TECHNICAL NOTES
Jun 1, 1991

Impact of Fire Exposure on Heat Transmission in Concrete Slabs

Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 117, Issue 6

Abstract

The ASTM Standard E-119 specifies that when a structural component is fire-tested by exposing one surface to a standard fire exposure, the component fails if the temperature of the unexposed surface of the test component rises 250°F (130°C) or more during the rating period. The standard fire exposure usually is not representative of the compartment temperatures that develop during an actual fire, and the test results may not be indicative of how components might actually behave. In particular, the standard test may give an overly pessimistic appraisal of the behavior of concrete components greater than 76 mm (3 in.) thick and that have excellent insulating characteristics. Design economies might be achieved by allowing the use of natural fire exposures rather than one universal test in assigning fire ratings and in fire-resistant structural design.

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Go to Journal of Structural Engineering
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 117Issue 6June 1991
Pages: 1870 - 1875

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Published online: Jun 1, 1991
Published in print: Jun 1991

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Bruce R. Ellingwood, Member, ASCE
Prof. and Chair., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD 21218

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