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taken irom chs Library.

^' Fire Resistance of

Structural Clay

Tile Partitions

Building Materials and Structures Report BMS113

Ubraty,N.W.BIdg.

United States Department of Commerce

National Bureau of Standards
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BMSl Research on Building Materials and Structures for Use in Low-Cost Housing * BMS2 Methods of Determining the Structural Properties of Low-Cost House Constructions. _ 10(i BMS3 Suitability of Fiber Insulating Lath as a Plaster Base 15jt BMS4 Accelerated Aging of Fiber Building Boards 10^ BMS5 Structural Properties of Six Masonry Wall Constructions 15^ BMS6 Survey of Roofing Materials in the Southeastern States 15^ BMS7 Water Permeability of Masonry Walls * BMS8 Methods of Investigation of Surface Treatment for Corrosion Protection of Steel 10(4 BMS9 Structural Properties of the Insulated Steel Construction Co.'s "Frameless-Steel" Constructions for Walls, Partitions, Floors, and Roofs ' 10(6 BMSIO Structural Properties of One of the "Keystone Beam Steel Floor" Constructions

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Sponsored by The Insulite Co 16(4 *0ut of print. [List continued on cover page iii]
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE • Charles Sawyer, Secretary NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS • E. U. Condon, Dirtctor

Fire Resistance of

Structural Clay

Tile Partitions

by Harry D. Foster, Earl R. Pinkston,

and S. H. Ingberg

Building Materials and Structures Report BMS113

Issued October 29, 1948

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. U- S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C.

Price 15 cents
Foreword

This report is one of a series issued by the National Bureau of Standards

deahng with the fire resistance of building walls, partitions, and floors. Factual

information obtained by fire tests of building members is useful to buildingregulatory bodies in setting up building code requirements pertaining to exits,

shaft enclosures, and fire division partitions.

The present report indicates the fire resistance that can be expected of

structural clay tiles designed for use in partitions, whereas National Bureau

of Standards Research Paper 37 gave the results of fire tests of structural clay

tile designed for loadbearing walls. The impetus given to fire-safe construction as the consequence of recent

disastrous fires in buildings of residential occupancy creates a particular

demand for the information contained in this report.

E. U. Condon, Director.

II
Fire Resistance of Structural Clay Tile

Partitions

by Harry D. Foster, Earl R. Pinkston, and S. H. Ingberg

ABSTRACT

The results of fire-endurance or hose-stream tests of 20 structural clay tile partitions

tested at the National Bureau of Standards are given. The partitions were 3, 4, and 6 in. thick, exclusive of the plaster. Some of the partitions were built of tile laid on end; some, with the tile laid on side; and some, with the tile laid alternately on side and on end. The fire-endurance and the hose-stream tests in this series were made on the same

partitions. The hose-stream tests indicated that tile partitions can be considered as meeting

the hose-stream requirements applicable to their respective fire-resistance ratings.

CONTENTS

Foreword

I. Introduction and scope. Materials and tests

1. Tile

II.

Ill

Page

II12

2

2. Mortar and plaster 3 Construction of partitions 3

1. Size 3

Restraint 3 Type of construction 3 Workmanship 3 Mortar 3

Plaster 4

Storing and aging 4

IV. Equipment 4

1. Restraining frames 4

2. Partition-testing furnace 4

Page IV. Equipment—Continued.

3. Temperature-measuring apparatus 4

4. Deflection-measuring equipment 5

5. Hose-stream equipment 5

V. Method of testing 7

VI. Results of tests 7

1. Log of tests 8

VII. Discussion of results 11

1. General effects of fire exposure 11

2. Effect of clay used in manufacture of

tiles 11

3. Effect of method of laying 11

4. Effect of plaster 11

5. Effect of design of tiles 11

6. Resistance to the hose stream 12 VIII. Summary 13

I. Introduction and Scope

The determination of the proper design of tile units, the most suitable types of clay, the best

methods of manufacture, and the different types

of construction required for satisfactory service, are the result of long experience in the use of structural clay tile partitions.

Tiles for nonbearing partitions should have

sufficient strength to withstand shipping and

handling and the impacts to which partitions are

subjected. Strength and hardness much beyond

that which is essential may decrease their useful- ness and satisfactory performance in respect to ease of handling, cutting and fitting, adhesion of mortar and plaster, and resistance to fire. Unnecessary weight unduly increases the cost of shipping and the load imposed on the structure. Finished walls and partitions can be built of

glazed or unglazed smooth- or texture-faced structural clay tiles. Unglazed tiles, with or without

scored shells, that have sufficient absorption for good plaster bond are acceptable as a base for

plaster. Cracks in the surfaces or at the borders

of tile partitions are of infrequent occurrence. As

dimensional changes due to variations in the

moisture content of burned clay are insignificant,

any cracks that do form in partitions can generally

be ascribed to unsatisfactory mortar or plaster.

Considerably less information is available on the

fire resistance of nonbearing structural clay tile partitions than on the other properties of the units

and walls. Therefore, a series of fire tests of partitions was undertaken as a part of the Bureau's

general program of research on building materials

and structures. Twenty partitions, 3, 4, or 6 in. in thickness were tested. Five were not plastered,

three were plastered on one side and the others were plastered on both sides. Most of the partitions had one cell through the thickness, a few had

two rows of cells. Although not covering the full range in design of units and clays used in their

manufacture, the tiles in this series were representative of those produced by the greater part of the

industry.

1
II. Materials and Tests

1. Tile

The tiles were obtained from three of the

principal cla}^ tile manufacturing districts of the

United States. In the first of these districts, the

tiles were made from an Illinois surface clay containing a high percentage of lime; in the second,

from a New Jersey fire clay; and in the third, from

an Ohio fire clay. The Illinois tile had an absorption ranging from 20.8 to 23.0 percent; the New

Jersey tile, from 10.6 to 20.1 percent: and the

Ohio tile, from 3.4 to 8.6 percent.

The tiles were 3, 4, or 6 in. thick, figure 1, and

with two exceptions had face-shell dimensions of

12 by 12 in. Key-type scoring covered from 30 to 50 percent of the shells of all of the tile except

the face shells of designs F and G. These two

designs were used for face-tile construction and

had 5- by 12-in. smooth face shells. Tiles representing each source and design of

unit were tested for compressive strength and

absorption, in accordance with Standard Methods

of Sampling and Testing Structural Clay Tile,

ASTM Designation: C 112-36. The results are given in table 1.

D E Figure 1. Designs of tiles used in fire-test partitions.

Table 1. Some physical properties of tiles used in test partitions

Partition test No.

1 and 2-.

3

4 and 5 .

6

7

9 and 10.

11_ 12A

12B

13 and 14..

15 and 16-.

17 and 19_.

18 and 20_.

Tile

Clay from which

manufactured

Illinois surface Ohio fire

Illinois surface Ohio fire__ _. New Jersey fire 3.

do _

Ohio fire do

Illinois surface. - New Jersey fire 3

Illinois surface.

Ohio fire

Illinois surface.. New Jersey fire.

Design : Average size

2,99 by

3.02 by

3.87 by

4.01 by

3.99 by

4.08 by

3.73 by

3.70 hv

4.03 by

3.92 by

6.87 by

6.05 by

6.91 by

5.96 by

11.99 by 12.22..

11.96 by 11.98-.

11.70 by 12.01-.

11.98 by 12.04..

12.15 by 12.07-.

12.47 by 12.25.

6.00 by 12.10.-

11.65 by 4.80-- 11.92 by 11.92- 11.80 bv 11.90-

11.85 by 11.97.

11.95 by 12.02.

12.00 by 11.90.

12.00 by 12.01-

Shell thick- ness

m.

0. 72

.60

.73

.56

.64

* 1.12

1.00

.73

.60

.64

Web

thick- ness

in.

0. 73

Weight

lb15.4

15.8

16. 2

16.8

16.4

16.8

10. 7 11.0

21.0 20.0

22.

1

21.7

23. 2

24.6

Tests 2

Absorption

Percent

22.6

6.0

20.8

8.6

13.0

20.

1

7.6

3.4

22.8

10.6

22.2

6.2

23.0

16.0

Compressive strength

Loaded

/EndISide.. /End.

\Side-. fEndIRide- /End.

ISide. /EndISide-, /End.

\SideSide- EndEndEndfEnd-

\Side- /EndISide- /EndVSide- /EndIBideBased

on net

area

4, 320

2, 040

8, 900 6.900

4, 600 2.900

9, 500

5, 200

6, 020

3, 610

3, 000

1, 500

9, 020

11,050

3, 220 7,170

3, 000

1,840

8, fiOO

5, (100

4, 100 1,960

4, 680

3, 160

Based

on gross area

Z!)/fn.2 2,480 720

4, 100

2, 100

2, 220 860

3, 560 1,040

2. 430

845

1,300 390

4, 200

7. 020 1.970

3, 670

1,280

380

2, 640

690 1,860

580

2, 000

790

1 Designs A, B, and C were 3-cell end-construction tiles 3, 4, and 6 in. thick, respectively; designs D and E were 6-cell end-construction tiles, 4 and 6 in. thick, respectively; design F was a 4 in. thick double-shell side-construction

face tile; and design G was a 4 in. thick end-construction face tile. The de- signs of the tiles are shown in figure 1, page 2.

2 All tests were made in accordance with Standard Methods of Sampling

and Testing Structural Clay Tile, ASTM Designation: C 112-36 (ASA No.

A83-1-1942).

3 These tiles were burned harder than tile from this clay are generally burned.

« This thickness includes two e-in. shells (double shell) with a J^-in. space between them. Building Materials and Structures Report
2. Mortar and Plaster Table 2. —Tests of niorlar and plaster

Potomac Kiver building sand was used for all mortar and plaster. About 95 percent of the sand

consisted of silicious minerals and the remainder was mica, calcite, pyroxenes, and feldspars.

Well-known brands of portland cement, hydrated lime, and gypsum plaster were used.

The time of set, consistency, and tensile strength

of the gypsum plaster were determined in accord- ance with Standard Methods of Testing Gypsum

and Gypsum Products, ASTA^I Designation: C

26-33. The results are given in table 2. This

table also gives the compressive strengths of the

mortars and plasters used with the various partitions. The compressive strength results were

obtained from tests of three 2-in. cubes that were made from each batch of mortar or plaster and

which were aged 28 days adjacent to the respective

partitions.

Mortar Plaster

Partition

test No. Compresstrength^Consist- ency 3 Time

of set 3

Tensile

strength, neat ^

Mix, dry- weight

proportions

Compressive strength, sanded ^

Ib/in.- hr

1 676

2 568 56 11 200 1:3 634

3 801 44 15 290 1:3 500

4 614

5 520 56 11 200 1:3 704

6 801 44 15 290 1:3 468

7 643 50 22 255 1 :3 528

QO - 633 50 8 265 1 :

3

562

437 42 18 285 1 :

2

746

10 658 42 18 285 1:2 726 UA 665 48 41 210 1:3 642 UB... 665 48 41 210 Neat 1, 222

12 946 60 22H 255 1:3 715

13 339 49 24 225 1:3 714

14 465 SO 265 1:3 362

15 563 44 10 325 1:3 370

16 706

17 609

470

572

536

1819

20

42

50

18

22}4

285

255

1:2

1:3

846

674

1 The mortar was proportioned by volume of 1 part of portland cement to

1 part of hydratcd lime to 6 parts of sand.

2 The comprrssivf strength of the mortar and plaster was obtained from

tests of throe 2-in. cubes of each batch used and was determined after curing

for 28 days in locations adjacent to the partitions.

3 The time of set, consistency, and tensile strength of the plaster were de- termined in accordance with Standard Methods of Testing Gypsum and Gypsum Products. ASTM Designation: C 26-33.

III. Construction of Partitions

1. Size

The partitions were built in fire-test frames to give panels 16 ft long with heights of 9, 10, or 11 ft.

2. Restraint

Inasmuch as partitions in buildings are more or

less restrained at the borders by the surrounding

construction, the test partitions were built solidly

within fireproofed steel frames. They were placed

so that the surface of the partition was set back

4)2 in. from the fire-exposed face of the frame.

3. Type of Construction

Most of the partitions were built with either

"end" or "side" construction, as shown in figure 2. By end construction, e, is meant the arrangement

whereby all of the units are laid so that the main

axes of their cells are vertical, whereas, with side

construction, s, the main axes are horizontal.

Special types of construction, "alternate" and

"checkerboard", were used in order to block-off

air circulation within the partition. For alternate

construction, a, alternate courses were end and

side construction; for checkerboard construction,

c, alternate tiles in each course were laid on end

and on side.

4. Workmanship

The partitions were built by skilled craftsmen.

Some were constructed by men in the employ of

the National Bureau of Standards and others were

built under contract. All plastering was done

under contract. The workmanship was repre- sentative of local commercial jobs.

Full horizontal mortar beds were used with

tiles which were laid with cells horizontal. For

tiles laid with cells vertical, only the ends of the

face shells and a portion of the transverse webs

were bedded. In making the vertical mortar

joint, it was general practice to butter or place

mortar only on the ends of the face shells. If the

tests were to be made with the partition unplastered, all mortar joints were pointed, but for

tests with the partition plastered only the

projecting mortar was struck from the joints.

5. Mortar

Mortar used for all partitions was of one part

Portland cement, one part lime, and six parts sand,

by volume. Proper proportions were actually

obtained by the use of equivalent weights, based on the assumption that a cubic foot of portland

cement weighed 94 lb, and the dried content of a cubic foot of damp sand weighed 80 lb. The

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions 3
amount of water added to the mix to obtain the

proper consistency was left to the discretion of the mason.

6. Plaster

The partitions were allowed to age several days

before the plaster was applied. With four exceptions, the proportion of gypsum plaster to sand was 1 to 3, by weight. For partitions 9, 10, and

19, the plaster to sand ratio was 1 to 2; and for partition 11, a 1:3 sanded gypsum plaster was

applied on one-half of the wall, whereas, neat

fibered-gypsum plaster with 2 percent of asbestos was applied to the other half. The plaster was

applied in two coats, the scratch coat being

followed immediately by the brown coat. Pre- vious fire tests have indicated that the usual

white coat has no greater fire-protective value

than an equivalent thickness of brown coat. Therefore, the white coat was omitted and the

brown coat of plaster given a float-finish. The

customary wood baseboard was applied on all partitions that were plastered.

7. Storing and Aging

The partitions were not moved until after the

mortar had set. Because of unusual temperature

and humidity conditions, it was necessary to cover some of the partitions for a few days with wet

burlap soon after the plaster was applied to pre- vent premature drying. The partitions were

aged for 28 to 35 days before the fire tests were made.

IV. Eq

1. Restraining Frames

The restraining frames, built of 20-in., 140-lb

steel beams bolted at the corners, had openings

that would accommodate walls 16 ft long and 9 to

11 ft high. On the side exposed to fire, the frames were covered with a 4 to 6 in. thickness of refrac- tory concrete. The frames were suspended from trolleys on

overhead I-beam tracks and a hand-operated

transfer bridge was used to shift the frames from

the storage tracks to the fire-test position in front

of the furnace, figure 3. An electrically operated

winch was used to pull the frames along the tracks

and to remove them quickly from the furnace for the application of the hose stream.

2. Partition-testing Furnace

The partition-testing furnace was of reinforced concrete lined with firebrick to form a combustion

chamber 2}^ ft deep and 16 ft long. The chamber

extended about 6 ft below the test frame to provide room for debris that might fall from the wall and

4

END-e SIDE-^

Figure 2. The four types of construction used in fire-test partitions.

ipment

obstruct the burners or air inlets. Details of the

furnace are shown in figure 4. The fire was produced by 92 gas burners (B,

fig. 4) that were controlled by one large valve, L,

with /4-in. gas cocks, K, on each burner for individual adjustment. Each horizontal row of burners was controlled with a bar connected to the

gas-cock handles. The burners were of the

induction type with venturi mixing tubes, part of the air for combustion being drawn in around the

gas jet. Six 4-in. inlets, F, at the bottom of the

furnace supplied additional air, the air flow being

accelerated when necessary with jets of compressed

air.

3. Temperature-measuring Apparatus

Nine Chromel-Alumel thermocouples (C, fig. 4) were used for measuring the furnace temperatures.

They were strung on two-hole porcelain insulators,

protected in %-m. standard black wrought-u-on

pipe sealed at one end and symmetrically dis- tributed in the furnace chamber.

Building Materials and Structures Report
Figure 3. J'urtilion .', in fiintucc after a Jire expofsurc of IJli iiiin. on the opposite side. The restraining frame, observation windows, and asbestos pads for protecting tlierniocouples are siiown. The temperature of the unexposed surface of

the partitions were measured with ChromelAlumel thermocouples insulated with asbestos

sleeving and with the hot junctions under flexible,

oven-dry, felted-asbestos pads 6 in. square and

0.4 in. thick held firmly against the partition.

Extra thermocouples and a supply of dry cotton

waste were on hand for use over cracks or other

places on the surface of the partitions where high

temperatures developed. The arrangement of the

thermocouples on the surface of a partition is shown in figure 3. The leads from the thermocouples were assembled in an insulated junction box from which a compensating thermocouple was connected to a

cold junction maintained at the temperature of

melting ice. The terminals of the thermocouple

wires in the insulated junction box were connected

to copper wires in a lead-sheathed cable leading

to selector switches in the instrument room. These

switches were connected to portable potentiometers for measuring the electromotive force in the

thermocouples. The readings were subsequently

converted to temperatures.

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions

4. Deflection-measuring Equipment

Weighted wires serving as reference lines for the

measurement of the deflections were fastened to the top of the test frame and extended downward

in front of and a few inches from the unexposed

surface of the partition. One of the wires was

opposite the vertical center line of the partition,

and one was opposite the quarter points on each

side of the center line. The change in the distances

between the partition and the fixed reference lines,

taken at frequent intervals as the test progressed,

indicated the deflection of the test partition.

5. Hose-stream Equipment

The water for the hose-stream tests was delivered through a 2}.2-in. cotton rubber-lined fire hose and discharged through a National Standard

Playpipe equipped with a l/'s-in. discharge tip.

The desired pressure was obtained by adjusting a valve in the main supply line and was measured

by means of a gage connected to the base of the

playpipe.

5
SECTION LONGITUDINAL SECTION HALF ELEVATION

Figure 4. Partition-testing furance.

A, Furnace chamber; B, burners; C, thermocouple protection tubes; D, pit for debris; E. mica glazed observation windows; F, air inlets; 0, flue outlets and

dampers; H, firebrick furnace lining; I, reinforced concrete furnace-shell: K, gas cocks; L, control valve; M, ladders and platforms to upper observation windows; N, movable fireproofed test frame; 0, test partition; P, asbestos pads covering thermocouples on unexposed surface of partition.

6 Building Materials and Structures Report
V. Method of Testing

The tests v/ere conducted in accordance with

the Standard Specifications for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials of the

American Standards Association, No. A2-1934

(American Society for Testing Materials Designation: C 19-33).

One side of each of the partitions was exposed

to controlled fires having temperatures approximating 1,000° F (538° C) at 5 min, 1,300° F

(704° C) at 10 min, 1,550° F (843° C) at 30 min,

1,700° F (927° C) at 1 hr, and 1,850° F (1,010° C)

at 2 hr, the exposure being continued until one of the following conditions that limit the fire resis- tance was obtained: (a) fire damage sufficient to allow the passage of flame or gas hot enough to

ignite cotton waste, and (b) the transmission of

heat through the partition to raise the average

temperature 250 deg F (139 deg C) on its unex- posed surface or 325 deg F (181 deg C) at any one

of five or more points.

Partitions that withstand the fire exposure for

1 hr or more, before either of the above limiting

conditions are reached, are required to be subjected to the fire and hose-stream test. For this test a duplicate partition is subjected to a fire- exposure of a duration equal to half of the fire- resistance rating desired, but not for more than

1 hr. The hot side is then subjected to the impact, erosion, and cooling eft'ects of water directed

first at the middle and then at all parts of the

partition. It is permissible, however, to use the same partition for both tests, the hose-stream

being applied to the hot side of the partition

immediately after the fire-endurance test. The

latter procedure was used for this series of tests. The water for the hose stream was delivered at a pressure of 30 lb per sq in. at the base of the

playpipe. The nozzle was stationed 19 ft (20

less 1 ft for its upward inclination) in front of the

hot side of the partition and the hose stream was

continued for 1 to 1)^ min for each 100 sq ft of area of the partition. Partitions that were not

sufficiently damaged in these tests to permit the

passage of flame, if subsequently exposed to fire, were accepted as meeting the hose-stream test requirements.

VI. Results of Tests

Results of the fire-endurance and hose-stream tests are given in table 3 and in the logs of the

individual tests.Table 3. Description of partitions and results of fire-endurance and hose-stream tests

Description of Partitions Tests *

Partition

test No.i

910... UA 6. UB «. 12A..

12B..

13....

14-...

15.... 16....

17....

18.... 19....

20-...

Size

ft. Hi bv 11- 16 by 10- 16 by 10- 16 by 10- 16 by 10- 16 by 10- 16 by 10- 16 by 10-

Ifi by 10- 16 by 10- 8 by 10.. 8 by 10.. 10 by 9.. 6 by 9... 16 by 10. 16 by 10. 16 by 11. 16 by 10. 16 by 10. 16 by 10, 16 by 11. 16 by 10.

Tile

Clay from which

manufactured

Illinois surface do , Ohio fire Illinois surface do Ohio fire New Jersey fire. -

.

do

Ohio fire do-.. - do--.. do New Jersey fire. .

.

Illinois surface dodo

Ohio fire do

Illinois surface. .

.

New Jersey fire - - Illinois surface New Jersey fire - -

Plaster

Fire -endurance

Kind

None used

1:3 sanded gypsum-

.....do None used

1:3 sanded gypsum..

dodo

do

1:2 sanded gypsum

do

1:3 sanded gypsum

Neat gypsum

1:3 sanded gypsum

do

....do ....do

....do None used do

do

1:3 sanded gypsum.

do

Thickness

None

None None

> X

ys%

H

None

'AM

Percent97

100

100

100

101 100

100

10096

100

100

10099

99

99

100

101 102

99

102

100

101

hr. min.

21

1 01+

1 06

25

1 59

1 1950

1 34

3150

1 48

2 14

1 52

2 63

1 23 2 00+

1 54

1745

1 01

1 41

2 23

Determining

factor

Waste ignited... Not reached temp max

Hole through... temp max

do

Collapse temp max

Hole through

Collapse temp avg temp max

do

do... do Not reached temp avg

Collapse.. temp max

temp avg temp max

temp avg

Hose stream (water on

hot side of partition)

Eesults

Met requirements. Hole through at \i min.

Hole throush at J^min. Met requirements. Met requirements.

Met requirements. Do.

Do. Do. Met requirements. Do.

Hole through. Met requirements.

1 The partitions for tests 11 and 12 were each divided into two sections. A 1:3 sanded gypsum plaster was used on one-half {section A) of the micxposed

side of partition 11 and neat gypsum plaster on the other half (section B). New Jersey fire clay tiles were used for two-thirds (section A) of partition 12 and Illinois surface clay tiles for the other third (section B).

2 The type of construction was determined by the position in which the

tiles were laid: c, on end; s, on side; a, alternate courses on end and side; and

c, alternate tile in each course on end and side.

' Designs A, B, and C were 3-cell end-construction tiles 3, 4, and 6 in. thick, respectively; designs D and E were 6-cell end-construction tiles 4 and 6 m. Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions

787884-^8 2

thick, respectively; design F was a 4 in. thick double shell side-construction

face tile; and design O was a 4 in. thick end-construction face tile. The

designs of the tiles are shown in figure 1, page 2.

< AW tests were made in accordance with Standard Specifications for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, ASA No. A2-1934 (ASTM

Designation: C 19-;«).

' The partition was removed from the furnace before the determining factor was reached.

• The cells of this partition were filled with a concrete of cement and broken

tile.
1. Log of Tests

The log of tests gives the structural details,

the important observations that were made during

each test, the duration and factors that determined the fire-endurance of each partition, and

results of the hose-stream tests. Reference is made to figures 5 to 10 showing the condition of some of the partitions after test, to figures 11 and

12 showing the positive and negative deflections

(toward and away from the fire, respectively) at the center of the partitions, and to figures 13 to 18 showing the temperatures of the furnace and

partitions during the test. Test 1.—Three-inch unplastered partition, one cell in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, and checkerboard

construction. At 1 to 6 min, a few of the exposed shells near one end of the first course of the partition fell off. At 6 to 7y2 min, cracks appeared in some of the unexposed

shells and at joints in the first and top courses. At 11 min, diagonal cracks formed across corners of partition.

At IIV2 min, the tiles in the top course were crushed, and

the partition deflected inward about 4 in. at the center. At 13 to 16 min, all unexposed shells in the top course, except those from the end tiles, fell. The exposed shells remained in place. At 21}^ min, cotton waste in contact with the spalled portion of the top course ignited. At

22J.^ min, additional unexposed shells near the top of the

partition fell. At 25}^ min, the partition collapsed.

Ignition of waste at 21}'^ min limited the fire resistance. Deflection and temperature curves, figures 11 and 13. Test 2. —Three-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, and end

construction. At 18 min, cracking sounds were heard. At 30 min, the cracking sounds increased in intensity.

At 36 min, sharp cracking sounds indicated the loosening

of the exposed shells. At 38 min, a horizontal crack that extended across the unexposed surface 6 in. below the top was observed. A vertical crack in the exposed plaster 4 ft from one end and extending upward 2 ft from the lower edge of the partition was also observed. At 40

min, the exposed plaster bulged near each end of the

partition. At 50 min, a diagonal crack appeared on the unexposed side across one lower corner. At 55 min,

similar cracks across the top corners were observed. At

59 min, the crack in the plaster near the top of the unex- posed side that was noted at 38 min, widened considerably.

At 1 hr l]i min, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 1 hr 1% min.

Although all of the plaster and a number of the face shells were washed away near both vertical borders, the partition

met the requirements of the hose-stream test. The fire-resistance limit of partition 2 was not reached. The trend of temperature curves, however, indicates that

it was in excess of 1 hr. Deflection and temperature

curves, figures 11 and 13. Test 3. —Three-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, Ohio fire clay tile, and alternate construction. At 1 min, cracking sounds were heard. At 8 min. the cracking sounds became louder. At 12 min,

moist spots appeared on the unexposed surface. At

13 min, about 1 sq ft of the exposed plaster buckled at 2 ft from the lower edge and 4J/2 ft from one end. At

16 min, a horizontal crack formed in the unexposed plaster 3 ft from the lower edge and extending 3 ft from one end

of the partition. At 17 min, the plaster that buckled at 13 min, fell. At 25 min, a horizontal crack formed in the unexposed plaster beginning 3 ft from the lower edge and

extending 1 ft from one end. At 26 min, a similar hori- zontal crack extending from the other end appeared. At

1 hr 12}i min, the gas was turned ofif.

Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 1 hr 12^ min.

The lower portion of the partition collapsed after Ys min.

Collapse of that portion of the partition indicated failure to meet the requirements of the hose-stream test as applied to the hot partition at the end of the fire-endurance

test.The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed

surface at 1 hr 6 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 11 and 13. Test 4. —Four-inch unplastered partition, one cell in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, and checkerboard

construction. At 1 to 4 min, a considerable number of cracking and popping sounds occurred. At 4% min, one exposed shell near one end of the first course partially

spalled. At 5)^ min, definite flaking of the exposed

surfaces of other tiles occurred. At 8 min, a slight

opening appeared between all the unexposed edges of the

partition and the test frame. At 11}^ min, a loud cracking

sound was heard, and a minute later the tiles in the top

courses cracked and the partition deflected sharply toward

the fire. At 15J4 min, seven unexposed shells fell from the top course. At 16}^ min, a diagonal crack appeared

across one lower corner. At 21}^ min, a diagonal crack appeared across the other lower corner. At 25 min, the remaining portions of seven tiles fell from the top course. At 263-4 min, the gas was turned off. The partition was

immediately moved from the furnace and, at 42 min,

collapsed.

The opening that formed at 25 min, near the top of the

partition, determined the fire resistance of the partition. Deflection and temperature curves, figures 11 and 13. Test 5. —Four-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile laid on side. At 1 min, snapping sounds were heard. The sounds

increased in frequency and loudness as the test progressed. At 17 to 25 min, the exposed plaster spalled from several small areas. During this time, cracks appeared across the

corners and a horizontal crack opened over the center two-thirds of the width of the partition, 1 ft below the top

of the unexposed side. At 1 hr, the deflection suddenly

increased. At 1 hr 30 min, additional horizontal cracks in the unexposed plaster appeared 3 ft above the lower edge,

and 1 ft below the top of the partition. Similar cracks appeared in the exposed plaster opposite those on the un- exposed side. At 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr, the cracks widened

and the partition appeared to be very unstable. At 2 hr

1 min, the gas was turned ofl^. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 2 hr 1 min. A

hole was broken through the partition after 49 seconds. This indicated failure to meet the hose-stream test as applied to the hot partition at the end of the fire-endurance

test.The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed surface

at 1 hr 59 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 11 and 14. Test 6. —Four-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, Ohio fire clay tile, and alternate construction. At 5 min, cracking sounds were heard, which

continued with varying frequency and loudness throughout

the test. No other appreciable effects were noted during

the remainder of the test except that moist spots appeared

on the unexposed surface and steam came from the borders. At 1 hr 26 min, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 1 hr 26 min. Although all of the plaster and a few of the face shells were washed away, the partition met the requirements of the hose-stream test. The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed surface

at 1 hr 19 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 11 and 14.

8 Building Materials and Structures Refort
Test 7.—Four-inch partition plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, hard-burned New Jersey fire clay

tiles, side construction. At 1 min, cracking sounds were

heard. At 15 min, cracking sounds indicated loosening

of the plaster on the exposed shells. At 19 min, cracks were visible in the unexposed plaster near the top in one

corner of the partition. At 36% min, horizontal cracks extending the width of the partition appeared in the unexposed plaster 1 ft and 2 ft below the top of the partition. At 39 min, a similar crack was observed 1 ft above the lower edge. At 48 min, the partition began to buckle along this horizontal crack. At 50 min, the

partition collapsed.

Collapse of the partition at 50 min determined its

fire resistance. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 11 and 14. Test 8.—Four-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, New Jersey fire clay tile, and side construction. At 19 min, cracking sounds were heard,

which increased in frequency and loudness for the next 16 min. At 35 min, these cracking sounds began to decrease and finally stopped. No visible fire effects were noted

during the fire exposure. At 1 hr 47 min, the gas was

turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after a fire exposure of 1 hr 47 min.

The partition met the requirements of the hose-stream

test, even though nearly all of the plaster and the face

shells in the three lowest courses were washed away. The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed

surface at 1 hr 34 min. Deflection and temperature

curves, figures 12 and 14. Test 9.—Four-inch partition plastered on the unexposed

side, one cell in thickness, Ohio fire clay unglazed doubleshell face tile, and side construction. At 2)^ min,

popping noises were heard and a thin horizontal crack formed across the full width of the partition at midheight. At 3J^ min, the popping sounds increased in frequency

and intensity. At 6 min, the cracking sounds diminished

and the horizontal crack noted at 2)4 min was closed. At 8 min, diagonal cracks appeared across the lower

corners. At 14 }4 min, rapidly recurring sounds indicated that the cross webs in many of the tiles were fractured. At 16 % min, exposed shells fell from the lower courses. At 19 % min and at 22 min, additional exposed shells fell. At 24 to 25 min, horizontal cracks appeared on the unex- posed surface 10 and 18 in. from the top, near the center. At 31)4 min, a hole formed in the lower part of the partition, figure 5. At 32 min, the gas was turned off. The fire resistance was limited by the formation of a

hole in the lower part of the partition at 31)4 min. Deflection and temperature curves, flgures 11 and 15. Test 10.—Four-inch partition, plastered on exposed side, one cell in thickness, Ohio fire clay unglazed doubleshell face tile, and side construction. Up to 15 min, no

fire effects were evident except burning of the baseboard. At 16 min, popping sounds were heard, which occurred with increasing frequency and intensity up to 26 min. At 28 min, a vertical crack appeared near the center of the unexposed surface. This crack widened to a maximum of

in. at 37 min. At 44 min, a horizontal crack appeared

in the unexposed surface between the first and second

courses. At 47 min, six exposed side shells fell from the

center of the second and third courses. A long horizontal crack also appeared in the unexposed side mortar joint

between the third and fourth courses. At 50 )^ min, the

partition collapsed.

The collapse of the partition at 50)^ min limited the

fire resistance. Deflection and temperature curves, fig- ures 11 and 15. Test 11.—Four-inch partition, plastered on the unex- posed side with 1 :3 sanded gypsum for one-half of the

partition (section A) and with neat gypsum for the other

half (section B), Ohio fire clay unglazed face tile laid with

cells vertical and filled with a concrete of cement and

broken tile. At 1 to 30 min, a few cracking sounds were

heard and slight cracks appeared in the surface of the

plaster. During this time numerous wet spots showed on

the unexposed surface. At 44)^ min, the bulging of the exposed surface indicated that about 80 percent of the

shells fell from an area of about 2)4 sq yd; other shells fell at intervals, leaving 25 percent of the surface intact. At

2 hr, the wet spots began to dry, figure 6. At 2 hr 17)4 min, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 2 hr 17)4 min.

Although all of the exposed shells were washed away, most

of the concrete used in filling the wall remained in place,

and the partition met the requirements of the hose-stream

test.The fire resistance of section A, that part of the partition that had sanded gypsum plaster, was limited by an average temperature rise of 250° F (139 deg C) on the unexposed

surface at 1 hr 48 min; section B, that part with neat gypsum plaster, was limited by a temperature rise of 325

deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed surface

at 2 hr 14 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 11 and 15. Test 12.—Four-inch partition, plastered on both sides, two cells in thickness, two-thirds (section A) of the partition was constructed of hard-burned New Jersey fire clay tile laid on side and one-third (section B) of Illinois surface clay tile laid on side. From % to 6 min, cracking

sounds were heard. At 18)4 min and at 19)4 min, loud thuds indicated loosening of the exposed plaster. At 22

min, approximately 1 sq ft of the exposed plaster spalled

from the lower corner of the partition. At 1 hr 10 min,

the plaster adjacent to the spalled area appeared to be

bulging. At 1 hr 12 min, diagonal cracks across three corners were observed in the unexposed plaster. At I hr

21 min, bulging of the plaster extended nearly to the top of the partition. At 1 hr 25 min, a diagonal crack in the unexposed plaster appeared across the fourth corner. Other than a few wet spots from condensation of steam on

the unexposed surface, only slight additional fire effects were apparent during the remainder of the fire exposure. At 3 hr 4 niin, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after a fire exposure of 3 hr 4 min. Al- though the plaster and many of the shells from the third

of the wall constructed of Illinois surface clay tile were washed away, the partition met the requirements of the hose-stream test. The fire resistance for the portion (section A) of the

partition constructed of New Jersey fire clay tile was

limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed surface at 1 hr 52 min; the fire resistance for the portion (section B) of the partition constructed of Illinois surface clay tile was likewise deter- mined at 2 hr 53 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 12 and 16. Test 13.—Six-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one cell in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, and end

construction. At 10 min, cracking sounds were heard At 13 min, a loud crack was heard. This was followed by

faint sounds at fairly regular intervals. At 16 min, a

horizontal crack extending 4 ft from one end of the parti- tion appeared 4 ft above the lower edge of the unexposed

side. At 38 min, the exposed plaster buckled along a

vertical line about 2 ft from one end and extended the full height of the partition. At 39 min, a horizontal crack 3

ft long appeared 8 in. from the top of the unexposed side. At 55 min, the crack observed at 38 min opened to a width

of )4 in. At 1 hr 1)4 min, plaster with some exposed shells spalled over an area of 3 sq ft adjacent to one end. At

1 hr 7 min, approximately 25 sq ft of plaster fell. At 1 hr

13 min, a vertical crack formed across the middle of the unexposed plaster. At 1 hr 20 min and at 1 hr 23 min,

additional spalling of the exposed plaster and of tile shells occurred. At 1 hr 28)4 min, the central portion of the

partition fell out and the gas was turned off. The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed surface

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions 9
at 1 hr 23 min. Collapse of the central portion occurred

5 min later. Deflection and temperature curves, figures 12 and 16. Test 14.—Six-inch partition plastered on both sides, one

cell in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, side construction. At 13 min, cracking sounds were heard, which continued

with varying intensity for 15 min. At 47}^ min, a dull thud indicated the fracture of webs holding the shells in the middle portion of the partition, although no cracks were

visible. At 1 hr 8 min, a horizontal crack was observed

in the exposed plaster 4 ft above the lower edge of the

partition. At 1 hr 11 min, a similar horizontal crack formed 1 ft above the lower edge. At 1 hr 21 min, hori- zontal cracks appeared in the unexposed plaster. At 2

hr, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 2 hr. Although

the plaster and many of the exposed shells were washed

away, figure 7, the partition met the requirements of the hose-stream test. The trend of the temperature rise on the unexposed sur- face indicated that the fire resistance was slightly more than

2 hr. Deflection and temperature curves, figures 12 and 16. Test 15.—Six-inch partition, plastered on both sides, one

cell in thickness, Ohio fire clay tile, and alternate construction. Up to 16 min, no fire effects were observed except

the burning of the baseboard. At 17 min, snapping sounds were heard which continued for 5 min. At 38 min, wet

spots appeared on the unexposed surface. At 47 min, steam came from the top border of the partition. At 51 min, an irregular diagonal crack appeared across one upper corner of the unexposed surface. At 2 hr, moist

streaks appeared in the unexposed plaster over the hori- zontal mortar joints. No cracking or spalling of the ex- posed plaster was observed during the test. At 2 hr 7 min, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after the fire exposure of 2 hr 7 min.

Although all of the plaster and a few face shells were washed away, the partition met the requirements of the hose-stream test. The fire resistance was limited by an average temperature rise of 250 deg F (139 deg C) on the unexposed surface

at 1 hr 54 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 12 and 17. Test 16.—Six-inch unplastered partition, one cell in thickness, Ohio fire clay tile, and alternate construction. At 1 min, cracking sounds were heard. These increased

in intensity during the next 10 min. At 11 min, the parti- tion buckled inward along the top of the second course. At 16 min 50 sec, the partition collapsed and the gas was

turned off. The collapse of the partition at 16 min 50 sec limited

its fire resistance. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 12 and 17. Test 17.—Six-inch unplastered partition, two cells in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, and checkerboard construction. At 1 to 6 min, cracking sounds of increasing

intensity were heard. At 4 min, a slight amount of spalling of the exposed surface occurred. At 13 min, the partition deflected noticeably toward the fire. At 14 min, the tiles in the top course were crushed and several of the exposed

shells fell. At 16 min, cracks appeared in the unexposed

side mortar joints but none were observed in the shells of the tiles. At 21 min, ten to twelve of the exposed shells

fell from an area within 2 ft of one end. At 24 min, a

similar number of exposed shells fell. Cotton waste

ignited at one end of the partition at 56 min, and near the

center at 58 min. At 1 hr 2}^ min, several tiles fell from

the top course. At 1 hr 9 min, the gas was turned off. The partition collapsed after it was moved from the

furnace.

The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed sur- face at 45 min. Deflection and temperature curves

figures 12 and 17.

' Test 18.—Six-inch unplastered partition, two cells in thickness. New Jersey fire clay tile and side construction. At 3 min, popping sounds were heard. At 22 min, the popping sounds diminished but frequent sounds of a more

prolonged nature were heard and a horizontal crack ap- peared across the top central portion of the unexposed side. At 25 min, a part of an exposed shell spalled from near the top of the partition. At 26 min, horizontal cracks were

observed in the unexposed shells of the first course. At

27 min, the exposed shells buckled l]^ in. toward the fire between the first and second course. At 1 hr 1 min, the

gas was turned off. About two-thirds of the exposed shells

fell from the two bottom courses as the partition was moved

out for the hose-stream test. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after a fire exposure of 1 hr 1 min. During the hose-stream test a small amount of water passed

through between two tiles where the mortar joint had been

washed out. The passage of water indicated failure to meet the requirements of the hose-stream test as applied

to the hot partition at the end of the fire-endurance test. The condition of the partition after the hose-stream test is shown in figure 8. The fire resistance was limited by an average temperature rise of 250 deg F (139 deg C) on the unexposed surface

at 1 hr 1 min. Deflection and temperature curves, figures 12 and 17. Test 19.—Six-inch partition plastered on both sides, two

cells in thickness, Illinois surface clay tile, and alternate construction. Up to 15 min, no fire effects were observed

except the burning of the baseboard. At 16 min, popping

sounds were heard. At 31 min, wet spots appeared along

the top border. A 10-ft vertical crack appeared on the exposed side 2 ft from one end with the adjacent plaster

protruding about 2 in. At 40 min, horizontal cracks appeared at midlength of the unexposed surface 2 ft from

the lower edge and 1 ft from the top. At 45 min, a similar crack appeared 3 ft from the lower edge. At 46}^ min, the

plaster fell from one side of the vertical crack which was

observed at 31 min. At 58 min, additional thermocouples

were placed on the unexposed surface opposite areas from

which the plaster had spalled. At 1 hr 6 min, vertical cracks in the unexposed plaster appeared 2 and 3 ft from

the center of the partition. At 1 hr 14 min, a diagonal crack in the unexposed plaster appeared across one corner. At 1 hr 35 min, cotton waste was placed on the unexposed

surface, figure 9. At 1 hr 50 min, the cotton waste in one upper corner began to smoke and soon burst into flame. At 2 hr 32 min, the gas was turned off. The fire resistance was limited by a temperature rise of 325 deg F (181 deg C) at one place on the unexposed

surface at 1 hr 41 min. Deflection and temperature

curves, figures 12 and 18. Test 20.—Six-inch partition, plastered on both sides, two

cells in thickness. New Jersey fire clay tile, side construction. At 3 min, cracking sounds were heard; these sounds

continued at irregular intervals. No visible fire effects were observed during the test. At 2 hr 30 min, the gas was turned off. Hose-stream Test.—The partition was subjected to the hose-stream test after a fire exposure of 2 hr 30 min.

Although the exposed plaster, figure 10, was washed away,

the partition met the requirements of the hose-stream

test.The fire resistance was limited by an average temperature rise of 250 deg F (139 deg C) on the unexposed surface

at 2 hr 23 min. Deflection and temperature curves,

figures 12 and 18.

10 Building Materials and Structures Report
VII. Discussion of Results

1. General Effects of Fire Exposure

The exposed shells of the clay partition tiles subjected to fire exposure in this series of tests ex- panded before other portions of the tiles were

affected. The resulting unequal expansion caused

internal shearing stresses that were most pronounced near the hot side of the partition. The

first noticeable effect of those stresses was flaking

and spalling of the surface of the exposed shells. The most serious damage resulting from the

stresses was the fracture of the transverse webs

holding the exposed shells. The fractures generally

occurred diagonally across the webs following the

hues of maximum stress. In tiles that were

laminated, the break occurred along lamination

planes and parallel to the exposed shell. The

roughness or inclination of such breaks served to hold the loosened shells in place except when they were forced off by further deformation or by the

deflection of the partition.

The partitions deflected inward or toward the

fire during the first part of the tests. This caused

high stresses in the tiles near the borders of the

partition and in some cases resulted in the crushing

of the tiles or the falling of the exposed shells. After the stresses were relieved by the loosening

of the shells, the amount of the deflection decreased

and for several partitions its direction was re- versed, figure 12. The extent of fire damage to individual tiles is related to the type of clay used in their manufacture, the degree of burning of the tiles, and also the workmanship in the construction of the partition. The type of construction and workmanship

determined the amount of restraint on the partition and whether the resulting compressive stress was greatest in the horizontal or in the vertical

direction. The initial failure of the tiles as indicated by cracks in the shells occurred along horizontal lines, particularly for side construction

partitions, indicating either high stress or low

strength in the vertical direction.

2. Effect of Clay Used in Manufacture of

Tiles

The open-burning New Jersey fire-clay tiles were not damaged by the fire exposure as much as those of dense-burning Ohio fire clay. The fire clays used in the manufacture of clay tile usually

contain higher percentages of iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and related compounds, than the clays used for refractories.

These compounds constitute a flux resulting in high-burned strength in the product. Tiles made

from low-grade fire clays have a wide burning

range. For interior nonbearing partitions, however, the units should be fired at temperatures no

higher than necessary to give adequate strength

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions

for shipping and handling. The Ohio fire-clay

tile and some of the New Jersey fire-clay tile were burned at higher than optimum temperatures.

Tiles manufactured from Illinois surface clay

have a relatively low and narrow burning range ^ due to a high percentage of lime or other flux constituents. The surface-clay tiles had lower compressive strengths than the fire-clay tiles and unprotected exposed shells of partitions constructed

of the surface clay tiles spalled soon after the fire exposures were started.

3. Effect of Method of Laying

The tests were not sufficiently extensive to indicate a decided difference in fire resistance for

the four different methods of laying. However,

they indicated that, with end construction, local- ized stresses caused by the expansion of the

exposed side of the partition were relieved by

crushing of the horizontal mortar joints. With

side construction, the stresses resulting from

expansion of the exposed side of the partition

caused horizontal cracks in the exposed shells and

in the cross shells under the horizontal mortar

joints. Such cracks led to the early collapse of

the partitions with one cell through the thickness.

4. Effect of Plaster

Partitions that were protected with gypsum

plaster on the exposed side were not damaged as much by heat shock during the initial part of the

fire tests as were unplastered partitions. In tests of unplastered partitions, snapping sounds, which

usually accompany the fracture of shells and webs, were heard within 1 min after the initial fire exposure. In tests of plastered partitions, snapping or cracking soiuids were not heard until after the test had been under way for some time, indicating that

the plaster delayed and partially prevented damage

to individual units.

5. Effect of Design of Tiles

Three unplastered partitions one cell in thick- ness failed, table 3, before there was an appreciable

temperature rise on the unexposed surface: partition 1 at 21 min, 4 at 25 min, and 16 at 17 min.

The fire resistance of the unplastered partition, 17,

that had two cells in thiclvness, was limited to 45

minby a temperature rise of 325 degF (181 deg C)

at one place on the unexposed surface. This local- ized high temperature occurred opposite severely

damaged portions of the exposed side. The fire resistance of the other unplastered partition, 18,

that had two cells in thiclmess was limited by an

1 For additional information on the effects of the degree of burning for the

diflerent types of clav, see Fire resistance of hollow load-bearing wall tile,

] S J. Research 2, 1 (1929) RP37.

11
average temperature rise of 250 deg F (139 deg C) on the unexposed surface to 1 hr 1 min. The 2-cell partitions retained considerable stabiHty even

after some of the exposed face shells had fallen. Some of the tiles in the lower portion of partition 9, constructed of fire-clay tile and plastered only on

the unexposed side, fell out at 31 min. Although

the units had double shells, they were severely

damaged by fire and by the end of the test almost

all of the exposed shells, figure 5, had fallen. The thickness of the shells and webs of the individual tiles also affected the fire resistance of the

partitions. This was indicated by the results obtained from the test of the plastered partition 12. Section A of this partition was constructed of tiles with relatively thin shells and had a fire resistance

of 1 hr 52 min; section B constructed of tiles having relatively thick shells nad a fire resistance

of 2 hr 53 min.

6. Resistance to the Hose Stream

Hose-stream tests were made on all but two partitions that had a fire endurance of 1 hr or more. The results of the fire-endurance and hose-stream

tests are given in table 3. Partition 5 built of 4-in.,

3-cell, surface-clay tile, plastered on both sides, with

a fire endurance of approximately 2 hr, failed to meet the requirements of the hose-stream test as

applied after the fire-endurance test. Plastered

partition 8, built of 4-in., 3-cell, fire-clay tile, met

the requirements of the hose-stream test after a fire exposure of 1 hr 47 min, as did plastered partition

2, of 3-in. surface-clay tile, after a fire exposure of 1 hr 1 min. A 3-in. partition of 3-cell fire-clay tile, plastered on both sides, 3, did not meet the re- quirements of the hose-stream test after a fire ex- posure of 1 hr 12 min. Considering the results obtained with the hose-stream test of partition 6, it

is probable that partition 3 would have met the re- quirements of such a test after a standard }^-hr fire exposure.

The fire endurance of partition 18, was 1 hour

or more and, therefore, in accordance with the

standard test method was the only unplastered

partition requiring the hose-stream test. The

water washed some of the mortar from one of the

vertical mortar joints between two adjacent tiles. The passage of water through the hole thus formed was considered as constituting failure of the partition to meet the hose-stream requirements. However, the margin of faihu'e with the 1 hr of fire ex- posure before the hose-stream test was small.

Because the extent of the damage increased as the

test progressed, it is probable that a duplicate partition subjected to only ji hr of fire exposure as required by the standard test methods, would

have met the hose-stream requirements.

\ i

Figure 5. Exposed side nf purlition 9 showing the hole that limited the fire resistance of the partiiion.

12 Building Materials and Structures Report
VIII. Summary

The results of the fire-endurance and hosestream tests of the 20 partitions in this scries of

tests arc summarized in table 4. As indicated in

the table, the fire resistance of the unplastered

Table 4. Summary of the fire resistance of nonbearing struc- tural-clay tile partitions in relation to plaster protection

Partition

Test 1 No.

1

2

3

4

56

78

9<.._.

10«_.. IIA s, IIB 5.

12A 6. 12B '

13. -- 14. --. 15..-

16....

17... 18...

19... 20---

Nominal thick- nessCells

thick- ness

Plaster protection 2

On exposed side On unexposed side

NoneSanded gypsum

do-..- - None.

Sanded gypsum

do

do

do.- None

Sanded gypsum ' None

do Sanded gypsum. do— ---

-do.

-do- .doNone...

-do. -do- Sanded gypsum... do--

NoneSanded gypsum - do NoneSanded gypsumdo

dodo— --- Sanded gypsum. None

Sanded gypsum. Neat gypsum. -- Sanded gypsum.

do -

-do-

.do.

-do. None.

-do-

-do- Sanded gypsumdo

Fire

resist- ance of parti- tion

hr min

0 21

31 01-1-

1 06

0 25

1 59

1 19 0 50

1 34

0 31 0 50

1 48 2 14

1 52

2 53

1 23 32 00-f

1 54

0 17

0 45

1 01

1 41 2 23

1 The partitions for tests 11 and 12 were each divided into two sections. The

difference in the two sections of the partition for test 11 was in the kind of plaster as indicated in the table. New Jersey fire clay tile were used for two-thirds (section A) of partition 12 and Illinois surface clay tile for the

other third (section B).

2 All of the plaster was 5i in. thick 1: 3 sanded gypsum, except as indicated.

' The partition was removed from the furnace before the determining factor (limiting temperature rise on the unexposed surface) was reached.

' The partition was built of double-shell side-construction face tile and H in. thick 1: 2 sanded gypsum plaster was used.

' The cells of this partition were filled with a concrete of cement and broken

tile. The pla.ster was % in. thick.

9 The partition was built of Mew Jersey fire clay tile having relatively thin

shells.

' The partition was built of Illinois surface clay tile having relatively thick

shells.

partitions ranged from 17 min for a partition with one cell through the thickness to 1 hr 1 min, for one with two cells through the thickness. For

partitions plastered on one side, the fire resistance

ranged from 31 min to 2 hr 14 min, the shorter

time being for a side-construction partition plastered only on the unexposed side and the longer

time for an end-construction partition with the

cells filled and with %-in. neat gypsum plaster on

the unexposed side. For other partitions plastered on both sides with % in. of sanded gypsum plaster

the fire-resistance ranged from 50 min to 2 hr 53

min, the longer time being for a partition of tiles having relatively thick shells. Three of the partitions failed to meet the requirements of the hose-stream test as made by the

alternate method with the hose stream applied to the hot side of the partition after the fire-endurance

test. It should be pointed out that all of the partitions probably would have met the requirements

had duplicate specimens been subjected to the hose

stream after the permissible shorter fire exposures.

Acknowledgment is made to the Structural Clay

Products Institute for supplying test material and

for the construction of some of the partitions.

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions 13
Figure 6. Unexposed side of partition 11 after afire exposure of 2 hr on the opposite side. The dark plaster was 1:3 sandod gypsum and the light plaster was neat gypsum.

t iijLKii, 7. Exposed side of partition 14 showing exposed side shells of tiles washed off by hose-slrcurn.

14 Building Materials and Structures Report
Figure 8. Ex-posed side of partition 18 showing that although some water from the hose stream passed through the partition no large holes were formed.

Figure 9. Unexposed side of partition 19 showing cotton waste which ignited at 1 hr 30 min.

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions
Figure 10. Exposed side of puriitioti M showing that the plaster was washed ojj' by the hose-stream.

Figure 11. Deflections at center of 3- and 4-in. tile partitions Figure 12. Deflections at center of 4- and 6-in. tile partitions

during fire-resistance tests. during fire-resistance tests.

16 Building Materials and Structures Report
1300 - TEST NO »

1200 -

1100 -

1000 -

900 -

800 -

700 -W'

eoo

I.\

600

400 —

- |-v-"-"4CT5Bt"-"-"-"j

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WOLf THROUGH WALL

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Figure 13.

TIME IN HOURS

Temperatures in tests of partitions 1, 2, 3, and 4- The solid curves show the average temperatures of the furnace, F, of the test room, R, and under the asbestos pads, P, on the unexposed surfaces of the

partitions.

TEST NO 5

RCFE =<ENCe CURVE >

1 1 1 \-

F R

— s

r

Q0

IS

p

-p T

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UMIT-3P5F R'S€

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TEST NO 6

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TEST NO. 7

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24O0

2300 220O

2100

2000

1900

1BO0

1700

1600

ISOO 1400

1300

1200

110O

10OO 900

800

700

eoo SCO 4O0

300 200

100

TIME IN HOURS

Figure 14. Temperatures in tests of partitions 5, 6, 7, and 8. The solid curves show the average temperatures of the furnace, F, of the test room, R, and under the asbestos pads, P, on the unexposed surfaces of the

partitions.

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions 17
TEST NO. 9

;F

r

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f

f

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Wtf THROUGH M — >

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TEST NO. 10 —

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f sec aT SECB f ,p. GrmuM BLASTED^ Grva/m PL*sr£t) J —R

p.

LIMIT -2S0F RISE / ^>Pe MA,. i

/

' / -p.

—

2200 2100

2000

190O

1900

1700

1400

1300

1200

400

300

TIME IN HOURS

- Figure 15. Temperatures in tests of partitions 9, 10, and 11. The solid curves show the average temperatures of the furnace, F, of the test room, R, and under the asbestos pads, P, on the unexposed surfaces of the

partitions.

TEST NO. 12

r

j

1

^

fir/rn

ffl

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P

LIMir-3?SF RISE

- Pe H - R

i ! 1 1 1 1 1 TEST NO 13

1

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Figure 16.

TIME IN HOURS

Temperatures in tests of partitions 12, IS, and I4. The solid curves show the average temperatures of the furnace, F, of the test room, i?, and under the asbestos pads, P, on the unexposed surfaces of the

partitions.

18 Building Materials and Structures Report
IdO

s

O

zu

u

in

111 hi

DCO

bJO

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blE

D

I-4

OC

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M 1 1 1 M

TEST NO. 15

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TEST NO 16

CDLLAPSL Of M

TEST NO. 1 7 -

'i

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TEST NO. 18 —

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//^ /1 b

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2300

2200 2100

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1900 X

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1800 111 E

1700 I

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1400 1300

1200

1100 —

III 1000 g

900 ^

eoo flc hi TOO BLs

eoo u

600

400' 300

200

100

TIME IN HOURS

Figure 17. Teviiperatures in tests of partitions 15, 16. 17, and 18. The solid curves show the average temperatures of the furnace, F, of the test room, R, and under the asbestos pads, P, on the unexposed surfaces of the

partitions.

TEST NQ 19

IkSt "3

if

i

5 t

i

V,EBjH

-6-.*

P".

/

LfUir 32SF RtSL /

> /

P —

V

-R

TEST NQ 20

3

S'

£ : 1 i

.1

LIMIT ' ZSOF RISE -= FV.. ,P

R

2400

2300 2200

2100

2000

1900 1800

1700

1600

1S00

1400

1300 1200

1100 1000 900

800

700

600 SOO

400

300

200

100

TIME IN HOURS

Figure 18. Temperatures in test of partitions 19 and 20. The solid curves show the averat^e temperatures of thefurnaee, F, of the test room, R, and under the asbestos pads, P, on the unexposed surfaces of the

partitions. Washington, January 22, 1948.

Fire Resistance of Clay Tile Partitions 19

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1948



BUILDING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES REPORTS

[Continued from cover page ii] BMS32 Structural Properties of Two Brick-Concrete-Block Wall Constructions and a Concrete-Block Wall Construction Sponsored by the National Concrete Masonry

Association 15^ BMS33 Plastic Calking Materials 15f5 BMS34 Performance Test of Floor Coverings for Use in Low-Cost Housing: Part 1 15^ BMS35 Stability of Sheathing Papers as Determined by Accelerated Aging * BMS36 Structural Properties of Wood-Frame Wall, Partition, Floor, and Roof Constructions With "Red Stripe" Lath Sponsored by The Weston Paper and Manufacturing Co 10^ BMS37 Structural Pi"operties of "Palisade Homes" Constructions for Walls, Partitions, and

Floors, Sponsored by Palisade Homes * BMS38 Structural Properties of Two "Dunstone" Wall Constructions Sponsored by the W. E. Dunn Manufacturing Co 10^ BMS39 Structural Properties of a Wall Construction of "Pfeifer Units" Sponsored by the Wisconsin Units Co 10^ BMS40 Structural Properties of a Wall Construction of "Knap Concrete Wall Units" Sponsored by Knap America, Inc 15^ BMS41 Effect of Heating and Cooling on the Permeability of Masonry Walls * BMS42 Structural Properties of Wood-Frame Wall and Partition Constructions with "Celotex"

Insulating Boards Sponsored by The Celotex Corporation 15^ BMS43 Performance Test of Floor Coverings for Use in Low-Cost Housing: Part 2 15^ BMS44 Surface Treatment of Steel Prior to Painting 10^ BMS45 Air Infiltration Through Windows 15?i BMS46 Structural Properties of "Scott-Bilt" Prefabricated Sheet-Steel Constructions for Walls, Floors, and Roofs Sponsored by The Globe-Wernicke Co 10^ BMS47 Structural Properties of Prefabricated Wood-Frame Constructions for Walls, Partitions, and Floors Sponsored by American Houses, Inc 20^ BMS48 Structural Properties of "Precision-Built" Frame Wall and Partition Constructions

Sponsored by the Homasote Co 15^ BMS49 Metallic Roofing for Low-Cost House Construction 20!^ BMS50 Stability of Fiber Building Boards as Determined by Accelerated Aging 10^ BMS51 Structural Properties of "Tilecrete Type A" Floor Construction Sponsored by the

Tilecrete Co 10(i BMS52 Effect of Ceiling Insulation Upon Summer Comfort 10(i BMS53 Structural Properties of a Masonry Wall Construction of "Munlock Dry Wall Brick"

Sponsored by the Munlock Engineering Co 10^ BMS54 §2®^* Rating of an Oil-Fired Heating Boiler lOji BMS55 Effects of Wetting and Drying on the Permeability of Masonry Walls 10^4 BMS56 A Survey of Humidities in Residences 10(4 BMS57 Roofing in the United States—Results of a Questionnaire * BMS58 Strength of Soft-Soldered Joints in Copper Tubing 10(i BMS59 Properties of Adhesives for Floor Coverings lO^t BMS60 Strength, Absorption, and Resistance to Laboratory Freezing and Thawing of Building Bricks Produced in the United States 15fi BMS61 Structural Properties of Two Nonreinforced Monolithic Concrete Wall Constructions. 10^ BMS62 Structural Properties of a Precast Joist Concrete Floor Construction Sponsored by

the Portland Cement Association 10^ BMS63 Moisture Condensation in Building Walls 15^ BMS64 Solar Heating of Various Surfaces 10(4 BMS65 Methods of Estimating Loads in Plumbing Systems 15(4 BMS66 Plumbing Manual * BMS67 Structural Properties of "Mu-Steel" Prefabricated Sheet-Steel Constructions for Walls, Partitions, Floor, and Roofs, Sponsored by Herman A. Mugler 15^ BMS68 Performance Test for Floor Coverings for Use in Low-Cost Housing: Part 3 20(4 BMS69 Stability of Fiber Sheathing Boards as Determined by Accelerated Aging 10^4 BMS70 Asphalt-Prepared Roll Roofings and Shingles 20i4 BMS71 Fire Tests of Wood- and Metal-Framed Partitions 20(4 BMS72 Structural Properties of "Precision-Built, Jr." Prefabricated Wood-Frame Wall

Construction Sponsored by the Homasote Co lOyi BMS73 Indentation Characteristics of Floor Coverings 10(4 BMS74 Structural and Heat-Transfer Properties of "U. S. S. Panelbilt" Prefabricated SheetSteel Constructions for Walls, Partitions, and Roofs Sponsored by the Tennessee

Coal, Iron & Railroad Co 15^ BMS75 Survey of Roofing Materials in the North Central States 15?4 BMS76 Effect of Outdoor Exposure on the Water Permeability of Masonry Walls 15)4 BMS77 Properties and Performance of Fiber Tile Boards 10{4

BMS78 Structural, Heat-Transfer, and Water-Permeability Properties of Five Earth-Wall

Constructions 25^ BMS79 Water-Distributing Systems for Buildings 20f4 BMS80 Performance Test of Floor Coverings for Use in Low-Cost Housing: Part 4 15(4 BMS81 Field Inspectors' Check List for Building Constructions (cloth cover, 5x7% inches) - _ 20p

•Out of print. [List continued on cover page iv]
BUILDING AlATERIALS AND STRUCTURES REPORTS

[Continued frona cover page in] BMS82 Water Permeability of Walls Built of Masonry Units 25^

BMS83 Strength of Sleeve Joints in Copper Tubing Made With Various Lead-Base Solders 10^ BMS84 Survey of Roofing Materials in the South Central States 15^ BMS85 Dimensional Changes of Floor Coverings With Changes in Relative Humidity and

Temperature 10(5 BMS86 Structural, Heat-Transfer, and Water-Permeability Properties of "Speedbrik" Wall

Construction Sponsored by the General Shale Products Corporation 15(i BMS87 A Method for Developing Specifications for Building Construction—Report of Subcommittee on Specifications of the Central Housing Committee on Research,

Design, and Construction 160 BMS88 Recommended Building Code Requirements for New Dwelling Construction With

Special Reference to War Housing * BMS89 Structural Properties of "Precision-Built, Jr." (Second Construction) Prefabricated

Wood-Frame V/all Construction Sponsored by the Homasote Co 150 BMS90 Structural Properties of "PHC" Prefabricated Wood-Frame Constructions for Walls,

Floors, and Roofs Sponsored by the PHC Housing Corporation 150 BMS91 A Glossary of Housing Terms 150 BMS92 Fire-Resistance Classifications of Building Constructions 300

BMS93 Accumulation of Moisture in Walls of Frame Construction During Winter Exposure-- 100 BMS94 Water Permeability and Weathering Resistance of Stucco-Faced, Gunite-Faced, and

"Knap Concrete-Unit" Walls 100 BMS95 Tests of Cement-Water Paints and Other Waterproofings for Unit-Masonry Walls 250

BMS96 Properties of a Porous Concrete of Cement and Uniform-Sized Gravel 100 BMS97 Experimental Dry-Wall Construction With Fiber Insulating Board 100 BMS98 Physical Properties of Terrazzo Aggregates 150 BMS99 Structural and Heat-Transfer Properties of "Multiple Box-Girder Plywood Panels"

for Walls, Floors, and Roofs 150 BMSlOO Relative Slipperiness of Floor and Deck Surfaces 100 BMSlOl Strength and Resistance to Corrosion of Ties for Cavity Walls 100 BMS102 Painting Steel 100 BMS103 Measurements of Heat Losses From Slab Floors 100 BMS104 Structural Properties of Prefabricated Plywood Lightweight Constructions for Walls,

Partitions, Floors, and Roofs Sponsored by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association- 250 BMS105 Paint Manual $1. 00

BMS106 Laboratory Observations of Condensation in Wall Specimens * BMS107 Building Code Requirements for New Dwelling Construction 200 BMS108 Temperature Distribution in a Test Bungalow With Various Heating Devices-- 100 BMS109 Strength of Houses: Application of Engineering Principles to Structural Design $1.50

BMSllO Paints for Exterior Masonry Walls 150 BMSlll Performance of a Coal-Fired Boiler Converted to Oil 150 BMS112 Properties of Some Lightweight-Aggregate Concretes With and Without an Air- entraining Admixture „_ 100 BMS113 Fire Resistance of Structural Clay Tile Partitions 150

*Out of print.