test. It shall be capable of continual repetitious movement between two specified dimensions, equipped with an automatic
counter to record the relative movement between the penetrating item and the test assembly during the test.
6.2 Measuring Device, capable of an accuracy of 0.010 in. 6 0.005 in. (0.25 mm 6 0.013 mm).
NOTE 5—One example of a commonly used measuring device is the Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT).
NOTE 6—If a load cell is connected to the displacement device, it might be damaged if the resistance to movement exceeds the rated capacity of the
load cell.
6.3 Mounting Plates, or other apparatus suitable to install the test specimen and undergo the test procedures.
7. Safety Hazards
7.1 Warning—Take proper precautions to protect the observers in the event of any failure. If extreme pressures develop during
this test, considerable energy and hazard are involved. In cases of failure, the hazard to personnel is less if a protective shield is
used and protective eye wear worn. Do not permit personnel between the shield and equipment during the test procedure.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Test Assembly:
8.1.1 A concrete substrate shall be 4.5 in. 6 0.50 in. (114 mm 6 13 mm) thick. The concrete used shall have a nominal density
of 150 pcf (2403 kg/m ) and a minimum compressive strength of 3000 psi (20.68 MPa).
NOTE 7—This dimension has been selected to provide a generic, representative test assembly that can provide meaningful data for a wide variety of
conditions.
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NOTE 8—The concrete types or dimensions as permitted by 8.1.5 will result in different test assemblies when needed.
8.1.2 Prior to the test, condition concrete test specimens in an ambient atmosphere of 50 % to 75 % relative humidity at 73 °F
6 5 °F (23 °C 6 3 °C) until an equilibrium moisture condition is achieved within the test specimen (Note 9).
8.1.3 With some concrete construction it is difficult or impossible to achieve such uniformity. Where this is the case, test
specimens shall be permitted to be tested when the dampest portion of the test specimen has achieved a moisture content
corresponding to conditioning to equilibrium with air in the range of 50 % to 75 % relative humidity at 73 °F 6 5 °F (23 °C 6
3 °C).
NOTE 9—A recommended method for determining the relative humidity within a hardened concrete test specimen with electric sensing elements is
described in Appendix I of the paper by Menzel. A similar procedure with electric sensing elements is permitted to be used to determine the relative
humidity within test specimens made with other materials.
8.1.4 A gypsum wall assembly shall consist of 1 h fire resistance rated construction using ⁄8 in. or 16 mm nominal thickness
boards mounted on 3 ⁄8 in. (92 mm) nominal 24 gauge studs. Stud spacing shall be 16 in. 6 0.5 in. (381 mm 6 13 mm). The
assembly shall consist only of gypsum boards, framing members, tracks, and screws. It shall be fastened as specified in the listing
of the 1 h assembly used. The gypsum board shall not be of the abuse-resistant or impact-resistant types, unless that board type
is reported, as mandated by 8.1.5. The testing machine’s attachment to the test assembly shall not rest or otherwise support the free
span of gypsum board between studs. In the direction parallel to the studs, the gypsum board span shall not have any rigid supports
at either end, or if a support is necessary at one or both ends, the gypsum board shall have a minimum unsupported free span of
14 in. (356 mm) as measured parallel to the studs. The opening in the gypsum wall for the through-penetration shall be centered
within the assembly. The opening is permitted to be framed or not framed, depending on the condition that is being investigated.
NOTE 10—This gypsum wall assembly has been chosen to provide a generic, representative test assembly that can provide meaningful data for a wide
variety of conditions.
NOTE 11—The minimum free span of gypsum board is being specified due to the possibility that gypsum board flexure during movement testing in
the z-direction will influence the results.
8.1.5 Other substrate types, thicknesses, and variations shall be permitted to be tested, as needed, to produce data that is
representative of field conditions that are not well represented by the concrete or gypsum test assemblies specified in 8.1.1 through
8.1.4. When materials, dimensions, or characteristics different than those specified in 8.1.1 through 8.1.4 are used for the test
assembly, indicate in the test report that a non-standard test assembly was used, as well as why that non-standard test assembly
was selected.
8.1.6 The test assembly substrate shall be a new, never-before-used substrate.
8.1.7 When the through-penetration firestop system is composed of sealants, and the penetrating item or group of penetrating
items is closer to circular than to rectangular in cross-section, the opening in the test assembly to accommodate the penetrating
item shall be round, with the penetrating item placed at its geometric center.
8.1.8 When the through-penetration firestop system is composed of sealants, and the penetrating item or group of penetrating
items is closer to rectangular than to circular in cross-section, the opening in the test assembly to accommodate the penetrating
item shall be rectangular, with equal annular space on all four sides as specified in 8.1.10.
8.1.9 When the through-penetration firestop system is composed of pre-formed firestop devices, the hole may be of any shape
and size as representative of the end use application.
8.1.10 When the through-penetration firestop system is composed of sealants, the opening in the test assembly that will
accommodate the penetrating item shall be of such size that the annular space is 2.5 in. 6 0.125 in. (64 mm 6 3.2 mm) for a
circular opening, and if the opening is square, the distance to the mid-point of all four sides shall be 2.5 in. 6 0.125 in. (64 mm
6 3.2 mm).
8.1.10.1 When a 2.5 in. (64 mm) annular space is known to be unable to pass a fire resistance test, even without movement
cycling, the annular space shall be permitted to be the largest available for the specific combination of sealant, substrate, and
penetrating item, as determined by previous fire testing.
8.1.11 When movement testing is to be performed with the objective of establishing that a non-zero amount of movement is
allowable in the y-direction or in the z-direction for firestop systems composed of sealants and with the penetrating item having
a point of contact with the substrate, a separate, additional movement test shall be conducted for that condition. The additional test
shall have the penetrating item firestopped in contact with the substrate prior to movement testing. The annular space on the side
of the penetrating item opposite to the point of contact shall be a minimum of 2.5 in., unless otherwise allowable by 8.1.10.1.
NOTE 12—Without testing specifically for the point of contact condition, the movement capability as calculated by the Extension of Data in Appendix
X3 for a point of contact condition would always be calculated to be zero.
8.1.11.1 The y-direction movement cycle specified in 9.6 shall be permitted to be modified so that the penetrant has only one
direction of movement, away from the zero position, as opposed to the back-and-forth movement otherwise required in 9.6. The
penetrating item shall be moved away from the zero position in a direction away from the point of contact, for the distance
indicated in Table 1, then returning to the zero position to complete one movement cycle.
Menzel, C. A., “A Method for Determining the Moisture Condition of Hardened Concrete in Terms of Relative Humidity,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 55, 1955, p. 1085.
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TABLE 1 Displacement Sequence for Y-direction
Movement Amplitude
Repeats Displacement (in.)
10 0.125
3 0.15
3 0.18
3 0.22
3 0.26
3 0.31
3 0.37
3 0.45
3 0.54
3 0.64
3 0.77
3 0.93
3 1.11
3 1.34
3 1.60
3 1.93
3 2.32
3 2.50
A
A
Table may be extended indefinitely using Repeats = 3 and Displacement = Ds ×
1.2 (Ds is displacement at last sequence). For annular spaces less than Ds, it is
permissible for Ds = annular space.
NOTE 13—Movement in the direction towards the point of contact is not physically possible, since the point of contact precludes further movement
of the penetrant towards the substrate.
8.2 Penetrating Items:
8.2.1 The penetrating item shall be centered in the opening.
NOTE 14—Although the standardized test condition is specified with the penetrating item centered in the opening, real life installations typically involve
penetrating items not centered in the opening. The test method can nevertheless provide useful data for those off-center installations, such as by using
the Extension of Data methods described in Appendix X3 on the annular space values of an actual field installation.
8.2.2 When a plastic pipe is used for the penetrating item, a minimum schedule 40 pipe shall be used, or equivalent thickness
where a different pipe thickness nomenclature is used.
8.2.3 Pipes or bundles of pipes, such as a line set, shall be installed in the center of the opening.
8.2.4 When testing a through-penetration firestop system that is tested and listed for cable bundles, the cable bundle shall be
sufficiently stiffened by inserting rigid materials such as an angle iron inside the bundle. The inserted rigid material shall be located
at the approximate center of the bundle.
1 1
8.2.5 In cases when a cable tray is tested, lay a single layer of cables with a diameter of ⁄2 in. 6 ⁄8 in. (13 mm 6 3 mm) to
cover the bottom of the cable tray. Affix the cables to the tray eliminating the relative movement between the cables and the cable
tray when cyclic movement is conducted in the y-direction and z-direction.
8.2.6 When testing ducts, the following shall apply:
(a) The shape of the opening in the test assembly shall be determined by the test sponsor, so as to replicate the real-life
relationship between opening shape and duct shape.
1 1
(b) a minimum 4 in. 6 ⁄2 in. (100 mm 6 13 mm) diameter round duct, or minimum 4 in. by 4 in. 6 ⁄2 in. (100 mm by 100
mm 6 13 mm) square duct shall be used as a representative duct.
8.2.7 When an insulated pipe is to be tested, the insulation and pipe shall be bonded together so as to ensure that they move
together, without any differential movement in the z-direction.
8.3 Penetrating Item Support:
8.3.1 The penetrating item shall be secured on each side of the test assembly, but independent of the test assembly so as to allow
the cyclic movement. Unless specifically requested otherwise by the test sponsor, the penetrating item shall be oriented
approximately perpendicular to the test assembly at an angle of 90° 6 5°.
8.3.2 The penetrating item shall be permitted to be supported by attachment to the test assembly during the period when the
test specimen is being built, cured if necessary and transported to the testing machine.
NOTE 15—For penetrating items that are relatively heavy, consideration should be given to the means of transferring the test sample from the location
where the through-penetration firestop system is installed and cured, if necessary, to the location of the testing machine, without damaging the
through-penetration firestop system due to the dead weight of the penetrating item. Similar consideration should be given to the means of transferring
the test sample from the location where the movement testing is performed to the location of the fire test furnace.
8.4 Through-penetration Firestop System Installation:
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8.4.1 Components of a through-penetration firestop system shall be installed in a manner that is representative of how those
components are specified for installation in the fire resistance rated design listings for which the movement test is intended to be
referenced, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s published installation instructions.
NOTE 16—Examples of listed through-penetration firestop system details that must be conformed to include mechanical fastening and attachment
methods for solid components, sealant depth, tooling for sealants, and compression for backing materials.
NOTE 17—Although the generalized and standardized nature of this test procedure is intended to produce results that can be applied to more than a
single listed through-penetration firestop system, compliance with installation instructions that are part of a through-penetration firestop system listing
can impact the results of this test, either in helping or hindering the test specimen’s ability to withstand movement prior to damage. The test results from
this test would normally be considered to apply only to listed through-penetration firestop systems with installation instructions similar to the installation
instructions used to construct the test specimen. If one or more significant variations from the through-penetration firestop system listing instructions are
used to construct the test specimen, the test results would not normally be considered to apply to the through-penetration firestop system that does not
incorporate that particular installation technique. An example of a modification that would make the movement test non-applicable to the intended
through-penetration firestop system listing would be the application of a releasing agent at the interface between a penetrating item and the adjacent
firestop product, or between a penetrating item and the adjacent assembly, where the application of such a releasing agent is not part of the
through-penetration firestop system listing or the manufacturer’s installation instructions. A movement test that uses an ingredient that is not allowed by
a listed through-penetration firestop system, or which omits an ingredient that is required by the referenced listed through-penetration firestop system,
is not to be considered valid for ascertaining the movement capabilities of that listed through-penetration firestop system.
8.4.2 Through-penetration firestop systems that involve liquid-applied sealants shall allow the sealant(s) to cure in one of the
following ways:
(a) for a period of 90 days in air having 40 % to 60 % relative humidity at 73 °F 6 5 °F (23 °C 6 3 °C), or
(b) for a period of four weeks in a heated chamber maintained at a temperature of 100 °F 6 5 °F (38 °C 6 3 °C), in air having
15 % to 35 % relative humidity.
NOTE 18—When desired by the test sponsor, curing shall be permitted via storage in a heated cham
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