ASTM E1529-00

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An American National Standard
Designation:E1529–00
Standard Test Methods for
Determining Effects of Large Hydrocarbon Pool Fires on
Structural Members and Assemblies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1529; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The performance of structural members and assemblies exposed to fire conditions resulting from
large, free-burning (that is, outdoors), fluid-hydrocarbon-fueled pool fires is of concern in the design
of hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facilities and other facilities subject to these types of fires.
In recognition of this unique fire protection problem, it is generally required that critical structural
members and assemblies be of fire-resistant construction.
Historically, such requirements have been based upon tests conducted in accordance with Test
Methods E119, the only available standardized test for fire resistant construction, However, the
exposure specified in Test Methods E119 does not adequately characterize large hydrocarbon pool
fires. Test Methods E119 is intended to be representative of building fires where the primary fuel is
solid in nature, and where there are significant constraints on the movement of air to the fire, and the
combustion products away from the fire (that is, through doors, windows). In contrast, neither
condition is typical of large hydrocarbon pool fires (see Appendix X1 on Commentary).
One of the most distinguishing features of the pool fire is the rapid development of high
temperatures and heat fluxes that can subject exposed structural members and assemblies to a thermal
shock much greater than that associated with Test Methods E119.As a result, it is important that fire
resistance requirements for HPI assemblies of all types of materials be evaluated and specified in
accordance with a standardized test that more closely approximates the anticipated fire conditions.
Such a standard is found in the test methods herein.
1. Scope and fire-containment wall assemblies under controlled labora-
tory conditions. The application of these test results to predict
1.1 The test methods described in this fire-test-response
the performance of actual assemblies when exposed to large
standard are used for determining the fire-test response of
pool fires requires a careful engineering evaluation.
columns, girders, beams or similar structural members, and
1.4 Thesetestmethodsmaybeusefulfortestingotheritems
fire-containment walls, of either homogeneous or composite
such as piping, electrical circuits in conduit, floors or decks,
construction, that are employed in HPI or other facilities
and cable trays. Because failure criteria and test specimen
subject to large hydrocarbon pool fires.
descriptions are not provided in these test methods, testing
1.2 It is the intent that tests conducted in accordance with
these types of items will require appropriate specimen details
these test methods will indicate whether structural members of
and end-point or failure criteria.
assemblies, or fire-containment wall assemblies, will continue
1.5 Limitations—These test methods do not provide the
to perform their intended function during the period of fire
following:
exposure. These tests shall not be construed as having deter-
1.5.1 Full information on the performance of assemblies
mined suitability for use after fire exposure.
constructedwithcomponentsorofdimensionsotherthanthose
1.3 These test methods prescribe a standard fire exposure
tested.
for comparing the relative performance of different structural
1.5.2 An evaluation of the degree to which the assembly
contributes to the fire hazard through the generation of smoke,
ThesetestmethodsareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE05onFire
toxic gases, or other products of combustion.
StandardsandarethedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeE05.11onConstruction
1.5.3 Simulation of fire behavior of joints or connections
Assemblies.
between structural elements such as beam-to-column connec-
Current edition approved July 10, 2000. Published August 2000. Originally
e1
published as E1529–93. Last previous edition E1529–93 . tions.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1529
1.5.4 Measurement of flame spread over the surface of the 3. Terminology
test assembly.
3.1 Definitions—RefertoTerminologyE176fordefinitions
1.5.5 Procedures for measuring the test performance of
of terms used in these test methods.
other structural shapes (such as vessel skirts), equipment (such
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
as electrical cables, motor-operated valves, etc.), or items
3.2.1 total cold wall heat flux—the heat flux that would be
subject to large hydrocarbon pool fires, other than those
transferred to an object whose temperature is 70°F (21°C).
described in 1.1.
4. Summary of Test Methods
1.5.6 The erosive effect that the velocities or turbulence, or
both, generated in large pool fires has on some fire protection 4.1 Astandard fire exposure of controlled extent and sever-
ityisspecified.Thetestsetupwillprovideanaveragetotalcold
materials.
wall heat flux on all exposed surfaces of the test specimen of
1.5.7 Full information on the performance of assemblies at
2 2 2 2
50000 Btu/ft ·h 6 2500 Btu/ft ·h (158 kW/m 6 8 kW/m ).
timeslessthan5minbecausetherisetimecalledoutinSection
The heat flux shall be attained within the first 5 min of test
5 is longer than that of a real fire.
exposure and maintained for the duration of the test. The
1.6 These test methods do not preclude the use of a real fire
temperature of the environment that generates the heat flux of
oranyothermethodofevaluatingtheperformanceofstructural
proceduresin6.2shallbeatleast1500°F(815°C)afterthefirst
members and assemblies in simulated fire conditions.Any test
3 min of the test and shall be between 1850°F (1010°C) and
method that is demonstrated to comply with Section 5is
2150°F (1180°C) at all times after the first 5 min of the test.
acceptable.
Performance is defined as the time period during which
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
structuralmembersorassemblieswillcontinuetoperformtheir
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
intended function when subjected to fire exposure. The results
information only.
1 3
are reported in terms of time increments such as ⁄2 h, ⁄4h,1h,
1.8 This standard is used to measure and describe the
1 ⁄2h, etc.
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
4.1.1 These test methods are cited as the “Standard Large
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
Hydrocarbon Pool Fire Tests.”
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
5. Significance and Use
actual fire conditions.
5.1 These test methods are intended to provide a basis for
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
evaluating the time period during which a beam, girder,
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
column, or similar structural assembly, or a nonbearing wall,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
will continue to perform its intended function when subjected
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
to a controlled, standardized fire exposure.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1.1 In particular, the selected standard exposure condition
1.10 Thetextofthisstandardreferencesnotesandfootnotes
simulates the condition of total continuous engulfment of a
which provide explanatory information. These notes and foot-
memberorassemblyintheluminousflame(fireplume)areaof
notes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
a large free-burning-fluid-hydrocarbon pool fire. The standard
considered as requirements of the standard.
fire exposure is basically defined in terms of the total flux
incident on the test specimen together with appropriate tem-
2. Referenced Documents
perature conditions.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.2 It is recognized that the thermodynamic properties of
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
free-burning, hydrocarbon fluid pool fires have not been
D822 Practice for Conducting Tests on Paint and Related completely characterized and are variable depending on the
Coatings and Materials Using Filtered Open-Flame
size of the fire, the fuel, environmental factors (such as wind
Carbon-Arc Exposure Apparatus conditions), the physical relationship of the structural member
E119 Test Methods for FireTests of Building Construction totheexposingfire,andotherfactors.Asaresult,theexposure
and Materials specifiedinthesetestmethodsisnotnecessarilyrepresentative
of all the conditions that exist in large hydrocarbon pool fires.
E176 Terminology Relating to Fire Standards
The specified standard exposure is based upon the best
E511 Test Method for Measuring Heat Flux Using a
available information and testing technology. It provides a
Copper-Constantan Circular Foil, Heat-Flux Gage
basis for comparing the relative performance of different
2.2 Code of Federal Regulations:
assemblies under controlled conditions.
46 CFR 164.007 Structural Insulations
5.1.3 Any variation to construction or conditions (that is,
size,methodofassembly,andmaterials)fromthatofthetested
assembly is capable of substantially changing the performance
characteristics of the assembly.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
5.2 Separate procedures are specified for testing column
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
specimens with and without an applied superimposed load.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
5.2.1 The procedures for testing loaded columns stipulate
AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. that the load shall be applied axially. The applied load is to be
E1529
the maximum load condition allowed under nationally recog- Adjust the flow of fuel and air, or vary other parameters, or
nizedstructuraldesigncriteriaunlesslimiteddesigncriteriaare both, within the individual test facility as necessary to achieve
specified and a corresponding reduced load applied.
the specified setup. Attain the cold wall heat flux of 50000
5.2.2 Theprocedurefortestingunloadedcolumnspecimens Btu/ft ·h within the first 5 min of test exposure; maintain it for
includes temperature limits for steel columns. These limits are
the duration of the test. (See 7.1 through 7.3 for measurement
intended to define the temperature above which a steel column
and control details.)
with an axially applied design allowable load would fail
6.2.1 In all cases in these test methods, the heat flux values
structurally. The procedure for unloaded specimens also pro-
cited are total cold wall heat fluxes.
vides for the testing of other than steel columns provided that
6.3 The temperature of the environment that generates the
appropriate acceptance criteria have been established.
heat flux specified in 6.2 shall be at least 1500°F (815°C) after
5.3 Separate procedures are also specified for testing beam
the first 3 min of the test and shall be between 1850°F
assemblies with and without an applied superimposed load.
(1010°C)and2150°F(1180°C)atalltimesafterthefirst5min
5.3.1 The procedure for testing loaded specimens stipulates
of the test. (See 9.1-9.4 for measurement and control details.)
thatthebeamshallbesimplysupportedandmayormaynotbe
6.4 Continue the fire-endurance test until the specified
restrained against longitudinal thermal expansion, depending
conditions of acceptance are exceeded or until the specimen
on the intended use. The applied load is intended to be the
has withstood the fire exposure for a period equal to that for
allowable design load permitted for the beam as determined in
which classification is being sought. Continue the test beyond
accordance with accepted engineering practice.
the time at which the specified conditions of acceptance are
5.3.2 The procedure for testing unloaded beams includes
exceeded when the purpose in doing so is to obtain additional
temperature limits for steel. These limits are to define the
performance data.
temperature above which a simply supported, unrestrained
beam would fail structurally if subjected to the allowable
design load. The procedure for unloaded specimens also
provides for the testing of other than steel and reinforced
concrete beams provided that appropriate acceptance criteria
have been established.
5.3.3 It is recognized that beam assemblies that are tested
without load will not deflect to the same extent as an identical
assembly tested with load. As a result, tests conducted in
accordancewiththeunloadedbeamprocedurearenotintended
to reflect the effects of crack formation, dislodgement of
applied fire protection materials, and other factors that are
influenced by the deflection of the assembly.
5.4 A separate procedure is specified for testing the fire-
containment capability of a wall/bulkhead/partition, etc. Ac-
ceptance criteria include temperature rise of nonfire exposed
surface, plus the ability of the wall to prohibit passage of
flames or hot gases, or both.
5.5 In most cases, the structural assemblies that will be
evaluatedinaccordancewiththesetestmethodswillbelocated
outdoors and subjected to varying weather conditions that are
capable of adversely affecting the fire endurance of the
assembly. A program of accelerated weathering followed by
NOTE 1—O represents total heat flux sensor; X a gas temperature
fire exposure is described to simulate such exposure.
sensor.
NOTE 2—Heat flux measurements are required on two faces of the
CONTROL OF FIRE TEST
column.
NOTE 3—Temperature measurements are required on all faces.
6. Fire Test Exposure Conditions
NOTE 4—All dimensions are in inches.
FIG. 1 Calibration Assembly for Beams and Columns
6.1 Expose the test specimen to heat flux and temperature
conditions representative of total continuous engulfment in the
luminous flame regime of a large free-burning fluid-
hydrocarbon-fueled pool fire. See Appendix X1 for the ratio-
7. Heat Flux Measurements
nale for selection of this condition. Essential conditions are
7.1 Measure the total heat flux as specified in 6.2 using a
specified in 6.2 and 6.3. Use calibration assemblies to demon-
circularfoilheatfluxgage(oftencalledaGardongageafterthe
strate that the required heat flux and temperature levels are
developer) as specified in Annex A1.
generated i
...