NBSIR 73-193

Meetings of WG 3, 10 and 11 of

ISO/TC 92, March 25-30, 1973,

on Doors, Instrumentation and

Fire Endurance

A. F. Robertson

Institute for Applied Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

May 1973

Progress Report

Prepared for Subcommittee on International Standards

ASTM Committee E 5.92

NBSIR 73-193

MEETINGS OF WG 3, 10 AND 11 OF

ISO/TC 92, MARCH 25-30, 1973,

ON DOORS, INSTRUMENTATION AND

FIRE ENDURANCE

A. F. Robertson

Institute for Applied Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

May 1973

Progress Report

This is a working document for the use of ASTM

Committee E 5 only. Not for publication, except as expressly approved by the chairman of the committee

or the managing director of ASTM.

Prepared for Subcommittee on International Standards

ASTM Committee E 5.92

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Frederick B. Dent, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Richard W. Roberts, Director

Meetings of WG 3, 10 and 11

of ISO/TC 92

March 25-30, 1973

A. F. Robertson

Abstract

Meetings were held of Working Groups on fire tests of Doors, Instrumentation, and Fire Endurance in Paris during the week of March 25-30, 1973.

This report enumerates the documents circulated and discussed as well as reporting decisions reached and proposals for future work.

1.0 WG 11 Fire Endurance

PARTICIPANTS:

K. Kordina, Germany, Chairman

F . Wesche , Germany

P. Oksanan, Finland

J. Witteveen, Netherlands

J. Dekker, Netherlands

W. I. Stewart, Australia

(observer)

G. Bellisson, France

A. Cabret, France

J. C. Laurin, France, AFNOR

R. Arnoult, France

Grabbe, France

W. Ellis, USA

A. F. Robertson, USA

H. L. Malhotra, UK

Mrs. Bruce, UK, British Standards

On Tuesday the following joined

the group:

A. J. J. Hesselden, UK

J. E. Clark, USA

Professor Kordina welcomed the delegates and indicated regret that

illness of family members had prevented attendance by Prof. Pettersson

of Sweden. The various documents to be considered were enumerated.

Documents: All the following document designations carry the prefix

ISO/TC 92 /WG 11. In the text reference is made to only the suffix number

of the designations listed below:

(Sec-5) 17 and annex 1 - Report of Working Group 11, Meeting held on

16 November 1972 at London.

(Germany-1) 18 and annex 1 - Behavior of Composite Structures in Fire.

(Germany-2) 19 - Differences between DIN 4102 and R 834.

(Sec-6) 20 - Agenda for WG 11 Meeting on 26 and 27 March 1973, Paris.

CUK-4) 21 - Revised Specifications for the Composite Furnace.

1
(Germany-3) 22 - Test Methods and Criteria for Suspended Ceilings

(Appendix to R834)

(Netherlands-1) 23 - Conclusions on Heat Transfer to Specimens in a Furnace

(Germany-4) 24 - Proposals on Heat Conditions of External Columns

DISCUSSION:

The agenda items were considered as presented in Doc. 20.

Agenda Item 2 - Approval of Minutes of London Meeting

Professor Kordina's annex 1 to the minutes was accepted. Several other

minor revisions to the minutes were also accepted. These Involved

changing "roofs" to "suspended ceilings" and modifying the report on the

USA discussion of the kiln drying method to assume a more optimistic

form.

Agenda Item 3.1 - Proposal on Heat Conditions of External Columns

It was noted that documents had been forwarded from several countries

including USA to Professor Pettersson on this subject. Since he was absent and no documents had been forwarded, this item was not discussed

further . .

Agenda Item 3.2 - Outline for Test of Suspended Ceilings

Document 22 prepared for discussion purposes by Kordina was reviewed

by Malhotra, who compared it with Part 8 of BS 476 which provides for

such tests. He agreed with the requirement of a minimum span of 4 m

but suggested that the minimum width might be increased to 2.4 m. He indicated that BS 476 limited maximum rating for tile ceilings to one hour

Professor Kordina noted several problems which should be recognized in

development of the test method:

(a) One cannot be sure all tiles are in place at the time of a fire.

(b) The behavior depends on the performance of the bearing structure by deflections under load.

(c) The behavior will depend on furnace gas pressure. With

overpressure endurance is significantly reduced. ISO R834

calls for an overpressure of 1.5 mm water and this is not

always used.

(d) There are situations where a suspended ceiling is used without

a floor above.

A considerable discussion on various aspects of this type of test followed

2
Mr. Laurln asked for a definition of a suspended ceiling. This resulted

in descriptions of the test methods used in different countries. Professor

Kordina proposed a revision of figure 1 of Doc. 22. This is shown below.

So CoviceCTE

British practice involves building specimen in a test furnace frame.

It does not usually involve application of load.

1_

The French procedure involves application of a dead load. Only the

celling is supported within the furnace. The floor and beams are surrounded by precast concrete slabs.

V7-7//e^^////J/y////J/yy/ZlZi

•

\—if \ 1

3
Mr. Malhotra suggested loading the beams without applying load to floor

slabs. Professor Kordina agreed to develop the test method and it was accepted that the exposure of the specimen would be affected by the

furnace pressure as well as the thermal properties of the floor slab.

Britain has performed tests with different furnace pressures and observed

significant variations in performance.

During discussion of criteria of failure it was generally agreed that

opening of but one tile was to be considered as specimen failure. A

second criteria was proposed to Involve resistance to heat transfer.

Two bases of thermal failure were suggested. One an average steel

temperature of 500°C if specimen is loaded. In absence of load, a temperature of AOO°C was proposed.

There was discussion on whether a test of this type would qualify the

ceiling for use with different floor constructions. Mr. Malhotra reported

that their results suggested a wood floor beam assembly would achieve

roughly 1/3 that of a steel beam and insulating concrete assembly. On

the otherhand a dense concrete floor beam assembly above a ceiling would

yield 1-1/2 to 2 times the endurance of the insulating concrete and steel

beam assembly. There was agreement that different floor construction

would probably require different ceiling tests.

Dr. Witteveen from Netherlands questioned the need for this test. It was agreed however that it was desirable for comparison of different ceiling

constructions

We agreed to send Professor Kordina information on current USA practice

with tests of this type.

Agenda Item 3.3.1 - GIB Comparison of Furnaces

Dr. Witteveen presented a report on the present status of this study. Doc.

23. Only six of the ten countries participating in the study had completed

tests. USA (NBS) , Belgium, France and South Africa were asked to send

results promptly. The final report is planned for completion by 1 June

1973. The following tentative conclusions seem appropriate:

(a) Variations in furnace conditions as well as some damage to

heat transducers make it difficult to separate radiative from

total heat transfer.

(b) The heat flux at one location in a furnace varies during a given experiment.

(c) There are differences in heat flux in different furnaces

and similar positions.

(d) It seems that the differences in (d) above are not greater

than (b) and (c) above.
It was suggested that the variations observed may not be larger than

those implied by the tolerance on furnace temperature. In general the

report seemed to suggest that differences in specimen exposure did not seem as great as was originally expected.

Dr. Witteveen reported that he had made computer studies on 1000 different

columns. In this study he had changed furnace exposure conditions,

steel/concrete ratio, as well as other design variables. Endurance times

varied by + 20 percent or temperatures at a given time could vary from

400°C to 500°C to 600°C. Professor Kordina reported experimental

endurance variations of + 10 percent on a given specimen under supposedly

similar conditions.

We agreed to furnish information on the ASTM method for correction of

deviations from the required fire exposure conditions.

Agenda Item 3.3.2 - Alternative for Cotton Wool Test

Since Minne was not present, this discussion was postponed.

Agenda Item 3.4 - Testing Methods and Criteria for Behavior in Fire of

Composite Structures

Mr. Oksanan described tests he had conducted in his furnace on two

types of composite structures. Doc. 21. These involved short lengths

(1-1/2 - 2 meters) of each of the construction assemblies, one at

each end of the furnace. One involved a floor wall connection while

the other involved wall-wall connections. Photographs were circulated

relating to these tests.

Professor Kordina mentioned the problems of structural expansion joints.

It was reported that the best way to treat these was to caulk the first

2-3 in with asbestos or other mineral fiber insulation and then apply

the caulking material above this.

Mr, Malhotra discussed progress in planning the UK furnace. He mentioned

receipt of ours and other comments.

We questioned the propriety of use of the term composite structure.

The term was not being used in the structural sense since it was being

used to describe assemblies of different building elements such as wall

floors and columns rather than the components of a given element. There

appeared to be agreement that building element assemblies was a better

description of the types being studied.

Professor Kordina made several interesting comments on the British proposal

(a) He suggested greater height so that columns of at least

4 ra could be tested as part of an assembly.

5
(b) He suggested three jacks be used at the top of columns so that

rotation at the end could be forced, restrained and/or the

forces measured.

(c) Suggested the provision extra heating so that a furnace

temperature of 1200°C could be reached in 15 min.

(d) He suggested increasing recording equipment to monitor at

least 200 circuits.

(e) Proposed provision of load capacity in excess of 200 tons for

columns.

On being questioned on the need for three jacks for columns Kordina

seemed to agree that for tall slender columns this was not so necessary

but for short columns it was very desirable to simulate eccentric loading.

Mr. Bellisson and Cabret suggested that the furnace at Metz would meet

international needs. It was stated that Mets is an Official Laboratory

and is available for international studies. Professor Kordina, who

should know because he designed the Metz facility was pessimistic about

the use of Metz. He said it would need real modification. Provision had

only been made for vertical loads. He suggested more sophisticated tests

on smaller scale. He circulated annex 1 to document 18 as an example.

He said that this showed a planned modification of his furnace. It had

not been implemented. This is incorporated in this report as annex 1.

Professor Kordina emphasized that at present we are only working at

prediction of behavior of single elements. In general, walls and columns

are subject to unknown lateral forces which tend to reduce the factor of

safety in an actual fire situation. On the other hand in many instances

continuity of flexual members, beams and floors, tends to increase the

strength of these elements over those subjected to fire test without

simulation of continuity. In spite of the excellent work of PCA there are many studies to be made. He suggested continued cooperative studies

between countries with different facilities providing complimentary data.

Agenda Item 3.3.2 - Alternative for Cotton Wool Test

Mr. Minne reported that his studies of this problem had not been successful. He stated that he had used heat transfer fins on a thermocouple

but results were very confusing because of drafts and other air currents.

He had also tried thermoplastic filaments but these too were not reliable.

He suggests use of cotton pads for only 30 seconds before their replacement.

Professor Kordina suggested that we would keep this recommendation,

together with the need for drying the wool, as the basis of a future

revision of 834.

6
Agenda Item 4 - Other Business

Colonel Cabret raised the question of an appropriate procedure

for tests of steel sheathed columns. He mentioned that in tests they

had run, explosions had been experienced. Several representatives

mentioned the need to provide vent holes in the steel sheaths. It was generally agreed that it was desirable to drill holes in the

casing of such columns to reduce the danger of explosion in the event

of a fire.

Agenda Item 5 - Report to Plenary Meeting

Kordina agreed to draft a report which would be circulated to task

group members for prompt comment.

This concluded the meeting of WG 11.

7
WG 10 Measuring Instruments

Mr. Bellisson opened the meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 March.

PARTICIPANTS:

J. Wltteveen, Netherlands

J. Dekker, Netherlands

R. Minne, Belgium

P. Oksanan, Finland

P . Topf , Germany

W. I. Stewart, Australia

H. L. Malhotra, UK

Mrs. Bruce, UK (BSI)

W. Ellis, USA

J. Clark, USA

A. F. Robertson, USA

J. Laurin, France (AFNOR)

G. Bellisson, France

Mr . Kouper , France

R. LaCroix, France

DOCUMENTS

;

All the following document designation numbers carry the prefix ISO/TC 92/

WG 10. In the text references to docximents are with respect to the last

number in the following designations.

(Sec-4) 24F* - Report of Meeting, 15 November 1972.

(USSR-1) 25 - Methods of Attaching Thermocouples to Specimens.

(Sec-5) 26 - Third Meeting, 27 and 28 March 1973.

(USA-3) 27 and Annex 1 - Proposed Revision of Furnace and Unexposed

Surface Temperature Measurement Methods.

(UK-10) 28 - Notes on Instruments for Measuring Irradiance and Heat

Flux in Fire Tests.

(France-7) 29F

(France-8) 30F

(France-9) 31F

(Germany-2) 32

Black Body.

DISCUSSION:

Measurement of Temperatures by Thermocouples.

A thermal conductivity heat flux meter.

Compression Dynamometers.

Calibration of a Small Radiometer by Means of a

The report of the last meeting. Doc. 24, was considered and accepted

without change.

*The suffix F indicates that the document is only available in French.
Agenda Item 3 - Measurement of Temperatures in the Furnace

Mr. Bellisson started the discussion by introducing his paper, Doc. 29F.

In this paper, he discusses various problems associated with furnace

temperature measurement. In the recent past they have used small

diameter rapid response sheathed thermocouples. The cost of these,

as well as damage caused to them during use, has resulted in recon- sideration of their merit. Recent trend has been toward use of bare

thermocouples formed from chromel alumel wire by use of a gas flame,

the bead varying from 2 to 3 mm dia. The leads are insulated and

carried in a series of twin hole procelain insulators of about 6 mm

OD (1/2 in) and about 50 mm (2 in) in length. This assembly is supported

in the furnace in the position desired with the aid of steel pipes of

20-25 mm dia ( ~ 1 in) . The junction protrudes from the open end of

the pipe by about 25 mm (1 in)

.

The paper continues with an analysis of the factors influencing the

thermal response of thermocouples. The response time or time constant

is defined as the time required for the output of the thermocouple to

achieve within 1/e^''^ of the maximum signal ultimately attained when

the couple has been suddenly exposed to a fixed ambient temperature

difference

.

There was considerable discussion on the relative merit of determining

the time constant during a heating or cooling exposure of the thermocouple. Many delegates wanted to be able to make these measurements

with a small furnace. It was not clear as to whether a decision had

been reached. However, there do seem to be certain advantages to be

achieved by making the measurement as a result of cooling from a high

temperature. The furnace used can be relatively small and good control

over room ambient air movement can be achieved. It seems more likely

that such a procedure would yield more uniform results between different

laboratories

.

Agenda Item 4 - Measurement of Temperatures on the Unexposed Surface

of Specimens

We were asked to introduce our paper, Doc. 27 and Annex 1. We reported

study of the results supplied by the Russians, Doc. 25. We explained

that we had observed very similar condensation problems, below the copper

disc, as mentioned by the Russians. We had found that these were

significantly reduced by use of a dense 4 mm (1/8 in) thermocouple pad.

We also recommended a spring device to hold the pad and thermocouple in

place on the specimen surface. Because of difficulties in fabrication

of the unit shown in Doc. 27, that shown in Annex 1 was proposed as preferable. This is shown in Annex 2. Some objection was made to

the use of screws to fasten the spring in place. It seems possible

that a tape involving a thermosetting adhesive might be useful for this

purpose

.

9
Almost no opportunity was provided for discussion of this proposal

and no further action recommended. We later asked that Doc. 27 with

annex be circulated to the various members of the Working Group to secure

their reaction as well as samples of insulation used by the various

members for unexposed surface thermocouples.

Agenda Item 5 - Radiation Measurements.

This would have been an appropriate time at which to introduce Hesselden's

excellent paper, Doc. 28. However, he was not invited to do this.

Instead, Topf's paper. Doc. 32, was considered. This describes measurements attempted in calibration of a very small radiometer by means of a specially constructed black body furnace. Errors in calibration by

about 10 percent were recognized and during discussion it appeared

that at least some of the problems resulted from convection heating of

the reference junctions since there was no window on this instrument and

it was tightly coupled with the black body aperture.

Unfortunately for the success of the meeting of WG 10, plans were made

for a visit to CSTB at Champs sur Marne on the morning of Wednesday.

We were interested in the new column and wall furnaces. The latter will

accept specimens of 3x3 m dimensions (about 10x10 ft). However, they

had run out of money before the loading equipment and specimen frames

were completed and as a result the furnace is standing idle. They were

in the process of constructing a small corridor type furnace of about

1-1/2 X 1-1/2 X about 5 m length (roughly 5 x 5 x 17 f t) . This was

to be used for tests of ducts when exposed to conditions simulating

the standard temperature-time curve. It seemed likely that they would

have trouble with the small burners being installed.

Meetings of the working group were continued at AFNOR after lunch.

Agenda Item 6 - Measurement of Heat Flux.

Mr. Bellisson introduced Doc. 30F and proceeded to wade through all

the details of design and construction of a heat flux meter which had

not yet been constructed. The device involves a disc of stainless steel

cooled by water on one side while the other side is exposed to the thermal

flux field. An electrical signal is to be derived from a thermopile

measuring the temperature difference between hot and cold disc surfaces.

There was further reference to Doc. 4F describing the spiral copper tube

heat flux meter constructed at CSTB. Pairs of these units had been

mounted on the surface of a floor-ceiling specimen during repetitive tests

with the floor furnace. It was indicated that there was good uniformity

over the ceiling surface. The heat flux reported was 100, 140 and 165

X 10^ kcal/hr m for 1, 2 and 3 hour exposure times. He suggested these

were typical for the floor ceiling furnace and similar results had been

observed at Metz.

10
Near the end of the meeting Hesselden was asked to introduce his paper,

Doc. 28. This is an excellent and comprehensive discussion of problems

associated with heat flux measurements. Each of the various test methods

now used are considered and specific suggestions are offered for handling

radiant and heat flux measurements. We proposed that the paper be

published by ISO as a technical report. It was stated that ISO did not

want such documents. We then suggested that Hesselden be thanked for

the paper and encouraged to publish it promptly.

Mr. Bellisson agreed to the value of the paper and apologized for its

late introduction.

Agenda Items 7-15

These items Involving measurements of smoke specimen deformation,

specimen restraint, furnace gas pressure, hot gas leaks through specimen

cracks, furnace gas oxygen concentration, etc., were hurriedly con- sidered in a time period of about 15 minutes. No decisions were made.

The decision on next meeting time and date was postponed until after

the plenary meeting.

11
WG 3 Doors and Shutters

Mr. Malhotra opened the meeting and welcomed the delegates.

PARTICIPANTS:

H. L. Malhotra, UK J. Dekker, Netherlands

P. Oksanan, Finland P. Topf, Germany

G. Bellisson, France J. E. Clark, USA

W. I. Stewart, Australia A. F. Robertson, USA

R. Minne, Belgium

DOCUMENTS

:

All the following document designations carry the prefix ISO/TC 92/WG 3.

In the text reference to documents is with respect to the last number in

the designation below.

(Sec-23) 103 - Report of WG 3 Meeting on 13 and 14 November 1972.

(Sec-24) 104 - Agenda for Meeting of WG 3 on 29 and 30 March 1973.

(Australia-3) 105 - Air Leakage Through Doors.

(Finland-2) 106 - Results of Air Leakage and Fire Tests of Doors.

(UK-27) 107 - Establishing Criteria for Testing Performance of Smoke

Stop Doors.

(UK-28) 108 - First Draft Specification for Smoke Stop Doors.

(USA-11) 109 - Letter to H. L. Malhotra.

(USA-12) 110 - Factors in Controlling Smoke in High Buildings.

(USA-11) 111 - Computer Analysis of Smoke Movement in Tall Buildings.

DISCUSSION:

Consideration was first directed to review of the minutes of the last

meeting. These were accepted as prepared.

Prior to organized discussion of papers on the agenda, several items of

general interest were mentioned.

It was reported that a group in CEN is working toward a standard for

elevator doors. They apparently have modeled it after the proposed

standard of ISO/TC 92 for fire tests of doors. AFNOR is serving as secretariat for the group doing this work.

12
Agenda Item 3(d) - Impact Test.

The USA at numerous previous meetings has requested that provisions

be made for an Impact test which could be applied to doors and other

fire test specimens. It became clear that the members of TC 92 were

not receptive to the use of a hose stream for this purpose. So far, we have not made specific recommendations, although we have been

invited to.

Accordingly, we reported our lack of action on this item and indicated

that we would try to make progress towards specific recommendations

before the next meeting. We mentioned that we had received a description

of a French test method involving an Impact test for railing, and a German test for fire specimens. It seems highly desirable that any

test developed be suitable for application during as well as after a fire test.

I asked for an Indication of the Interest by other countries in this

type of test. The results were as follows:

From this convas it seemed to us that there has been a significant

change in receptlveness for such a test. We recommend that special

consideration be directed towards this problem. Perhaps the projection

of a stream of sand or other solid particles would serve the purpose.

In any case we have about 9 to 12 months to make progress towards some specific recommendations. Some delegates emphasized that the test must

be suitable for application on the fire side of the specimen. We agreed

to circulate a description of the test method we use in the USA.

Agenda Item 3(a) - Further Developments in Finland.

Mr. Oksanan Introduced his paper. Doc. 106, which reports fire and air

permeability tests on six insulated steel doors and two solid core wood

doors. Tests were performed with the apparatus described in Doc. 102

presented at the November meeting. This involves use of a box-like

attachment to cover the unexposed face of the door and frame. Any

gas leakage Is caused to flow through a nozzle which is placed in one wall of the box and by means of which the gas flow may be measured.

Tests were run on all doors in the cold condition at 1 and 2 mm

pressure ('^10 and 20 N/m^) . It was found that for the doors tested and

pressures applied the flow was independent of the side which was pressurized.

Australia no special Interest

test needed

no test used at present

test needed

no Interest

no test used now, but interest in one

test desirable

Germany

Finland

Belgium

France

UK

USA

13
One of the wooden doors was Rested at furnace temperatures of 20, 150,

200, and ISS^C. The results are reported in the attached Annex 3.

For the doors tested under fire exposure the general trend involved

a nearly hyperbolic reduction of permeability of the door as a function

of time. This was interpreted as resulting from expansion of the door

in the frame. It was reported that they had gained considerable

experience with this type of test but they were still anxious to secure a better instrument for measuring gas flow.

Agenda Item 3(b) - Techniques for Measuring Air Flow and Tightness

Paper 105 from Australia was introduced by Mr. Stewart. This reports

further work by Keough on air flow around doors at room temperature.

He also reported that leakage was unaffected by changing the side of

the door which was pressurized. Maximum pressure applied was but 5 mm

water, about (.2 in water). His previous results suggest that a different

conclusion might be reached if pressures closer to 1/2 in water had been

used.

Annex 4 to this report shows one of the figures presented in his paper.

This has been marked up to designate the portion of crackage which

seemed to be influencing gas flow. The correlation of the data for

different pressure differentials is evident from this figure.

Discussion of the data was interesting. Dr. Minne questioned the

value of special seals for doors since they usually wear out quickly.

He suggested testing doors having peripheral gaps of not less than

2 mm. He also suggested that different behavior might be expected

between steel and wood doors.

Mr. Bellisson suggested that the test should cover door construction

as well as hinges and other fittings which do not melt. The Chairman

suggested that where appropriate such items could be discussed in

the commentary but we are talking about a test procedure not a specification.

After lunch we were asked to discuss Doc. 109. This is a letter we had

sent Malhotra in which we suggested elaboration of the proposal previously

made for analysis of door gas leakage data. Specifically we suggested

defining an effective leakage area A. as:

C^/?gH

Where:

C

g

h

Q volumetric gas flow through door crackage

an effective discharge coefficient

gravitational acceleration

pressure differential across door in height of flaming fluid

14
Of course consistent units would he required and proper recognition

would have to be taken of temperature density and volume relationships

of the gas. The assumption of constant pressure conditions seemed

appropriate.

It was further proposed that since would be expected to change

with h a complete report of door performance might include a plot of

as a function of h. If this were to be simplified perhaps two

values of might have particular interest.

(a) That corresponding to the maximum value of h which

would just permit opening the door.

(b) That at a fixed low pressure differential across the door

perhaps h equal to a few milimeters of water.

We pointed out that data of this type would be directly useful in smoke

or gas flow calculations past doors.

Dr. Minne proposed measurement of gh in Newtons to be consistent with

SI notation. He was asked to prepare his proposal in written form.

The applicability, of A^ , to flow measurements under fire exposure con- ditions such as Mr. Oksanan has conducted was questioned because of

difficulties in defining the effective value of h. In this case, h

varies over the height of the specimen.

Apart from this the proposal for reporting door leakage in terms of

A^ was generally accepted and will probably form the basis of reports

of test application.

Agenda Item 3(c) - Flow of smoke past doors in real and experimental

fires.

We introduced Documents 110 and 111 which discuss smoke movement in

buildings from the overall point of view. One of these discussed in

a general way the factors influencing smoke movement in buildings while

the other reports a series of computer solutions on movement of smoke

in buildings. We suggested that in spite of the use of doors specifically

designed to limit smoke passage it was likely that other building

leakage paths would result in extensive smoke flow. These papers were

well received but it was evident that there was a desire to have a test

for doors intended to reduce smoke movement.

Mr. Malhotra briefly referred to the paper reporting a behavioral

study of people when endangered by fire. This document, "The Behavior

of People in Fires," will be circulated to the working group later.

The report seems to suggest that people will feel confident in trying

to escape when they can see things at a distance of 10 meters.

15
Agenda Item 3(e) - Terminology

During the last meeting we had asked that the term "smoke stop door"

be reconsidered with regard to its appropriateness for the test we were

proposing to develop. At that time we were asked to come to this meeting

prepared to make a decision. After a brief discussion of the matter it was placed to vote and the majority vote was for "smoke control door."

There was considerable consternation when the French equivalent turned

out to be "par fume" which sounds very much like perfume! The French

seemed happy and it was agreed to circulate a one page note to all

members of the working group to inform them of the decision and ask

if they have objections.

Agenda Item 4 - Proposed program of tests on smoke stop doors

Mr. Malhotra introduced document 107 which reports tests on smoke

movement through doors mounted in a small test building erected in their

Experimental Fires Building. Five or six different methods of producing

smoke from a wood crib with restricted ventilation and smoke from a well ventilated crib fire seemed to yield satisfactory results. They

resulted in development of a neutral axis above the door bottom, temperatures above 200°C in the fire room and pressure differentials across

the door of greater than 0.3 mm H2O. The study is not yet complete but

the results to date are interesting. One development has been a definition of the degree of smoke stratification:

0D(2m) - 0D(.5m)

Stratification = 0D(2m) ^

The bracketed figures represent the height of the horizontal photometer,

in meters, on which the optical density per meter OD is measured.

Agenda Item 5 - Preparation of draft ISO Standard for test of

smoke stop doors

Mr. Malhotra discussed his outline, Doc. 108, of the proposed fire

test method. This document is reproduced as Annex 5 of this report.

Mr. Malhotra indicated that he considered we had made real progress

during the meeting and he would attempt to develop the test method

further

.

This paper stimulated a series of comments from the delegates all the

way from "we don't need a smoke" control door test method, to "we need

a test of this type very much."

There seemed to be general agreement that a test of this type could serve a useful purpose and that three different levels of fire exposure

seemed appropriate. The French wanted to include windows, ducts and

flues as well as doors but this was not accepted.

16
Agenda Item 6 - Report to the Plenary Meeting

It was agreed that the report would be essentially one of progress.

Mr. Malhotra would prepare it and circulate it for comment. It would

refer to the cooperative attitude which has developed in connection

with the work.

Agenda Item 7 - Other Business

Mrs. Bruce reported that ISO/DIS 3008 was currently being circulated

for ballot while 3009 would be coming shortly. The former relates

to fire tests of doors while the latter involves tests for glazed

elements.

Agenda Item 8 - Date and place of next meeting

No decision was reached. It was suggested that either late in 1973

or early 197A would be appropriate.

17
J

{
ANNEX 1
ANNEX 2

igure 2 - Alternate Spring Design for Unexposed Thermocouples
Annex 3

Table 2.

Wood

Poor.

Gap A'

mm

Gap B

mm

Furnace

temperature

Pressure

difference N/m

at the

sill

1 e|V e 1

Air leakage m-^/h

(Room

Temp)

Pressure

difference

top-sill

level

N/m

Door 8 with lap and

seal 1,7 3,2 -10 50

+ 10 52

+ 20 82

+ 40 130

lil5 0 30

+ 10 60

without seal

and lap 20 -10 95

• + 10 100

+ 20 150

+ i|0 215

150 0 55 7,0

+ 10 125

200 0 60 7,5

+ 10 130

265 0 60 8,5

+ 10 1^0

1
Annex A

Figure 1. LEAKAGE PAST DOORS

Door leaf - lOlSmmx 2032mm

Gap at threshold and at hings stile

Gap A 2 mm Gap B = 2mm

Leakage as door leaf is opened

3ealed

Case number 1

t II 2

9 n 3

« n 4

i A

Door closed, B= 2mm

II opened, 3= lOmm

II 1 B = 20mm

" " B-30rnm

" '• FJ-40irim

( ie, flush Vv/illi edge of frame)

Door opened, B:--50nim

y 1 0 mn'i

I Case Ixlumbi'f 1 3

Gap B 2 mm 10 20 30 40 Open
ISO/TG92/WG3 fUkAnnex 5 c \ y

FIRST DRAFT /o8

TEST SPECIFICATION F9R SMOKE STOP DOORS

1 . CENFRAL

1 . 1 Pin'por.c

This Standard specifies methods of testing and evaluating the

perfci-mance of doors intended to resist the passage of smoke in a fire.

1.2. Scope -

This Standard is applicable to door assemblies which are provided

in buildings to act as a barrier to the passage of smoke and other products

of decomposition produced in a fire. The doors may be situated remote from

the seat of a fire and therefore not subjected to any appreciable heat or

at the other extreme they may be exposed to the full severity of fire.

The test specification deals with three situations and provides a testing

technique for each. The three situations considered are:

A. No heat exposure and smoke at ambient temperatures

B. Moderate heat exposure and smoke at temperatures around 200°C

C. Severe heat exposure as produced in a fire resistance test

The procedure does not provide a method of classification; the national

standard and codes can specify the appropriate criteria for doors intended

to be used in different buildings and in different parts of a building.

1.3 Test principle

Smoke and other products of combustion which are evolved in fires can

endanger the safe movement of occupants if \\\ o^l^uan travels freely from the

fire to otlier parts of a building, particularly those designated as escape

routes. Boundary walls of fire compartments are provided v.'ith fire resisting

doors and the Standard test (lS0/>)(5 "^(y^)^ ) does not prcvide any means

for assessing their effectiveness as smoke barriers. Other doors are

provided to safeguard escape routes and whilst these may not be subject to

the severity of fire simulated in a fire resistance test, they are required
to provide rer.i r.tance to the paasa^o of smoke. Some of these dooi-c may

bo near cnou^jh to the [;cat of a fire to withstand elevated temperatures

( 200' C), oth crs may be further away so that smoke is reasonably pool

when it reaches them.

All doors have varying degrees of clearances between the door panel

and the frame and the presence of slight pressure created by the fire will

induce the smoke to be transmitted from one side to the other. High

temperatures will result not only in increased pressure but will also cause

a pressure gradient to develop over the height of the door. Certain doors

can suffer damage and distortion at high temperatures which may increase

the size of gaps through which smoke can pass.

The tests described in this Standard reproduce the condition of

pressure difference on tv;o sides of a door and measure the flow of gases

from the high to the low pressure side with or without the presence of the

particular matter which signifies smoke.

Three conditions for which test methods are specified are as follows:

Condition A . Smoke at ambient temperatures

A method for measuring air leakage from one side of the door to the

other with a constant pressure difference of ^0.5 "im w.gji,/

Condition B . Smoke at moderate temperatures

A method for measuring smoke transfer from one side, of the door to

the other with a pressure gradient over the height of the door and a

maximum pressure difference of TM^ w.gj.7

Condition C. Smoke r.t high temperatures

An attachment to bo used in the course of fire resistance tests to

measure the leakage of hot gases from one side to the other.

2. AFPAJlfiTUS

Test A - ST'CCification for an air leakage test

Test B - Specification for a smoke' transfer test

Test C - Specification for the attachment to b(>^uscd in the furmce test
3. PREPAIIATIOII OF TEST Sl^ECIMEI^S

4. TEST PROCEDURE

5. MEASUREMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS

6. LT/ALUATION OE PERFORI/IANCE

7. aT:ST IJEPORT

8. EXPLANATORY NOTES

- 3 -

1 O • '-1 i > L. ) U.S. Di.1'1. OF COMM. 1. PblU.lCATlON OK RIIFOKT NO. 2. Gov't Acccs.sion BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA No. SHEET

3. Recipient's Accession No.

1

4. TITLE AM) SUBTITLE

Meetings of WG 3, 10 and 11 of ISO/TC 92, March 25-30,

1973, on Doors, Instrumentation, and Fire Endurance

5. Publication Date ,

1 6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTlIOiUS)

A. F. Robertson

8. Performing Organization ^

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Pro)ect/Task/Wock Unit No.

11. Contract/Grant No.

1 12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address

American Society for Testing and Materials, Subcommittee

E 5.92

13. Type of Report &c Period

Covered

Progress

14, Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Working document for Committee use only. Not for publication, except as expressly approved by the chairman of the committee or the managing director

of the Society.

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.)

This document reports on the meetings of three working groups of ISO/TC 92, the

committee on fire test methods. . It comprises the USA minutes of the meetings

which have been developed for the purpose of both informing the membership

of ASTM Committee E 5 of the developments and stimulating further participation

and exchange of information with this Committee of the Organization for

International Standards.

•

\

17. KEY UORDS (Alphabetical order, separated by semicolons)

doors; endurance; fire; instrumentation; radiation; smoke; temperature; test

methods

U. AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

r~l UNLIMITED.

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21. NO. OF PAGES

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