Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Site-fabricated stretch systems used as interior finish are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building, fire, or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems.  
5.2 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84.  
5.3 Additional Limitations—This practice does not apply to test systems that cannot be used to produce self-supporting specimens. If the test specimen is not self-supporting, further guidance can be found in Annex A4 of Test Method E84.  
5.4 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing a site-fabricated stretch system to assess flame spread and smoke developed as surface-burning characteristics using Test Method E84.  
1.2 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84.  
1.3 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.  
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. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.  
1.5 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.  
1.6 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 10.  
1.7 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599.  
1.8 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.  
1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard.  
1.10 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
14-Dec-2019
Technical Committee
E05 - Fire Standards
Drafting Committee
E05.22 - Surface Burning

Relations

Effective Date
15-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-Jan-2024
Effective Date
01-Dec-2023
Effective Date
01-Sep-2023
Effective Date
01-Jul-2019
Effective Date
15-Apr-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
15-Dec-2018
Effective Date
01-Oct-2018
Effective Date
01-Jul-2018
Effective Date
01-Mar-2018
Effective Date
01-Mar-2018
Effective Date
01-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Aug-2017
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016

Overview

ASTM E2573-19 provides a standardized practice for the specimen preparation and mounting of site-fabricated stretch systems to assess their surface burning characteristics. Primarily applicable to materials used as interior finishes, this standard is used in conjunction with ASTM E84, the widely recognized test method for evaluating the flame spread and smoke development of building materials. ASTM E2573-19 ensures consistency and reliability in preparing and mounting test specimens, allowing for more accurate fire testing and regulatory compliance.

This standard is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, specifiers, and code authorities involved in the safety assessment of site-fabricated stretch systems intended for acoustical, tackable, or aesthetic applications. It does not provide criteria for passing or failing, nor does it directly address vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered under ASTM E2599.

Key Topics

  • Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems
    Systems composed of a frame, core material, and an outer textile, fabric, or vinyl layer. These systems are fabricated on-site and are commonly used for acoustic, tackable, or decorative interior finishes.
  • Specimen Preparation
    Detailed procedures for preparing specimens following manufacturer installation instructions, ensuring consistency and compliance during fire testing. Specimens must be self-supporting and constructed to specified dimensions.
  • Mounting Procedures
    Includes mounting requirements for the frame, core, and surface materials, and proper integration of longitudinal midseams to expose all components to the fire test.
  • Test Method E84 Integration
    All fire testing is conducted in accordance with ASTM E84, which measures flame spread index and smoke developed index-critical parameters for building and fire code compliance.
  • Scope Limitations
    Not applicable to systems that cannot yield self-supporting specimens or to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which fall under ASTM E2599.
  • Safety Considerations
    Emphasizes the importance of safety practices when preparing and mounting specimens for fire testing, as fire testing is inherently hazardous.

Applications

ASTM E2573-19 is primarily used in the following contexts:

  • Building Materials Compliance
    Assists manufacturers and regulatory authorities in ensuring that site-fabricated stretch systems meet fire safety standards required by building, fire, and life safety codes.
  • Architectural and Interior Design
    Enables designers and specifiers to confidently select stretch systems demonstrating suitable surface burning characteristics for code compliance in commercial, institutional, and residential projects.
  • Testing Laboratories
    Provides guidance for laboratories preparing specimens for official fire testing under ASTM E84, supporting consistent test conditions and reliable results.
  • Fire Safety Evaluation
    Supports fire risk assessments of interior finish materials, contributing to safer built environments.

Related Standards

Several standards and references are critical when using ASTM E2573-19:

  • ASTM E84 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
    The primary test method referenced by ASTM E2573-19 for evaluating flame spread and smoke development.
  • ASTM E2599 - Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier, and Vinyl Stretch Ceiling Materials
    Covers procedures specific to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, not included in E2573-19.
  • ASTM E176 - Terminology of Fire Standards
    Provides definitions relevant to fire safety and testing standards.
  • IEEE/ASTM SI-10 - International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
    Used for standardized measurement conversions and reporting.

By following ASTM E2573-19, stakeholders in the building materials industry can ensure reliable, repeatable, and code-compliant assessment of the fire performance of site-fabricated stretch systems, thereby enhancing safety and supporting regulatory adherence in building construction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E2573-19 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Site-fabricated stretch systems used as interior finish are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building, fire, or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems. 5.2 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. 5.3 Additional Limitations—This practice does not apply to test systems that cannot be used to produce self-supporting specimens. If the test specimen is not self-supporting, further guidance can be found in Annex A4 of Test Method E84. 5.4 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing a site-fabricated stretch system to assess flame spread and smoke developed as surface-burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84. 1.3 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 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. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.5 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.6 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 10. 1.7 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599. 1.8 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. 1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.10 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Site-fabricated stretch systems used as interior finish are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building, fire, or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems. 5.2 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. 5.3 Additional Limitations—This practice does not apply to test systems that cannot be used to produce self-supporting specimens. If the test specimen is not self-supporting, further guidance can be found in Annex A4 of Test Method E84. 5.4 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing a site-fabricated stretch system to assess flame spread and smoke developed as surface-burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84. 1.3 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 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. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.5 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.6 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 10. 1.7 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599. 1.8 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. 1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.10 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.

ASTM E2573-19 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E2573-19 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2573-17, ASTM E176-24, ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM E84-19b, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM E84-19, ASTM E176-18a, ASTM E84-18b, ASTM E84-18a, ASTM E84-18, ASTM E176-18, ASTM E84-17a, ASTM E84-17, ASTM E2599-16. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM E2573-19 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


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.
Designation: E2573 − 19 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated
Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2573; 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 ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen prepa-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ration and mounting when testing a site-fabricated stretch
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
systemtoassessflamespreadandsmokedevelopedassurface-
burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can
E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
be used as a regulatory tool.
Building Materials
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
E2599Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Vinyl Stretch
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Ceiling Materials for Building Applications to Assess
and are not considered standard. See IEEE/ASTMSI-10 for
Surface Burning Characteristics
further details.
IEEE/ASTMSI-10International System of Units (SI): The
1.5 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
Modern Metric System
measures.
1.6 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently
3. Terminology
hazardous,andadequatesafeguardsforpersonnelandproperty
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this prac-
shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing
tice refer to Terminology E176.
involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and
3.2.1 frame, n—an item (plastic extrusion, wood, metal or
mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test
other material) that is mounted to an existing substrate via
Method E84. See also Section 10.
mechanical fasteners or adhesive, that has a mechanism for
1.7 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling
holding an outer layer (fabric or vinyl) by tension.
materials, which are covered by Practice E2599.
3.2.2 joining material, n—the frame piece used to join two
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
or more site fabricated stretch panels together, to create a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
midseam.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 longitudinal midseam, n—a seam made from the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
joining material used in the stretch system, which is centered
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
on the test specimen and runs the entire length of the test
1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
specimen.
which provide explanatory material.These notes and footnotes
3.2.4 self-supporting specimen, n—a specimen that remains
shall not be considered requirements of the standard.
in place by its own structural characteristics both before and
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
duringthefiretestorisburntorpyrolyzedpriortofallingaway
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
from its original position.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
Burning. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2019. Published January 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E2573–17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2573-19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2573 − 19
3.2.5 site-fabricated stretch system, n—a system, fabricated last section (furthest away from the vent end) shall be
on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic permitted to be smaller to complete the total specimen length.
NOTE 1—Typical frame lengths in installed systems are 6 to 9 ft
purposes, that is comprised of three elements: (a) a frame
(1848-2772 mm).
(constructed of plastic, wood, metal or other material) used to
NOTE 2—Test Method E84 is intended for test specimens no thicker
hold fabric in place, (b) a core material (infill, with the correct
than 4 in. (101 mm).
properties for the application), and (c) an outside layer,
7.4 If the total thickness of the installed system being tested
comprised of a textile, fabric or vinyl, that is stretched taut and
exceeds 4 in. (101 mm), construct a test specimen with a
held in place by tension or mechanical fasteners via the frame.
thinnerframe,usingthesamematerials,foratotalthicknessof
3.2.6 vinyl stretch ceiling material, n—a vinyl material
4 in. (101 mm).
stretchedandmechanicallyfastenedtoanoncombustibleframe
and intended to be used as a suspended ceiling without
8. Test Specimen Preparation for Composite Site-
associated backing material.
Fabricated Stretch Systems
3.2.7 wide span system, n—a system that employs a wide
8.1 The test specim
...


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: E2573 − 17 E2573 − 19 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated
Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2573; 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 practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing a site-fabricated stretch system to
assess flame spread and smoke developed as surface-burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.2 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84.
1.3 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
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. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further
details.
1.5 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.6 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be
employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives
instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section
10.
1.7 This practice shall not apply to vinyl stretch ceiling materials, which are covered by Practice E2599.
1.8 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall
not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.10 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:
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E2599 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Vinyl Stretch Ceiling
Materials for Building Applications to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice refer to Terminology E176.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Burning.
Current edition approved July 1, 2017Dec. 15, 2019. Published July 2017January 2020. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
E2573–12.–17. DOI: 10.1520/E2573-17.10.1520/E2573-20.
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
E2573 − 19
3.2.1 frame, n—an item (plastic extrusion, wood, metal or other material) that is mounted to an existing substrate via mechanical
fasteners or adhesive, that has a mechanism for holding an outer layer (fabric or vinyl) by tension.
3.2.2 joining material, n—the frame piece used to join two or more site fabricated stretch panels together, to create a midseam.
3.2.3 longitudinal midseam, n—a seam made from the joining material used in the stretch system, which is centered on the test
specimen and runs the entire length of the test specimen.
3.2.4 self-supporting specimen, n—a specimen that remains in place by its own structural characteristics both before and during
the fire test or is burnt or pyrolyzed prior to falling away from its original position.
3.2.5 site-fabricated stretch system, n—a system, fabricated on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic purposes,
that is comprised of three elements: (a) a frame (constructed of plastic, wood, metal or other material) used to hold fabric in place,
(b) a core material (infill, with the correct properties for the application), and (c) an outside layer, comprised of a textile, fabric
or vinyl, that is stretched taut and held in place by tension or mechanical fasteners via the frame.
3.2.6 vinyl stretch ceiling material, n—a vinyl material stretched and mechanically fastened to a noncombustible frame and
intended to be used as a suspended ceiling without associated backing material.
3.2.7 wide span system, n—a system that employs a wide span fabric or vinyl, from 10 ft or more in width and minimizes the
use of a midseam or “joining” material.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing a site-fabricated stretch system to
assess flame spread and smoke developed as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Site-fabricated stretch systems used as interior finish are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building, fire, or
life sa
...

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