Reference

I NBS

Publl

cations A 11 ID 4 31^^

IW .rt 78-1531

Mobile Home Bedroom Fire

Studies: The Role of Interior

Finish

Edward K. Budnick

David P. Klein

Robert J. O'Laughlin

Center for Fire Research

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D C. 20234

September 1978

Interim Report

Sponsored principally by:

Division of Energy, Building Technology and Standards

Office of Policy Development and Research — QC — y g Department of Housing and Urban Development

]_00 Washington, D.C. 20410

.156

^78-1531

MAY i 4 1979

no*t A cc'-Q-eSr

NBS1R 78-1531

MOBILE HOME BEDROOM FIRE

STUDIES: THE ROLE OF INTERIOR

FINISH

i L

/

Edward K. Budnick

David P. Klein

Robert J. O'Laughlin

Center for Fire Research

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

September 1978

Interim Report

Sponsored principally by:

Division of Energy, Building Technology and Standards

Office of Policy Development and Research

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Washington, D.C. 20410

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. Juanita M. Kraps. Secretary

Dr. Sidney Herman, Under Secretary

Jordan J. Baruch, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director

CvtUJ Cu2/Un Lc\ TJU-J r

CONTENTS

Page

LIST OF FIGURES V

LIST OF TABLES . vi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vii

Abstract 1

1. INTRODUCTION ‘ 2

1.1. Background 2 1.2. Review of Previous Research ..... 3 1.3. Objectives 4 1.4. Approach 5

2. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM 6

2.1. Test Facility 6 2.2. Initial Burning Items 7 2.3. Bedroom Furnishings 7 2.4. Interior Finish Materials 7 2.5. Ambient Measurements 8 2.6. Test Measurements 8

3. TEST CRITERIA 10

3.1. General ......... 10

3.2. Carbon Monoxide 11

3.3. Temperature 13

3.4. Oxygen Depletion 13

3.5. Smoke Density 16

4. PROCEDURE 17

4.1. Laboratory Evaluation of Materials 17

4.2. Full-Scale Tests 18

5. RESULTS: LABORATORY SCALE TESTS 18

6. RESULTS: FULL-SCALE TESTS 19

6.1. Fire Growth and Spread in the Bedroom 19

6.1.1. Temperature and Incident Heat Flux 20

6.1.2. Rate of Burning of Upholstered Chairs and Mattress . 21

6.1.3. Oxygen Depletion and Generation of Combustion Gases. 22

6.1.4. Residential Smoke Detector Response 22

6.2. Environmental Changes Outside the Bedroom and

the Impact on Life Safety 23

6.2.1. Temperature 23

6.2.2. Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen 24

6.2.3. Smoke Generation 26

6.2.4. Fire Growth and the Impact on Life Safety 26

7. SURFACE FLAMMABILITY OF INTERIOR FINISH MATERIALS ........ 27

iii
CONTENTS (cont'd)

Page

8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 31

9. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 34

10. REFERENCES 35

APPENDIX A. CHRONOLOGICAL TABULATION OF TEST OBSERVATIONS A1

APPENDIX B. PLOTTED TEST DATA ILLUSTRATING KEY CHANGES IN MEASURED

CONDITIONS B1

APPENDIX C. RANGE AND LIMITS OF ERROR FOR INSTRUMENTATION Cl

IV
LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Figure 1. Photographs of typical single-wide mobile homes

used in conducting full-scale fire tests 40

Figure 2. Plan view of mobile home test unit 41

Figure 3. Photographs showing upholstered chair positioned in

southeast corner of bedroom 42

Figure 4. Plan view of mobile home test unit illustrating general

location of experimental measurements 43

Figure 5. Plan view of bedroom illustrating the fuel load

arrangement for the two test configurations . . 44

Figure 6. Photograph illustrating the weighing platform and

suspension system for measuring weight loss in bed test . 45

Figure 7. Temperature 25 mm below ceiling in center of bedroom ... 46

Figure 8. Total incident heat flux at floor in center of bedroom . . 47

Figure 9. Time histories for rate of burning (20 second intervals)

of upholstered chairs and mattress 48

Figure 10. Percent carbon monoxide concentration 1.5 m above

floor in center of bedroom 4 9 Figure 11. Percent carbon dioxide concentration 1.5 m above

floor in center of bedroom 50

Figure 12. Percent oxygen depletion 1.5 m above floor in

center of bedroom 51

Figure 13. Temperature 1.3 m above floor in center of living room . . 52

Figure 14. Percent carbon monoxide concentration 1.5 m above floor

in center of living room 53

Figure 15. Percent oxygen depletion 1.5 m above floor in

center of living room 54

Figure 16. Elapsed time from flame impingement on the bedroom wall

to limiting conditions of temperature, carbon monoxide

and oxygen in the living room 55

Figure 17a. Temperature 25 mm below ceiling in center of bedroom

vs. elapsed time from flame impingement on wall

(tests 1,6) 56

Figure 17b. Temperature 25 mm below ceiling in center of bedroom

vs. elapsed time from flame impingement on wall

(tests 3,7) 56

Figure 18a. Temperature 25 mm below ceiling in center of bedroom

vs. elapsed time from flame impingement on wall

(tests 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) . 57

v
LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd)

Page

Figure 18b. Temperature 25 mm below ceiling in center of bedroom

vs. elapsed time from flame impingement on wall

(tests 1,2,13) 57

Figure 19. Material hazard matrix based on ASTM E-84 FSC for an upholstered chair exposure fire 58

LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 1. Physical and fire properties of interior finish materials . . 59

Table 2. Description of interior finish materials used in each

full-scale test 60

Table 3. Test conditions for full-scale mobile home fire tests .... 61

Table 4. Mobile home full-scale bedroom series instrumentation

locations 62

Table 5. Measured values of test variables at flashover 63

Table 6. Peak measured values of test variables 64

Table 7. Tabulation of key events observed in the full-scale tests . . 65

Table 8. Tabulation of selected measurements 66

vi
MOBILE HOME BEDROOM FIRE STUDIES: THE ROLE OF INTERIOR FINISH1

Edward K. Budnick, David P. Klein, and Robert J. O'Laughlin2

Abstract

A series of nine full-scale fire tests was conducted

in the master bedroom of a typically constructed singlewide mobile home to (1) evaluate the effect of a variety

of combinations of wall and ceiling materials on fire

growth and spread and the production of smoke and toxic

gases when exposed to an incidental fire, and (2) determine the relationship between the surface flame spread

properties of the interior finish material as determined

by the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test and behavior of the materials

under actual full-scale conditions

.

The primary fire scenario selected was the exposure

of the interior finish materials to an incidental fire

from a burning upholstered chair in a corner in the master

bedroom. Performance of the various combinations of wall

and ceiling materials was evaluated on the basis of (1)

whether and at what time flashover was reached, and (2)

changes in the environment outside the bedroom which

adversely affect life safety. Measurements included gas

temperatures, irradiance, concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, oxygen depletion, and smoke

densities

.

Supplemental testing indicated that while the fire

properties of the interior finish materials played a dominant role in spreading an incidental fire from a chair,

the impact of the interior finish materials was less

evident when the exposure fire was from the burning of

a polyurethane mattress, which provided an exposure fire

of greater intensity. When a bed was used instead of

the chair as the initial burning item, flashover occurred

in the room from involvement of the mattress and bedding

materials, with no apparent contribution from the low

flame spread interior finish.

Key words: ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test; fire growth; fire tests;

flame spread; flashover; incidental fire; interior finish;

life safety; mattress; mobile home; radiant heat flux; room

fires; upholstered chairs.

I

This work was principally supported by funds provided by the Division of

Energy, Building Technology and Standards, Office of Policy Development and

Research of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with

supplemental funding by the Center for Fire Research at the National Bureau

of Standards.

2 Currently with Union Carbide Corporation, Knoxville, TN

1
1 . INTRODUCTION

This report is intended to provide technical data on an individual

segment of the research conducted under the Mobile Home Fire Safety Project.

A final report will be forthcoming in which this data will be analyzed along

with data collected in other segments of the project, including full-scale

fire tests in the kitchen, living room and corridor areas of a single-wide

mobile home. Overall conclusions and recommendations will be provided.

1.1. Background

Examination of fire loss statistics [1]3 indicates that most residential

fires are initially small and incidental in character; that is, they do not

spread beyond the room of fire origin, and by themselves do not pose a serious

problem. The fire loss statistics and experimental studies [2,3] indicate

however, that the nature and quantity of combustibles around the fire and

the geometry of the enclosure have a significant influence on the growth and

spread of an incidental fire.

There is a reasonable concern that the adverse effects of burning many

types of furnishings may incapacitate any occupant in the mobile home regardless of the interior finish materials [4,5]. However, as already mentioned,

many incidental fires are initially small, generating low or moderate amounts

of heat. When these fires occur, the threat to life and property damage due

to fire buildup and spread beyond the room of origin is frequently a function

of the nature of the interior finish materials.

While interior finish is not necessarily the first material ignited in

a compartment, as the fire grows in intensity the interior finish can become

involved and significantly influence the overall extent of the fire; due to

its large exposed surface area it can have a high rate of heat production;

in addition, the flames can spread rapidly over thin combustible materials.

Therefore, within the room of fire origin, the interior finish, depending on

its physical, thermal and fire properties, can contribute significant quantities of fuel to the fire [6] and play an important role in the occurrence

of flashover.4

Once a fire has reached a certain magnitude, heat, toxic gases and smoke

may move rapidly to adjacent areas. Fire growth to this size and the actual

propagation of flame and smoke into these adjacent areas are significantly

influenced by the type, amount, and location of the interior finish. This

would indicate that proper selection of interior finish materials, based on measured fire properties, may provide an increased level of fire safety to

the occupants and property from an incidental fire in a mobile home.

3

Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to literature references at the end of this

paper.

4 Flashover is defined here as a fire phenomenon in which the upper level fire

gases and ceiling radiate sufficient energy to the lower part of the room to cause rapid ignition and complete fire involvement of all combustible

materials [7]

2
The involvement of interior finish materials has been generally

recognized as a significant factor in the spread of fire within the room of

fire origin, and in the spread to adjacent areas outside the room. Many

building codes, including the Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety

Standard [8], have included criteria to regulate the use of interior finish

materials on the walls and ceilings. The test upon which the criteria are based in most of these codes is the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test [9]

The levels

of acceptable performance appear to be based to a large extent on traditional

materials, laboratory testing, and some experience with material performance

in actual fires. However, it is not clear to what extent the conditions and

test procedure in the tunnel simulate the environment in a room, or compartment, in which an incidental fire has occurred.

A major research project has been undertaken at the National Bureau of

Standards (NBS) to examine some of the design and material characteristics

which may affect fire growth and spread in a single-wide mobile home. As

part of this project, full-scale tests were conducted to characterize the

fire growth potential in the bedroom of a typical single-wide mobile home

primarily as a function of the interior finish materials on the walls and

ceiling. This report provides an examination of the results of nine fullscale experimental fire tests conducted in the master bedroom area of a 3.7

x 18.3 m (12 x 60 ft) mobile home constructed in accordance with NFPA 501B,

Standard for Mobile Homes, 1972 Edition [10]. It should be noted that the

spatial, structural and material elements of this mobile home, which influence

fire growth and spread and therefore would impact any resulting evaluation

of performance under full-scale room burn out tests, are identical to those

in mobile homes constructed in accordance with the current Federal Mobile

Home Construction and Safety Standard, effective June 1976.

1.2. Review of Previous Research

Whether or not a small incidental fire will stay small and confined to

the initial burning item, or grow rapidly to a fully developed room fire

depends on many factors. These factors include room geometry, ventilation,

location and burning characteristics of the initial burning item and the

proximity and arrangement of other combustibles including interior finish

materials and furnishings. Mathematically based models are currently being

developed to predict fire buildup as a function of these factors. However,

it is not anticipated that these models will be available for some time.

While there is no complete methodology for determining the growth of

fire in terms of the above key factors, information from experimental fullscale fire testing can provide an understanding of key mechanisms affecting

fire growth and spread in a typically constructed room.

A key phenomenon in room fire buildup is radiation heat transfer from

the heated surfaces [2,11,12] and the hot gas layer [13,14,15,16] in the

upper part of the room. Based on experiments conducted in a full-scale enclosure at NBS, Fang [13] reported that an average upper room temperature ranging

from 450 to 650°C provided a sufficient level of radiation transfer to result

in flashover in the compartment. Three key factors which influence the attainment of temperatures in this range in the upper room are (1) the maximum burn

rate of the initial item, (2) the duration of burning, and (3) the contribution

of other combustibles which become involved. Based on results of past experiments, these three factors were carefully evaluated to provide guidelines in

identifying key control variables for the experimental plan.

3
For example, in one series of enclosure experiments it was reported that

a maximum burning rate of 40 g/s from involvement of combustibles in a 3.64 x 3.64 m (12 x 12 ft) enclosure, 2.43 m (8 ft) high, was reached or exceeded

before room flashover occurred [17] . While this was determined for a particular set of controlled conditions it may approximate the necessary rate of burning for room flashover for fires in similar sized enclosures. Although

items of furniture exist which could burn at a peak rate greater than 40 g/s,

the peak burning rate of incidental items of furniture generally would not exceed this rate under similar conditions of room size and ventilation.

Therefore, the initial assumption was made that the burning of a single upholstered chair (representing an incidental item of furniture) alone would not result in sufficiently high temperatures in the upper room to result in flashover. This assumption was validated during the conduct of the tests.

The contribution of other combustibles in the room, including furniture

items and interior finish depends primarily on the proximity of these items

to the burning item. Results of experiments by Fang [18] on low intensity

fires from the burning of incidental combustible items indicated that interitem spread of fire could occur only when combustibles are located within

the hot air region surrounding the burning items (within approximately 0.15 m

(0.5 ft)). For burning upholstered chairs of similar construction to those

used in this test series, Klein [19] reported a maximum incident heat flux ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 W/cm2 at a horizontal distance of 0.6 m (2 ft) and

an incident heat flux of less than 1.0 W/cm 2 at a horizontal distance of 1.2 m (4 ft). Therefore, for incidental items such as upholstered chairs having moderate burning rates, adjacent combustibles must be located close to the burning item to result in inter-item fire spread.

If, however, the burning item is positioned in close proximity to a wall

there is an increase in the severity of the fire. This exposure situation is even more severe when the burning item is in a corner of the room due to entrapment of radiation and the elongation of the flame from the restricted

air flow in the corner behind the flame.

The previous research studies have indicated that the size and location

of the burning item, the proximity of other combustibles, and the fire, thermal, and physical properties of the enclosure lining are key variables influencing the development of high temperatures in the upper room which result in sufficient radiation heat transfer to cause flashover of the enclosure.

1.3. Objectives

As previously noted, examination of fire loss statistics [1] indicated

that most fires occurring in residences are initially small, and incidental

in nature. The findings of other experimental studies including those dealing solely with mobile homes [2,3] indicated that the surface areas exposed

and the fire properties of the interior finish materials on the walls and ceiling play a dominant role in fire buildup in a room. Therefore, the objectives of this particular segment of the project were:

(1) to provide quantitative data regarding the fire buildup process, primarily as a function of interior finish, resulting from an incidental fire in the bedroom of a typical single-wide mobile

home , and

4
(2) to provide an evaluation of the extent to which the results

of the presently required ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test can characterize

the hazard of these interior finish materials when installed

on the walls and ceiling in a bedroom of a mobile home.

1.4. Approach

A large full-scale test is intended to represent an actual real world

condition. However, in order to provide experimental data on a variety of interior finish materials, tests must be conducted under a set of controlled

conditions. Therefore, a single fire scenario must be selected; a fire scenario is a postulated probable occurrence of ignition, the subsequent

chain of events, and the reasonable relationship of that occurrence to the nature of the occupancy.

The size of the initial burning item and its position in the room are

key factors in selecting the scenario to evaluate interior finish materials.

For example, the size of the initial burning item can be selected so that

the influence of the interior finish materials appears insignificant. It can

be very small or located such that the interior finish is not exposed during

initial fire buildup, or it may be very large, thus masking the differential

effects of the interior finish. Care was taken in the experimental design

to avoid both these extremes so that the role of the interior finish materials

could be properly evaluated. Regardless of the size of the initial burning item selected in evaluating

materials, a reasonably severe orientation consistent with practical usage, such as a corner configuration, is generally recommended. Therefore, the full-scale fire test procedure was designed based on the scenario that an ignition might occur resulting in an incidental fire in the corner of the bedroom. The effect of the fire properties of the interior finish materials

on the growth and spread of the fire and the resulting severity was examined

for this scenario.

In order to limit the number of variables in the full-scale fire tests,

a standardized initial burning item, ignition location and room furnishing

arrangement were used. Standardizing these factors enables a better comparison to be made of the fire performance of the interior finish materials in the bedroom area.

In eight of the nine tests conducted, the initial burning item was a medium sized upholstered chair positioned in the corner of the bedroom. A

small polyethylene waste container was filled with ordinary newsprint and positioned adjacent to the right side of the chair; ignition of the news- print was by remote electrical ignition of a typical book match. In these

tests, the other combustible contents in the bedroom were a bed, floor covering, and ^urtains, providing a moderate moveable fuel loading of 9.8 kg/m

(2 lbs/ft ) . These furnishings were typical of those found in furnished

mobile homes.

In one test the initial burning item was a bed, consisting of a poly- urethane foam covered coil box spring and a polyurethane foam mattress. The

bed included sheets, pillows and pillow cases, and was ignited by remote ignition of ordinary newsprint placed near one end of the mattress, partially

exposing the mattress and the pillows. In this test there were no other combustible furnishings in the room.

5
The results of the full-scale tests were examined from two general viewpoints. First, an assessment of fire growth and spread in the room of origin

was made, based on the various combinations of wall and ceiling materials

tested. This assessment was based on measurements of incident heat flux and

gas temperatures at strategic locations in the bedroom, and provided information on the rate of fire buildup and extent of room involvement from exposure

of various lining materials to a standardized ignition source. The incident

radiative heat flux resulting from the burning of the upholstered chair was measured at various distances outside the hot air region surrounding the

burning chair in order to provide data on the potential for inter-item fire

spread. Changes in concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and

depletion of oxygen in the bedroom resulting from the fire buildup were also

included. Secondly, changes in the levels of temperature, smoke density,

carbon monoxide concentrations and oxygen depletion in adjacent areas outside

the bedroom as a result of fire buildup were examined.

Standard and experimental laboratory fire tests were conducted to characterize some important fire properties of the various interior finish materials

utilized in the full-scale testing. The results of these tests are systematically reported. The laboratory tests included the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test

[9], ASTM E-162 Radiant Panel [20], NFPA 258 Smoke Density Chamber [21], NBS ease of ignition test [22]

,

and NBS rate of heat release calorimeter [23]

.

A qualitative evaluation of the relationship between the room fire buildup

process and the laboratory measured surface flame spread classification of

the wall and ceiling materials (ASTM E-84) is provided.

2 . EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM

2.1 Test Facility

The test facility was a conventional three bedroom single-wide mobile

home approximately 3.7 x 18.3 m (12 x 60 ft) with the master bedroom (bed- room #1)5 being selected as the room of fire origin (figures 1 and 2). The

bedroom was approximately 3.5 m (11 ft 4 in) wide, and 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) long,

resulting in a floor area of 9.8 m

2 (105 ft 2 ), and had a ceiling height of

2.1 m (7 ft). The single opening into the bedroom was through a doorway

0.76 m (30 in) wide and 2.0 m (6 ft 8 in) high, connecting the bedroom with

the corridor. The initial item to be burned was positioned in the southeast

corner of the bedroom; figure 3 shows the location of the upholstered chair

and the bed in the bedroom.

The construction of the bedroom was typical of mobile home construction.

The exterior walls were constructed with 51 x 76 mm (2x3 in) nominal thickness hemlock studs, spaced 406 mm (16 in) on centers, with 64 mm (2.5 in) of

single thickness glass fiber insulation between the studs and the aluminum

exterior siding. The interior walls were constructed with nominal 51 x 51 mm (2x2 in) studs, 406 mm (16 in) on centers, with no insulation between the

studs. The roof construction included an aluminum exterior sheeting attached

mechanically to a system of wood bow-string trusses, spaced 406 mm (16 in) on centers, with 76 mm (3 in) of single thickness glass fiber insulation

above a polyethylene vapor barrier. The floor was constructed of 19 mm

(0.75 in) thick particle board. The bedroom had two 660 x 762 mm (26 x 30 in)

windows. One each was located in the south and west walls. A detailed plan

view of the mobile home is shown in figure 2.

5 Hereafter referred to as the bedroom.

6
A sprinkler system was installed with small orifice open sprinkler heads

located in the center of the bedroom and in the corridor (midway between bed- room and living room) . The system was manually actuated to minimize fire

spread outside the bedroom after flashover.

The interior finish materials were fastened with nails to the studs on

the walls and the ceiling trusses in accordance with recommended practices

for installation of the interior finish material. Assembly was completed

at least 48 hours prior to the start of each test to allow time for conditioning . 2.2.

Initial Burning Items

Based on the scenario previously described, for eight of the nine tests

a medium sized upholstered chair was used as the primary source for the

incidental fire. The chair, which weighed 16 kg (35 lbs), had a hardwood

frame and was constructed with polyurethane foam and cotton batting materials

and covered by a rayon fabric. The removable seat cushion was constructed

completely of polyurethane foam and covered by rayon fabric material. The

chairs were stored and conditioned to moisture equilibrium in a nearby test

building where temperature and humidity are near constant at 75 + 5°F and

35 + 10% relative humidity.

In one test, the initial burning item was a 1.4 x 1.8 m (54 x 72 in)

bed, comprised of a 16 mm (5/8 in) thick polyurethane foam covered coil box

spring and a 102 mm (4 in) thick polyurethane foam mattress, having a total

weight of 24.5 kg (54 lbs). The bed was not intended to represent an incidental sized ignition source, but rather the most severe situation likely

to arise as a result of ignition of a single item of furniture in a mobile

home bedroom. The bed was also stored in the adjacent building until tested

2.3.

Bedroom Furnishings

In the tests with the upholstered chair as the initial burning item, a bed 1.4 x 1.8 m (54 x 72 in) was located in the southwest corner of the bed- room at a distance of 0.6 m (2 ft) from the chair. The bed consisted of a 102 mm (4 in) thick polyurethane mattress and matching coil box spring, and

included bedding (sheets, pillows, and pillow cases) . Polyester fabric

curtains were placed over both bedroom windows, and a vinyl asbestos floor

covering, 3 . 3 mm (0.13 in) thick, was fastened to the 19 mm (0.75 in) thick

particle board subfloor by staples. In the test with the bed as the initial

burning item, there were no additional furnishings in the room.

2.4.

Interior Finish Materials

The various interior finish materials used in these tests were selected

to provide a range of materials having different surface flame spread properties. Table 1 lists the materials tested and some of the more pertinent

measured properties obtained by conducting experimental laboratory and

standard fire tests. The full-scale tests were designed to examine the

performance of a number of combinations of wall and ceiling materials under

a similar fire exposure. Table 2 identifies the materials used in each of

the tests.

The three basic types of wall materials tested were untreated prefinished lauan plywood, intumescent coated lauan plywood, and printed paper

finished gypsum board.

7
Two thicknesses of untreated prefinished lauan plywood were tested:

4 mm (5/32 in) thick plywood which was typical of the most common wall material used in conventional mobile home construction, and 6.4 mm (1/4 in)

thick plywood. Both were purchased commercially.

Two types of fire retardant treated 4 mm (5/32 in) thick lauan plywood

were tested. Both treatments were clear fire retardant intumescent coatings;

one type was prepared on a proprietary basis by a manufacturer; the other

coating was commercially available and applied at NBS in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions.

The printed paper faced gypsum board was 8 mm (5/16 in) thick and had a simulated wood grain vinyl surface.

Three types of ceiling materials were used in the construction of the

various interiors tested in the mobile home. One type was 13 mm (1/2 in)

thick prefinished wood fiberboard accoustical ceiling panels. The panels

were 0.6 x 1.2 m (2x4 ft) in size and were purchased commercially. The

second type of ceiling material used was 13 mm (1/2 in) thick unfinished

wood fiberboard material in 1.2 x 3.7 m (4 x 12 ft) sheets. The third

material was 8 mm (5/16 in) thick gypsum board with a finished surface, supplied in 1.2 x 3.7 m (4 x 12 ft) sheets.

One of the tests (test 8) was conducted to collect experimental data

necessary to identify some of the key burning properties of the 16 kg (35 lb)

upholstered chair when burned in an enclosure of this geometrical size

having similar ventilation. In this test the walls and ceiling were con- structed of 13 mm (1/2 in) thick sheets of inorganic marine board (CaSi03 ) installed over 13 mm (1/2 in) thick gypsum board.

In the test with the bed used as the initial burning item (test 13) , the

walls and ceiling were lined with 13mm (1/2 in) thick gypsum board, taped

and spackled.

2.5. Ambient Measurements

Outside and inside temperatures and relative humidity, as well as wind

velocity and direction, and barometric pressure were recorded prior to each

test. In addition, the moisture content of the wall and ceiling materials

were measured before each test using an electrical moisture meter (see table

3) .

2.6. Test Measurements '

A diagram illustrating the location where test measurements were taken

is shown in figure 4. Table 4 also lists each instrument, the type of measurement, and location. Ranges and limits of error are listed in appendix C.

Forty-eight thermocouples were located throughout the mobile home to

measure air temperatures during the tests. The thermocouples located in

the corridor were commercial metallic-sheathed assemblies composed of 0.91 mm

8
(0.0359 in/20 gage) Chromel and Alumel^ wires packed in mineral insulation

and enclosed in a 3.15 mm (0.124 in) diameter inconel 702 sheath with a grounded junction. All other thermocouples were made from 0.61 mm (0.0239

in/24 gage) Chromel and Alumel wires enclosed in glass fiber insulation.

Combustion gas concentrations were sampled continuously in the bedroom

and in the living room area. The samples were filtered through glass fiber

to remove soot and particulate matter and chilled through an ice bath to

remove the condensable vapors before being passed through non-dispersive

infrared gas analyzers to determine concentrations of CO and C0 2. Concentrations of 0 2 were measured by chemical oxygen cells. Concentrations of

CO, C0 2 and 0 2 were measured 1.5 m (5 ft) above the floor in the center of

the bedroom. Concentrations of CO and 0 2 were measured in the living room,

also 1.5 m (5 ft) above the floor. In addition, oxygen depletion was measured 25 mm (1 in) below the door sill in the center of the door opening to

the bedroom in selected tests.

Calibrated water-cooled Gardon type heat flux transducers were used to

measure heat flux levels at the following locations: in the center of the

bedroom on the floor, in the center of the door opening to the bedroom on

the floor, and in the center of the corridor on the floor. The transducers

had a calibrated measuring range of 57 KW/m2 (5 Btu/ft 2 sec) . Additional

heat flux transducers were located on the wall and in the ceiling above the

initial burning item in selected tests. The manufacturer's calibrated

measuring range for these transducers was 114 KW/m2 (10 Btu/ft 2 sec)

.

Light transmission through the smoke was monitored during the tests to

determine the level of obscuration from the smoke which accumulated in the

corridor and that which passed through the corridor and into the dining and

living room areas. Horizontally aligned smoke meters were positioned 0.9

and 1.5 m (3 and 5 ft) above the floor at two locations: 1) in the corridor

adjacent to bedroom #3 (with the light path positioned to measure approximately across the corridor width) ; and 2) in the living room, to provide some limited data on stratification of smoke outside the room of fire origin. The

smoke was measured continuously by monitoring the attenuation of a collimated

beam of light from a tungsten lamp impinging on a phototube. The housing of

the phototube was shielded to prevent outside light from entering the receiver,

and the optical path length of the light beams was 0.45 m (18 in).

A water-cooled, strain gage load cell was utilized to monitor the weight

loss rate of the initial burning item during each test.

An A. C . powered ionization- type smoke detector having a sensitivity of

0.02 OD/m (1.48%/ft) when tested in a U.L. type 217 smoke box at an air flow

rate of 0.15 m/s (30 f/m) was installed on the inside wall of the corridor,

229 mm (9 in) below the ceiling and 381 mm (15 in) from the corridor entrance

to the living/dining room areas.

Graphical documentation of the fire tests was obtained with 35 mm color

slides, 16 mm color movies, and black and white video tape. In addition,

visual observations were recorded on a tape recorder and transcribed after

each test.

Trademark - Hoskins Manufacturing Company

9
Data for each test were input to a multi-channel data acquisition system

every 20 seconds and recorded on magnetic tape in order to be processed by

computer. The data recorded in this manner included output signals from

thermocouples, smoke meters, gas analyzers, heat flux transducers, and the

load cell. The signals from 24 thermocouples and the gas analyzers were also

simultaneously recorded either on strip chart or multipoint recorders.

3. TEST CRITERIA

3.1. General

Criteria for evaluating the test results were based on two related

aspects of fire growth. First, the size of the fire in the room of origin

affects the overall damage to the occupancy. Therefore the measurements of

fire growth, and the attainment of flashover in the room of fire origin were

selected as the primary criteria for assessment of property damage. Generally,

flashover was assumed and reported to have occurred when ignition of the bed,

the vinyl flooring, and all other combustibles located in the room was observed.

The changes in temperature, incident heat flux, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen which occurred as the fire developed were recorded.

The second aspect of fire growth of importance in establishing fire

safety criteria upon which to evaluate the results of these full-scale tests

was the effect of the fire on the environment in adjacent areas outside the room of fire origin. By necessity, any approach to this must be pursued in

terms of an assessment of the impact of the changes in the environment on

the occupants. However, the current state-of-the-art does not permit a precise quantitatively based assessment of the direct hazard to humans associated

with exposure to fires. Information concerning the clinical toxicology in

humans of specific thermal decomposition products is at best meager [24],

Obviously, not until epidemiologic data from humans are available to supplement laboratory animal data and experimental data collection under physical

fire testing could a true assessment of the hazards be made.

Notwithstanding the lack of epidemiologic information on human effects,

the dominant adverse conditions occurring due to a fire can be measured.

Dominant conditions present in building fires which are known to adversely

affect human health include the development of high temperatures and carbon

monoxide concentrations, and the depletion of atmospheric oxygen concentration [24] . While there are other concerns such as smoke particulate matter

and other toxic gas species which may be generated in sufficient quantities

to result in conditions which would adversely affect the life safety of the

occupants before such levels of temperatures, CO, or O 2 are reached, these

three dominant factors are the most reliably measured under full-scale

experimentation

.

Limiting criteria were selected to evaluate these principal factors

affecting the life safety of occupants of the mobile home in the event of

a fire originating in the bedroom. Performance of the various combinations

of wall and ceiling materials installed in the living room was analyzed

based on the changes in the environmental conditions along the normal paths

of egress and in the living room in terms of the measured changes in temperature, CO and 0 2

. In addition to monitoring these conditions which have

a direct impact on life safety, measurements were taken outside the living

room to monitor the amount of visible smoke being produced by the fire.

These data were collected to provide some information on the accumulation

of smoke along the corridor and in the living room, which constitutes the

principal path of egress.

10
Thresholds for limited conditions of temperature, CO and 0 2 under a fire

condition beyond which adverse physiological or psychological effects would

result have not been established. Difficulties in pursuing this have arisen

due primarily to the variation in 1) exposure times, 2) vertical and horizontal distribution of gases, 3) the activity rate of the occupant, 4) the

general health of the occupant, and 5) the lack of clinical epidemiologic data

as mentioned previously. However, for purposes of anlaysis there is sufficient

information available to tentatively establish levels at which adverse effects

begin to occur. Therefore, limiting conditions for life safety have been

selected based on literature references available to the authors. In selecting

these thresholds, no consideration has been given to either the synergistic

effects or additive effects resulting when limiting conditions are exceeded

for two or more of these measured conditions. Further, the thresholds suggested here are based on the levels of these elements which result in

"incipient incapacitation" rather than death. Incipient incapacitation is

defined as that point at which physiological and psychological effects are sufficient to impair thinking and influence physical efforts to escape. The

criteria are based upon the assumption that these critical levels represent

thresholds for human beings who are capable of normal physiological and

psychological behavior. The thresholds should not be interpreted as precise

boundaries but rather an approximation, based on the literature and the unique

characteristics of the occupancy type being assessed, of the levels of con- ditions which would result in adverse effects.

3.2. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO), while not the only toxic combustion gas, is produced in such large quantities in most fires that it is considered an important life safety factor [25]. Experimental full-scale testing has

revealed that quantities of CO far in excess of amounts necessary to result

in human incapacitation and death are often generated [16,26-32]. In addition,

clinical studies of the causes of fire deaths have also lended support to this concern. For example, Zikria et al . [33-36], working with the clinical exam- ination records and autopsy reports of fire victims in New York City, found

that CO poisoning rather than respiratory tract damage was the significant

factor with victims having post burn survival times less than 12 hours. In

a fire fatality study currently being conducted at Johns Hopkins University

[37,38] it has been reported that CO exposure resulted in sufficient carboxyhemoglobin in the blood to either directly cause or contribute to death in

80% of the cases cited.

A person's ability to function reliably can be significantly affected by

exposure to CO. Progressive effects include dizziness, dimness of vision,

nausea, increase pulse and breathing rates, loss of orientation, unconsciousness, convulsions and death [39,40]. How much CO a human being can tolerate

is to a large extent a function of time, concentration, and physical activity.

For example, the threshold limit for exposure to CO for an 8-hour period has

been established as 50 ppm [41]. However, criterion based on exposures to

high concentrations of CO is not as readily determined. In fires where

ventilation is restricted, incomplete oxidation of carbon occurs leading to

concentrations of CO as high as 138,000 ppm in short periods of time [42].

From a clinical standpoint CO poisons by asphyxiation; that is, CO is

absorbed via the lungs into the blood resulting in a reduction in the amount

of hemoglobin (Hb) available for oxygen transport because of hemoglobin's

greater affinity for CO than for 0 2

. The level of reduction can be determined by measuring the carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) content in the blood

11
resulting from the intake of CO, and can be demonstrated by the reaction:

K

CO + HB0 2 — ±1 COHh + 0 2 [43]

To determine the COHb level from the CO concentration an uptake equation

based on CO concentration and the time of exposure must be used. Stewart [44]

has developed such an equation which is preferable to other available equations

because it is based on experiments where human volunteers were subjected to

very high CO concentrations such as might be expected under a fire exposure.

The equation is applicable for exposure times of less than 30 minutes,

beyond which saturation and elimination can begin to take effect. The

equation would also not hold beyond the time at which incapacitation occurs. Different equations would be used for low concentration-long duration

exposures [45]

.

The amount of CO which can be tolerated (or , the amount of COHb content

in the blood) also depends on factors including the individual's ventilation

rate and the level of C0 2 exposure, which are difficult to assess under the

rapidly changing conditions resulting from a fire. The CO uptake is directly

proportional to the ventilation rate, which is around 6.5 £/min for an individual at rest [46]. This rate can be increased by both an increase in

activity and/or exposure to CO 2 . For example, exposure to a 4% C02 concentration will more than double the ventilation rate [47]. In considering both

stimuli, which are likely to be present in a fire, Babrauskas [48] selected

18 £/min as the appropriate accelerated ventilation rate which could con- servatively be attained by either a 5% C0 2 exposure or by light work. In

selecting the same elevated ventilation rate for this study, the resulting

uptake equation can be expressed in finite difference form:

ACOHb (%) = 5.98 x 10~ 4 (At) (CO)

1 * 036

[48]

where At is the elapsed time (minutes) and CO is expressed in ppm; an initial

value of COHb - 0.75% [46] is used. For this test series values were computed

up to the time when the threshold for incipient incapacitation was reached.

This threshold was selected at COHb = 25% based on a study by Kimmerle [49]

in which this level resulted in symptoms associated with incipient incapacitation as defined for this study.

In addition to the threshold for the time rated concentration, another

limit must be selected for CO exposure. Instantaneous doses' of high levels

of CO must also be considered due to the physiological effects such as cardiac

arrythmia [50] which can occur independently of the effects of increased COHb.

Claudy [39] reported on the effects of exposure to high concentrations of CO.

The results of his work indicate that incipient incapacitation may occur with

only a few short breaths at an exposure level of 10,000 ppm CO. And, at a slightly higher concentration of 12,800 ppm Claudy reported that unconsciousness could occur in 2 to 3 breaths, followed by death in 1-3 minutes. Based

on this an instantaneous threshold of 10,000 ppm (1.0% by Vol) CO was selected

as a criterion in addition to the time-rated exposure resulting in a COHb

level of 25%.

12
3.3. Temperature

The most prominent characteristic of a fire is the increased temperature

due to the release of thermal energy. In terms of human exposure to elevated

temperatures this can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion, sloughing of the

trachea lining and hemorrhaging in the respiratory tract, skin surface burns,

and shock due to pooling of blood at the body surface [51,52].

Research has been conducted involving investigation of thresholds for

exposure to temperature which results in adverse physiological effects. In

the Los Angeles School Burns conducted in the 1950 's, a temperature of 65°C

(approximately 150°F) at the five-foot level was selected as the critical

temperature for teachers and children to enter and leave through a corridor

[53]. In fire tests conducted by the National Research Council of Canada,

150°C (approximately 300°F) was considered the maximum level for breathing.

Results of experiments conducted in 1947 by Moritz, et al . [54] on large animals having a surface area-mass relationship near that of humans

indicated that the relationship between exposure time and temperature level

is hyperbolic; that is, as the exposure temperature is increased the exposure

time to reach a specified injury threshold is reduced. Further, Moritz, et al

.

reported that for exposure times on the order of two to five minutes, air temperatures of 100°C (212°F) represented the threshold for local burning and

hypermia (general burning) . In other animal studies (with smaller animal

specimens) during that period Bond [55] reported that death occurred in two

minutes when the exposure temperature was 100°C (212°F) . While the differences

encountered in these two studies may have been the result of the difference

in the size of the animal specimens (significantly different surface areamass relationship) it could also have resulted from variation in an unreported

experimental variable such as humidity.

Increased humidity which is a common phenomenon in a fire, will result

in injury thresholds being reached at somewhat lower temperatures. Work by

Montgomery, et al. [56] in 1975 indicated that in humid air rapid skin burns

would occur at 100°C (212°F), and 150°C (300°F) represented a temperature

exposure level at which escape was not likely.

For this study, a temperature threshold of 100 °C ( 212 °F) was selected

to represent the point of incipient incapacitation. Consideration was given

not only to the studies reported herein, but also to the type of occupancy

and to the likelihood that humidity would be present at increased levels

(though a precise measure would not be made) througout the mobile home as

a result of the fire. It was felt that an occupant might be expected to

withstand this exposure level under moderate humidity levels for only a short

period. And, as the humidity increased during the fire, the short exposure

period before the onset of incipient incapacitation would be reduced even

more

.

3.4. Oxygen Depletion

Excessive reduction in oxygen is normally confined to the immediate

environment of a fire. However, due to the geometry of a single-wide mobile

home the possibility exists that oxygen depletion may be of great enough

magnitude to affect life safety outside the bedroom area.

Extensive experimental research has been conducted to define tolerable

ranges for the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood to insure satisfactory

13
metabolic activities. Most of this research has been structured to provide

specific information on reduced atmospheric pressure, and concentrations of

oxygen ranging from 20.9 percent to 100 percent, as well as variation in the

concentrations and mixtures of the inert gases. The results of these kinds

of experimentation have provided well defined ranges for the partial pressure

of oxygen from metabolic requirements under variations in controlled

atmospheres [57]

.

While the amount of clinical information on reduction in the partial

pressure of oxygen under normal atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg) is limited,

some information is available, based partly on experimental work on test

animals and partly on analytical extrapolations from the extensive research

conducted under auspices of the space program. As the partial pressure of

the oxygen in the circulatory system is reduced, the movement through the

body and the amount is altered. Reduction in the concentration of oxygen in

the air breathed in will affect the partial pressure of the oxygen in the

body, and to a proportionate amount affect the metabolic functions. The lack

of sufficient oxygen for metabolic activities results in the occurrence of

either "anoxia" or "hypoxia." Anoxia occurs when no oxygen is available, and

is characterized by symptoms such as near immediate convulsions, paralysis

and death. Hypoxia occurs due to a relative lack of sufficient oxygen, and

depending on the severity, the symptoms may range from only subtle changes

to those associated with anoxia [47]

.

Pryor, et al. [58] indicate the following symptoms resulting from progressive reduction in the concentration of oxygen in the air breathed in

under normal atmospheric pressure:

Oxygen

Concentration

17% 0 2

14% 0 2

11 % 0 2

Physiological Symptoms

Respiration volume increases, musclar

coordination diminished, attention and

clear thinking require more effort

Dizziness, shortness of breath, headache,

numbness, quickened pulse, efforts fatigue

quickly

Nausea and vomiting, exertion impossible,

paralysis of motion

8 % 0 2 Symptoms become serious and stupor sets

in; unconsciousness occurs

These symptomatic reactions to reduced levels of oxygen are reasonably agreed

upon by other researchers, including Einhorn [59J and Kimmerle [49], with

minor shifts in the groupings or ranges of percent concentration.

Studies conducted to examine the physiological effects of the rate at

which the oxygen concentration in the air is depleted indicate that the physiological reaction may vary. When anoxia occurs slowly due to a gradual

reduction in the oxygen concentration in the air, initial symptoms include

dyspnea upon exertion and cyanosis. The effects are quite gradual and the

individual may be unaware. The individual will gradually pass from a state

of "stupor" to unconsciousness and total collapse. However, motor symptoms

14
may be totally absent [60]. Kraines [61] reports, based on experimental

and accidental incidents, that in gradual reductions in oxygen to as low

as 10%, the subjects encountered these symptoms, the body and mind becoming

gradually less responsive, with no apparent suffering.

However, under conditions resulting from fire development, the concentration of oxygen per unit volume of air is likely reduced rapidly. Studies

by Henderson and Haggard [62] and reported by Pryor [63] suggest that when

anoxia occurs rapidly, four distinct stages can be identified. In the first

stage the respiration rate increases. In the second stage the respiratory

rate becomes erratic, labored and convulsive, the inspiration rate is

weakened, the expiration rate prolonged, and consciousness is lost. The

third stage results in symptoms such as convulsions and collapse, shallow

and infrequent respiratory movements, and a progressively slower and weaker

pulse rate.

There is a fourth stage which is characterized by termination of

respiration and heart arrest. The following diagram illustrates the ranges

of oxygen concentrations associated with the various stages suggested by

Henderson and Haggard [62]:

%0 2 by Vol.

Normal

21

20

19

18

First Stage at 16-12% 17

Respiration volume increases

Pulse quickens 16

Muscular coordination diminished

Attention & clear thinking requires 15

more effort

14

Second Stage at 14-9%

Resembles alcoholic inebriation, 13

headache, numbness, muscular

efforts fatigue readily and cause 12

fainting, Cheyne-stokes respiration

11

Third Stage at 10-6%

Exaggerates earlier symptoms 10

nausea and vomiting, exertion

impossible, paralysis of motion 9 and sensation, unconsciousness

8 Fourth Stage

Below 6%, respiration stops, 7 convulsive movements

heart arrested 6-8 minutes 6 after the respiration

5

4 Effects of reduced oxygen atmospheres 3

(reprinted from Pryor [63]) 2

15

1
Based on this information a value of 14 percent oxygen concentration has

been selected to represent the threshold for incipient incapacitation for

humans. While the various sources indicate slight differences of opinion in

the types of symptoms occurring at 14 percent oxygen it is clear, particularly

in light of the interpretation of the progress of anoxia in terms of stages of

severity of symptoms by Henderson and Haggard [62], that concentrations of

oxygen below 14 percent will result in serious physiological effects which may

impair the judgment capabilities and physical movement of an individual.

3.5. Smoke Density

The presence of smoke can delay or prevent escape under fire conditions.

In buildings where the occupants are unfamiliar with the escape routes or stairwell locations the reduction in visibility can involve strong psychologic

factors as well as basic physiologic responses. Where the occupants might be

familiar with the exit routes such as in a mobile home or other single family

residences, they may be expected to some extent to negotiate smoke-laden

pathways. However, even under familiar surroundings, when a certain perceived

level of smoke is present people may be hesitant to pass through a corridor

area and may completely refuse to, or at least proceed much more slowly through

the smoke

Extensive full-scale and laboratory research has been conducted to determine critical smoke levels under various occupancy types and under numerous

combinations of conditions [64].

While references [65] and [66] cite critical smoke densities which are

said to take account of eye irritation, the optical density of 0.0066 per

meter derived from reference [65] is probably unreasonably low because it

represents the onset of apprehension rather than a test of the limits of

endurance of the observers. The optical density of 0.21 per meter derived

by Malhotra [67] is said to be based on the Los Angeles School Burns number

2 [68]. However, nowhere in more recent studies is a critical value of 20%

light transmission over a 10-foot path length to be found. As a matter of

fact, the report on the Los Angeles School Burns [68] mentions only that 80%

obscuration is the critical value for tenability, but identifies neither the

location nor the length of the light path. From the information given in the

two reports of the Los Angeles School Burns [68,69], it is possible to surmise

that the light beams subject to 80% obscuration might have been as short as 3.3 meters or as long as 18.3 meters. It appears most probable that the

light beam involved a double traverse of a corridor 3 to 5 meters wide or a path length of 6 to 10 meters. The critical optical density for that case would be 0.075 to 0.11 per meter. On this basis, it appears more reasonable

to assign a critical optical density of about 0.1 per meter to the results of

the Los Angeles School Burns. Rasbash [70] reassessed his earlier work as well as later work by Jin [71,72,73] and concluded that his original correlation [74] represents a useful worst condition which includes in an approximate

way the effects of eye irritation. From a study of behavior of people in fires

by Wood [75] he also judged that a minimum visibility for escape from fire is

about 10 meters, and that this corresponds to an optical density of 0.08 per

meter

In the work by Jin [76,77] a smoke level which corresponded to a similar

psychological effect as being blindfolded was developed. The walking speed

of human volunteers was measured down a smoke filled corridor using "irritating" and "non-irritating" smokes. Walking speeds were also measured by the same volunteers down the same corridor with the volunteers blindfolded. The

smoke level which resulted in the same walking speed as being blindfolded was

then obtained. This work led Jin to establish an equation:

16
KV 2 where K = extinction coefficient (m_1

) and V = visibility (m)

.

Jin further differentiated between the irritating and non-irritating smoke,

recommending a limiting value of K = 1.2 m

-1 for the former and K = 0.5 m

-1

for the latter. The extinction coefficient can easily be expressed in terms

of OD/m.

While review of these studies reveals a wide range of smoke densities

selected to represent critical levels, a rough consensus from five of the

studies [66,67,74,78,79] would suggest that an optical density of approximately

0.26 OD/m over a viewing distance of three to five meters can be used to re- present the level of smoke at which impairment of physical features and possible disorientation of the individual might occur in an occupancy such as a mobile home. Approximately the same value was selected by Bukowski [80]

,

Harpe [81] and Heskestad [82] for similar conditions. Therefore, a smoke

concentration of 0.26 OD/m was selected to represent a level at which emergency

escape along the normal paths provided in a typical single-wide mobile home

would be impaired. This level of impairment should be distinguished from the

thresholds selected for temperature, carbon monoxide, and oxygen which were

selected to represent levels at which "incipient incapacitation" would likely

occur. An optical density of 0.26 OD/m is intended to represent a concentration of smoke which might interfere with an occupant's movements by effecting

his vision, but would not necessarily prohibit the individual from moving

through it. It is expected that the more critical level of incipient incapacitation would be reached either at a somewhat higher concentration of smoke or

a concentration of 0.26 OD/m in combination with the threshold for one of the

other three conditions.

These conditions were monitored continuously during the tests , from the

time of ignition of the initial fuel source until either flashover occurred

or the instrumentation indicated a significant reduction in fire intensity

and no additional fire growth, whichever occurred first.

4. PROCEDURE

4.1. Laboratory Evaluation of Materials

Laboratory test methods were utilized to measure the ignitability , surface

flame spread, rate of heat release and smoke generation characteristics for the

interior finish materials used in this series of full-scale fire tests. The

tests utilized to ascertain these value

Characteristics

Ignitability

Surface Flame Spread

Heat Release Rate

Smoke Generation

were

:

Laboratory Test Method

(1) Ease of ignition test [22]

(2) ASTM E-84, Standard Method of

Testing for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

[9]

(3) ASTM E-162 , Radiant Panel Test [20]

(4) NBS rate of heat release calorimeter [23]

(5) NFPA 258, Smoke Density Chamber [21]

17
4.2. Full-Scale Tests

The interior finish materials were mechanically fastened to the wall

studding and ceiling trusses in accordance with recommended practices for

installation of interior finish materials. Assembly was completed at least

48 hours prior to the start of the test. The moisture content of the interior

finish materials was measured by an electrical moisture meter just prior to

the test. Table 3 lists these measurements.

The conditions inside the mobile home were maintained to 23 + 4°C

(72 + 7 °F ) and 52 + 8% relative humidity. The measured moisture content of

the walls and ceiling did not exceed 15%. The conditioning of the interior

environment of the mobile home was difficult beyond these levels due to the

high ambient temperatures and the high relative humidity during the period

when the tests were conducted. The temperature, wind velocity and direction,

and relative humidity were also recorded. Tests were not conducted during

rainy periods or when relative humidity was exceptionally high. Table 3 lists the ambient conditions for each test.

In the eight tests with the upholstered chair as the initial item ignited,

the arrangement of the furnishings, which is described in section 2.3., is

shown in figures 3 and 5. The upholstered chair was positioned on the load

cell in the southeast corner of the room at a distance of approximately 0.6 m

(2 ft) from the bed. The polyethylene waste container, having a volume of 91

(9.5 qt) was filled with approximately 225 g (0.5 lb) of crumpled newspaper

and placed adjacent to the right side of the chair. The tests were initiated

by igniting the newsprint in the waste container by remote electrical ignition

of a book match.

In the test with the bed as the initial item ignited (Test 13) , there were

no additional furnishings. The bed was positioned in the room as illustrated

in figure 5. Figure 5 also illustrates instrumentation modifications; in

particular additional heat flux transducers. An apparatus was designed and

constructed to suspend the bed from a water-cooled load cell located above the

roof line of the mobile home (figure 6). In this test, the mattress was ex- posed to a flaming fire resulting from remote electrical ignition of a typical

section of ordinary newsprint, folded once, and positioned near the end of the

mattress, exposing the pillows and the mattress bedding. The newspaper weighed

approximately 280 g (0.6 lb).

As shown in figure 5, the upholstered chairs and the bed were positioned

at a distance of 25 mm (1 in) from the corner walls. Prior to ignition, all

exterior windows and doors were closed but not sealed, providing an initial

static atmosphere. In addition, the doors to bedrooms #2 and #3 and the door

to the bathroom were closed; the door to bedroom #1 remained open. Visual

observations and photographic records were made of the development of the

fire and measurements were continuously recorded from the time of ignition

until the test was terminated.

5. RESULTS: LABORATORY SCALE TESTS

Table 1 provides a tabulation of the results of the laboratory tests

conducted to measure some of the properties of the interior finish materials.

While the results of other measured fire properties are included in table 1,

particular attention will be given in the discussion of the full-scale test

results to the surface flame spread characteristics of the materials as measured by the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test.

18
6. RESULTS: FULL-SCALE TESTS

Review of the mass of data collected for these tests resulted in the

selection of a number of specifically located measurements to characterize

the average process of fire growth in the bedroom and the effects of this

fire growth on the environment outside the bedroom. Specifically, analysis

of the growth of the fire within the bedroom itself is based on 1) temperature

25 mm (1 in) below the surface of the ceiling, and 2) the levels of incident

heat flux at the floor. In addition, plots of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

and oxygen are provided to illustrate the effects of fire growth on the environment in the bedroom. All of these measurements were taken along the vertical center of the bedroom.

In considering the hazard to the occupants of the mobile home, it is

assumed that anyone in the room of fire origin is alert and capable of reacting.

Limiting conditions adverse to life safety are reached in the room rather quickly, providing little time to escape unless egress is begun immediately.

However, time should be available for occupants outside the room of fire

origin to take corrective action and/or exit the mobile home. Since movement

in a direction away from the fire is most likely, the primary route for most

of the occupants outside the master bedroom would be along the corridor, through

the living room and out the front door. In order for anyone attempting to exit

the mobile home by this route to reach the front door, limiting conditions must

not be reached along this route.

Even under adverse conditions, an occupant fleeing the fire may be expected,

under some circumstances, to continue for a few steps. Therefore, to the extent

that conditions in the living room remain tolerable, occupants may reach the

front door even though a limiting condition of temperature, gas or smoke con- centration may have been reached in the corridor. However, if limiting con- ditions are reached in the living room, similar or more severe conditions likely

exist all along the primary escape route to the front door of the mobile home.

Therefore, the effects of the fire on environmental conditions outside the

bedroom are analyzed primarily by examining, in the center of the living room,

1) carbon monoxide 1.5 m (5 ft) above the floor, 2) oxygen 1.5 m (5 ft) above

the floor, 3) temperature 1.3 m (52 in) above the floor, and smoke density

0.9 and 1.5 m (3 and 5 ft) above the floor. Table 5 provides a tabulation of

the measured values of selected test conditions at approximately the time at

which flashover occurred in the bedroom; table 6 lists peak measured values of

the same conditions.

6.1. Fire Growth and Spread in the Bedroom

In typical mobile home construction, fire propagation beyond the room of

origin will generally occur from full room involvement (flashover) . To the

extent that a fire does not reach the magnitude of full room involvement the

overall damage to the mobile home and the changes in the environment throughout the mobile home which adversely affect the life safety of the occupants

will be substantially reduced.

Chronological observations of the fire development for each of the tests

is provided in appendix A.

19
Variations occurred in the development of the fire from the burning

contents of the waste container and subsequent exposure of the upholstered

chair. While the elapsed time to ignition of the chair covering material

ranged from 55 to 86 seconds (due to variation in flame exposure time from

the waste container fire) , a more significant variation occurred in the

erratic development of the fire in the chair itself. The elapsed time from

ignition of the chair to the point when flame development resulted in impingement on the wall material ranged from two to twelve minutes (table 7). The

longest period occurred in test 6 where the fire slowly progressed along the

front of the chair, resulting in small flames attached to the front of the

chair and no exposure to the wall along the right arm of the chair . The

development of the chair fires was similar beyond the point of flame impingement on the wall.

The growth of the room fire beyond the burning chair depended significantly

on the extent of involvement of the materials on the walls and ceiling. Ignition of the walls occurred after involvement of the seat cushion on the chair

spreading flames up the wall toward the ceiling. With the exceptions of

tests 2 and 8, the flames progressed along the ceiling surface, heating the

upper room. This was followed by flashover.

Ignition of the bed, vinyl flooring, and other combustibles occurred

during flashover. At this time the intensity of the fire was of sufficient

magnitude that flames entered the corridor along the ceiling. The fires were extinguished shortly after flashover to minimize the damage outside the

bedroom

In test 13, with the bed as the initial burning item, the burning

newspaper ignited the sheets and the two pillows. At approximately two minutes into the test, both pillows and the mattress were involved and within

another minute flames impinged on the ceiling. The fire progressed rapidly

beyond this point, involving the entire top surface of the bed and flashing

over the room.

6.1.1. Temperature and Incident Heat Flux

Figure 7 illustrates the temperature rise 25 mm (1 in) below the ceiling

in the center of the bedroom. Six of the eight chair tests were characterized by very rapid temperature rise following involvement of the interior

finish material, and peak upper room temperatures of sufficient magnitude to

result in flashover. Test 13, with the polyurethane mattress as the initial

burning item, was characterized by the most rapid temperature rise.

In tests 2 and 8, temperature rise was primarily the result of the

burning of the chair. The interior finish materials on the walls and ceiling did not propagate the fire or contribute significant fuel to the fire.

Both tests were characterized by gradual temperature rise, with peak temperatures of 300°C and 372°C, respectively. These peak temperatures were con- siderably below those reached in the seven tests in which flashover occurred.

In the remaining six tests with the upholstered chairs, there was considerable variation in the times at which rapid temperature rise occurred.

However, in all six tests the temperature increased very rapidly once the

fire spread beyond the chair to the interior finish, resulting in temperatures

ranging from 634 to 734°C at flashover.

20

i
In test 13, with the polyurethane mattress and low flame spread interior

finish materials, the early rapid temperature rise was similar to that which

occurred in the six chair fires in which flashover was observed. The more

gradual decline in temperature after flashover was the result of a longer

delay in manual activation of the sprinkler system. The temperature at

flashover was 700°C which was within the range of flashover in the chair

fires

.

Incident heat flux (figure 8) was measured at the floor in the center

of the bedroom. As would be predicted, increases in incident flux occurred

as the temperature increased in the upper room, with maximum levels of both

incident flux and temperature occurring at approximately the same time. In

those tests in which flashover occurred, the incident flux recorded at flash- over ranged from 1.5 W/cm 2 (test 4) to 3.6 W/cm2 (tests 3 and 6). The minimum level of 1.5 W/cm 2 recorded in test 4 corresponds to the minimum heat

flux measured at flashover in previous full-scale mobile home fire tests at

NBS [2] .

6.1.2. Rate of Burning of Upholstered Chairs and Mattress

In general, the rate of burning for the initial item can be considered

to consist of two regimes: a period of low burning rate during the time of

initial fire development, and a period of high burning rate during the time

of active burning of the item. The second period is usually characterized

by a sharp rise in the rate of burning leading to a peak which is maintained

for only a brief time before the rate of burning falls off sharply.

This trend is illustrated in figure 9 which shows time histories of the

rate of burning for six of the eight chair tests and the mattress. The

weight loss data for tests 1 and 6 were unreliable due to equipment malfunction and therefore not included. It can be seen that the initial period

of low burn rate lasts for a variable length of time, even though all of the

chairs were of similar design and were tested under similar conditions. The

shortest period of fire buildup occurred with the mattress (test 13) where

the maximum burning rate (measured over a 20 second interval) occurred at

4 min 10 sec. The time of maximum burning rate for the chairs ranged from

7 min 20 sec (test 3) to 14 min 10 sec (test 8) . Peak (maximum) mass burn

rates for each test are tabulated in table 6.

The burning rate, which is determined from the weight loss over finite

time intervals, provides the basis for an approximation of the rate of heat

generated from the burning items. While the actual heat release rate depends

on the heat of combustion and rate of involvement of each of the various materials in the chairs or mattress, a number of important points are obtained

from the burning rate histories in figure 9. In tests 2 and 8, in which

flashover did not occur, the burning rate of the chairs rose sharply to peaks

of 61 and 42 g/s, respectively, and then declined rapidly. The shape of

the curves and the peak burning rates were consistent with results from

similar tests conducted by Klein [19] in which he examined the burning rates

of upholstered chairs in the living room of a mobile home with noncontributing

walls. In tests 2 and 8 of the current study, the interior finish materials

contributed little fuel, and the resulting peak temperatures in the bedroom

were only 300 and 372°C, respectively. These values were far below the temperatures which occurred in those tests in which flashover was observed.

21
In test 13, the involvement of the polyurethane mattress resulted in a burning rate curve of similar shape to that of the chairs, but with a peak

burning rate of 84 g/s, which was considerably higher. Again, the fuel con- tribution from the interior finish was low, but the peak temperature in the

bedroom which occurred during this higher burning rate period of the mattress

was 734°C, and flashover was observed.

In tests 3, 4, 5 and 7 in which flashover occurred, the maximum rate of

burning for the chairs ranged from 18 to 27 g/s which was considerably lower

then the range of 62 to 84 g/s associated with room flashover. The additional

heat energy necessary to result in flashover in the bedroom in these four

tests resulted from involvement of the interior finish materials. The peak

burning rates for these four tests were limited by actuation of the sprinkler

system. That is, at a burning rate ranging from 18-27 g/s there was sufficient

contribution from the interior finish to reach upper room temperatures ranging from 688-776°C and flashover. Had the sprinkler system not been actuated,

the burning rate for these chairs would probably have approached the levels

measured in tests 2 and 8.

6.1.3. Oxygen Depletion and Generation of Combustion Gases

As would be expected, the fire severity directly affected the amount of

CO and CO 2 generated. Oxygen depletion, as a result of the demand for oxygen

in the combustion process, paralleled the growth of the fire. Figures 10, 11

and 12 illustrate the concentrations of CO, C0 2 and percent change of 0 2 (0 2 depletion), respectively, for all nine tests.

In the seven tests characterized by rapid fire growth and flashover,

high levels of CO and C0 2 were generated, and were accompanied by rapid 0 2 depletion in the bedroom. The generation of C0 2 and the corresponding drop

in 0 2 were near mirror images as can be seen in figures BIO - B18 which

illustrate the changes in CO, C0 2 and 0 2 for each separate test.

Tests 2 and 8, in which the fire did not spread beyond the chair, were

characterized by relatively minor changes in gas concentrations. Peak levels

of C0 2 were below 5%, and those for CO were 0.3% or less for both tests. The

corresponding reduction in 0 2 was 3.2% in test 2 and 5.7% in test 8, corresponding to actual 0 2 levels of 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively.

While the C0 2 data for test 13 is included, it appears questionable due

to its extremely low peak value. The actual cause of the low C0 2 values

could not be determined. Based on the other data collected in this test, it

would appear that the peak C0 2 level should have reached 15-17%.

6.1.4. Residential Smoke Detector Response

A single station ionization type smoke detector was installed on the

inside corridor wall near the entrance to the living/dining room area for

each of the upholstered chair tests. Generally, the detector responded prior

to extensive involvement of the upholstered chair and the interior finish

materials. The times for response of the detector ranged from 34 to 86 seconds

elapsed time (table 7). No detector was installed in test 13.

The single data point provided by one smoke detector should not be

misconstrued as demonstrating detector response to a fire in a mobile home.

Detector response varies as a function of many variables including environmental conditions such as relative humidity and ventilation rate, as well as

22
the design of the sensing chamber , type of sensing mode and the reliability

of the detector components. The experimental design for this series of

tests was not intended to delineate among these. Any effort to assess stateof-the-art detection performance would require consideration of these as well as other technical variables.

6.2. Environmental Changes Outside the Bedroom and

the Impact on Life Safety

In the experimental setup for the eight tests with the upholstered chair

as the initial burning item, the incidental fire resulted in flame impingement on the interior wall surface; however, as previously discussed, there

was significant variation in the time to flame impingement on the wall due

to the erratic development of the chair fires. To assess the effect of the

individual wall and ceiling systems, the influence of the variation in

initial fire growth prior to exposure of the wall surface must be normalized.

Therefore, in table 8, the data from the chair tests is tabulated based on

the elapsed time from flame impingement on the wall surface to flashover and

to limiting conditions of temperature, carbon monoxide and oxygen. This

normalization of the data provides a more meaningful comparison of the performance of various combinations of wall and ceiling materials when exposed

to similar incidental fires.

In test 13, the flames from the burning mattress did not impinge on the

wall. Therefore, while the conditions outside the bedroom during test 13 are included in the discussion, the elapsed time is from the beginning of the

test and is not normalized to the point of flame impingement on the wall as

is done with the upholstered chair tests.

6.2.1. Temperature

In the tests in which flashover occurred, a limiting temperature of

100°C was exceeded 1.3 m (52 in) above the floor in the bedroom, along the

corridor, and in the living room. In the six chair fires in which flashover

occurred, the limiting temperature level was the first limiting condition

reached in the living room, and as illustrated in figure 13, the temperature

continued to increase beyond the 100 °C criterion. The maximum temperatures

reached prior to actuation of the sprinkler system in these tests ranged

from 145 to 188 °C. Flashover in the bedroom occurred at approximately the same time or not more than 40 seconds after this temperature was reached in

the living room.

In test 13, the development of the fire in the mattress resulted in

attainment of 100°C in the living room after 3 min 35 sec had elapsed. This was approximately ten seconds before flashover was observed in the bedroom.

The temperature continued to increase after flashover to a peak of 159 °C

where it remained nearly constant for the period until the sprinkler system

was actuated.

In tests 2 and 8 in which flashover did not occur, the 100°C criterion

was still reached in the living room. In test 2, it occurred 2 min 45 sec after flame impingement on the wall (see table 8). And, in test 8, the temperature reached a maximum of 98°C at 9 min 40 sec elapsed time after flame

impingement on the wall. Because of expected spread of data for a given set

of test conditions, the peak temperature of 98 °C was considered close enough

to be considered a failure of the temperature criterion for purposes of

discussion

23
However, while 100°C was reached in both tests 2 and 8, in comparing

them with the tests characterized by flashover, it appears that both tests

are borderline cases. Figure 13 illustrates a very gradual temperature rise

for tests 2 and 8, with peak temperatures of 109 and 98 °C, respectively.

These peak temperatures were considerably below the peak temperatures in the

other seven tests. Further, in all tests except 2 and 8, the temperature

in the living room was increasing rapidly as the 100°C criterion was exceeded

with the peak temperatures being limited solely by the actuation of the

sprinkler system.

In addition to this, the greatest time periods from flame impingement

on the wall to 100°C in the living room occurred in tests 2 and 8. Therefore, while flashover in the bedroom resulted in a limiting condition of

temperature in the living room, the results of these tests indicate that if

flashover does not occur in the bedroom 100°C may or may not be reached in

the living room, but if it is reached the delay in reaching this temperature

will provide additional time for escape.

Temperature levels of 100°C were not reached in any of the nine tests

in the two bedrooms which had the doors closed. Since this temperature

never exceeded 80°C in these tests, the closed doors successfully impeded

the passage of hot combustion gases and flames into these rooms for the

period of fire growth up to room flashover. However, the closed bedrooms

should not be considered a sanctuary for occupants. These tests were terminated at flashover, but a post-f lashover fire can be expected to result in

inter-room fire spread. Many of the interior finish materials tested would

not provide a barrier of any significance against fire penetration under

such severe conditions.

6.2.2. Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen

As discussed in Section 3., the thresholds for limiting levels of CO were either 1) a time-rated accumulation of 41,800 (ppm) 1 * 036 (min) which is

approximately equivalent to 25% COHb, or 2) an instantaneous concentration of

1.0% CO by volume. A minimum level of 0 2 of 14% (7% maximum 0 2 depletion)

was also selected as a limiting condition.

Limiting levels of CO and 0 2 were reached in the living room in six of

the upholstered chair tests - those in which flashover occurred. While in some of the tests the thresholds were exceeded just prior to flashover, the

difference in elapsed time was marginal (less than 20 sec) . For the most

part the thresholds were exceeded after conditions in the room of fire

origin reached flashover (table 8)

.

In all six tests in which flashover occurred the 1.0% instantaneous

concentration was the determining threshold for CO. However, in test 8 in

which flashover did not occur, the threshold of 41,800 (ppm) 1 * 036 (min) was exceeded rather than the instantaneous level of 1.0%. This would not be

unexpected. Under fire development as flashover was approached the measured

conditions changed rapidly, by orders of magnitude. Under such a situation

the instantaneous threshold was exceeded very quickly. As can be seen in

table 5, at flashover the volume of CO was quite high but the time-rated

accumulations based on the uptake equation were still relatively low. The

plots in figures B19-B27 illustrate the dominance of the direct measurement

of CO as flashover was approached.
While it would be expected that the threshold based on the time-rated

accumulation would also be exceeded this occurred only in tests 8 and 13.

However, failure to reach the time-rated threshold for CO in the six chair

tests in which flashover occurred was most likely the result of experimental

limitations. First, the chair tests were terminated shortly after flashover, but the duration of test 13 with the polyurethane foam mattress was extended almost two minutes beyond flashover, allowing for the additional

buildup of CO. Secondly, the maximum range of the CO analyser was 2%.

Therefore, the peak values of the time-rated accumulations for CO tabulated

in table 6 are at most approximations since increases in CO concentration

beyond 2% could not be measured.

The use of the uptake equation was expected to reflect those cases

where rapid fire buildup did not occur, but a level of CO adverse to occupant safety was generated anyway. The fact that 41,800 (ppm) 1 * 036 (min) was exceeded in test 8 demonstrated this very point. A gradual buildup of timerated CO due to an extended exposure time to a low level of CO resulted in

exceeding the 41,800 (ppm) 1 * 036 (min) level. However, the threshold was not

exceeded until 21 min 40 sec after flame impingement on the wall which was considerably longer than in the six chair tests characterized by flashover

in which the threshold for instantaneous CO concentration was exceeded within

two to three minutes after flame impingement on the wall.

In test 1, a window in the bedroom broke out during the test, providing

additional ventilation. This occurred at 5 min 50 sec into the test and

affected the minimum level of 0 2 which was 15.7%. However, as can be seen

in figure 15, the maximum slope of the 0 2 depletion curve was similar to

other tests in which the 0 2 level was reduced far below the 14% threshold.

It is likely that had the window not broken out, the 0 2 level in the room

would have continued to be rapidly reduced below 14%. Therefore, the limiting condition was assumed to have been reached.

As previously mentioned, the maximum level of CO in the living room

exceeded the maximum range of the 2% infrared analyzer in all of the tests

in which flashover occurred, with the exception of test 1 due to the additional venting through the broken window (figure 14).

As illustrated in the data plots in figures B19-B27, and in table 8,

with the exception of test 1, limiting conditions of CO and 0 2 occurred at

nearly the same time, and shortly after 100°C was reached. In tests 1, 4,

5 and 7, the elapsed time from flame impingement on the wall to 1% CO ranged

from 1 min 45 sec to 2 min 25 sec; similarily, elapsed time to reduction of

0 2 to 14% ranged from 1 min 35 sec to 2 min 5 sec. The range of elapsed

times was only 40 and 30 seconds respectively for CO and 0 2.

The results of tests 3 and 6 indicate a noticeable increase in elapsed

time from flame impingement to limiting conditions of CO and 0 2 (table 8)

.

However, as previously indicated, the behavior of the chair fire in test 6 varied considerably from the other seven chair fires and interpretation of

the results in terms of elapsed times was limited.

In tests 2 and 8, with walls and ceiling which did not contribute

significantly to the growth of the fire, a limiting condition of 0 2 was not

reached. And, while the time-rated threshold for CO of 41,800 (ppm) 1 * 036

(min) was reached in test 8, it occurred at a much later point in the test

than any of the others where the CO threshold was exceeded. However, in

25
test 13, limiting conditions of CO and O 2 were reached in the living room

immediately after the mattress fire reached flashover in the bedroom even

though the interior finish materials were similar to those used in tests 2 and 8 .

6.2.3. Smoke Generation

An optical density of 0.26 OD/m was identified as corresponding to a level of smoke density at which obscuration of physical features and disorientation of the occupant may occur. While this level of optical density

does not correspond to incipient incapacitation as do the levels selected

for temperature, carbon monoxide and oxygen, it does represent a level of

smoke accumulation at which impairment of emergency evacuation along the

normal exit routes in the mobile home may occur.

In the nine tests conducted in this series, the four smoke meters

located 0.9 and 1.5 m (3 and 5 ft) above the floor in the corridor and in

the living room were oriented in a horizontal position. This orientation

provided sensitivity to smoke stratification. Figures B28-B36 illustrate

the optical density per meter as a function of elapsed time for the four

smoke meters. The optical density of 0.26 OD/m corresponds to 76% light

transmission over the 0.46 m light meter path used in these tests.

The results indicated that 0.26 OD/m occurred first at the 1.5m level

in both the living room and the corridor, and that the optical density was

always higher at the 1.5 m level indicating stratification of the smoke

throughout the mobile home. In all nine tests, 0.26 OD/m was reached and

exceeded at all four measurement locations. With the exception of test 8, an optical density of 0.26 OD/m was reached prior to flame impingement on

the wall. This would indicate that the time to reach 0.26 OD/m optical

density at the locations selected for these tests does not depend on the

interior finish material when the initial burning item is a typical

upholstered chair.

While development of the chair fires alone resulted in high levels of

optical density, the results of tests 2, 4 and 8 indicate a more gradual

generation of smoke than in the other fire tests. In addition, the maximum

optical density per meter reached in tests 2 and 8 which had low flame spread

walls and ceiling was 2.0 OD/m, while maximum optical densities in the other

tests exceeded 4.0 OD/m. Actually, in tests 4, 6, 7 and 13, the optical

density exceeded 6.0 OD/m. (The reliability of the calculated values of

optical density greater than 6.0 OD/m is reduced due to the accuracy of the

instrumentation.) Therefore, the maximum rate of smoke generation prior to

flashover depended significantly on the contribution of the interior finish

materials when the initial burning item was a typical upholstered chair.

6.2.4. Fire Growth and the Impact on Life Safety

Figure 16 provides a graphical summary of the occurrence of limiting

conditions of temperature, carbon monoxide and oxygen in the living room as

a function of elapsed time from flame impingement on the wall for full-scale

fire tests with the upholstered chairs. This technique provides a means of

examining the performance of a variety of wall and ceiling systems assuming

similar initial development of the chair fire. In addition, the times from

the beginning of the test to attainment of limiting conditions are included

for test 13 where the polyurethane mattress was used as the initial burning

item.

26
The t^'rae available for emergency evacuation prior to reaching limiting

conditions within the mobile home under this test scenario can be estimated

based on the information included in figure 16. For example, if a fire

requires 4 min 25 sec before initial flame impingement on the wall occurs,

and an additional 1 min 20 sec to reach flashover (e.g., test 1) then the

maximum time available before survival becomes unlikely and damage is

extensive is 5 min 45 sec.

However, changes in conditions prior to flashover may significantly

affect the occupants' ability to egress from the mobile home. Though not

considered a limiting condition for human incapacitation, when 0.26 OD/m

optical density is reached it becomes more difficult for an occupant to move.

This difficulty is due in part to the decreased visibility and in part to the

discomfort (i.e., coughing, eye irritation, etc.) caused by the smoke. The

occupant may also have difficulty thinking clearly because of confusion and

fear frequently associated with decreased visibility. The test data indicate

that 0.26 OD/m optical density was reached very early in each of the tests,

primarily as a result of the burning chair or mattress.

Difficulty in exiting the mobile home through an entrance door will be

increased considerably once a limiting condition of CO, 0 2 or temperature is

reached. Limiting conditions of these elements will directly affect the

capacity of the occupant to move. In addition, it cannot be assumed that

persons will crouch or crawl along the floor where conditions may be more

tolerable. Survival along the egress passages and in any room not closed to

the fire is extremely questionable under these conditons. Finally, flashover is reached in the room of fire origin, and with it, as mentioned above,

somewhat doubtful probability that one can survive any longer in the

environment

While the information in figure 16 can be used to determine the maximum

time an occupant has to escape, other factors to be considered in an exercise

of this nature would be the expected time for initial fire development prior

to flame impingement on the wall, and the likelihood that the occupants are aware of the fire or are alerted to its existence by automatic detection.

In the six tests in the upholstered chair series in which flashover was

observed, limiting conditions of temperature, CO and 0 2 were reached in the

living room which was located at the opposite end of the mobile home. These

conditions were reached in the living room and flashover occurred in the bedroom for these tests from 1 min 20 sec to 3 min 15 sec elapsed time after

flame impingement on the wall.

In the two tests in which flashover was not observed, the temperature

and CO criteria were reached, but after a much longer period of time. This

further indicates that the attainment of flashover in the bedroom may be a critical factor for life safety as well as property damage.

7. SURFACE FLAMMABILITY OF INTERIOR FINISH MATERIALS

The test results showed that fire growth and spread depended to a large

extent on the temperature rise of the air (gases) in the upper part of the

room. The attainment of high temperatures in the upper part of the room was primarily a function of the amount of heat released from the burning materials, including the initial burning item and the walls and ceiling. Therefore, a simple heat balance could be applied.

27
The tests demonstrated that the surface flame spread classification

(FSC) of the interior finish materials influence at least in part the rate

of flame propagation over the material surface and the total surface area

of involvement, and therefore should be considered when examining the heat

generation and resulting upper room temperature in the room. Since the

Tunnel Test is the laboratory test upon which requirements are based in the

Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standard, it is essential to

examine the extent to which surface flame spread as measured by this test

can provide information on the performance of these materials when exposed

to an incidental fire under full-scale conditions. Therefore as part of

this segment of work, the surface flame spread classification determined in accordance with the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test for each interior finish

material was compared with the performance of the materials under full-scale

test conditions. It should be noted that this comparison was complicated

by the interaction between the wall and ceiling materials during the fire.

For example, the individual contribution from the walls and ceiling could

not be delineated. Therefore, it was necessary to consider the performance

of the combination rather than that of an individual wall or ceiling.

In test 8, with walls and ceiling having FSC of zero, the heat

generated in the room was primarily from the initial fire, which did not

spread beyond the burning chair. However, in other chair tests the extent

of flame propagation along the interior finish materials increased the

amount of heat, resulting in higher upper room temperatures and flashover.

As previously discussed, the most severe conditions occurred in those

tests in which flashover was observed; the thresholds for limiting conditions of temperature, CO and 0 2 were reached at the measurement location

in the center of the living room at approximately the same elapsed time

after flame impingement on the wall as was flashover in the bedroom.

Further, the thresholds were exceeded by a considerable amount, indicating

continued rapid decay of the environment in the areas outside the bedroom.

In the tests in which flashover did not occur , the rise in temperature

and CO and the depletion of oxygen in the living room were quite different;

the changes were more gradual, with the threshold for temperature being the

only limiting condition reached in test 2, and temperature and CO in test 8 It should also be noted that the temperature threshold was only marginally

exceeded indicating borderline cases; and, the elapsed time to reach the

temperature and CO thresholds were noticeably longer than in the tests

which flashed over.

This analysis of the test data indicated that when considering life

safety and property damage from fires similar to those in this experimental

setup, flashover is a critical point in fire development. Therefore, the

surface flame spread properties of the wall and ceiling material combinations, based on the FSC from the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test, were evaluated com- paratively based on the attainment of flashover under the actual full-scale

conditions

In the six upholstered chair tests resulting in flashover in the

bedroom, the time from flame impingement on the wall to flashover varied

from 80 to 195 seconds. Since all test conditions were nominally the same,

and the adjusted times provide for a similar exposure of the interior finish in each test, the variation in time to flashover is predominantly a function of the fire properties of these materials.

28
The shortest period of elapsed time from flame impingement on the wall

to flashover occurred in test 1 with prefinished lauan plywood walls and a wood fiberboard ceiling; these materials had FSC of 206 and 119, respectively, in accordance with the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test.^ However, in test 6 with a similar wall material used in conjunction with a gypsum ceiling (FSC

11) , the elapsed time to flashover was extended by 88 seconds (figure 17a)

.

A similar comparison of tests 3 and 7 is shown in figure 17b. In these

tests, the walls were constructed of fire retardant treated lauan plywood

(FSC 60) and the ceiling was a wood fiberboard ceiling with a moderate FSC

of 81 (test 3) and a gypsum ceiling with FSC 11 (test 7) to further illustrate the effect of different ceiling materials on fire growth. The difference in elapsed times to flashover was 80 seconds, which was slightly

less than the difference which occurred between tests 1 and 6. However,

the lower FSC of the wood fiberboard ceiling in test 7 may have accounted

for this.

When comparing the temperature rise in all four tests, it appears that

little change occurred in fire buildup for this group of materials when the

FSC of the wall material was changed from 60 to 182 with the same (FSC 11)

ceiling material. Figure 18a illustrates similar temperature development

for tests 3 and 6 in which a fire retardant treated wall (FSC 60) and an untreated prefinished lauan plywood wall (FSC 182) were each tested with

the same ceiling material. Similar results are indicated when comparing

tests 4 and 5.

In test 7, the wall (FSC 60) and ceiling (FSC 81) materials were

selected to provide a combination of interior finish materials of intermediate FSC. The results indicate that the elapsed time from flame impingement on the wall to flashover was extended an additional 35 seconds beyond

the time in test 1 with prefinished lauan plywood walls (FSC 206) and a wood fiberboard ceiling (FSC 119)

.

The plots for tests 3 and 4 in figure 18a illustrate a difference in

temperature rise as a function of elapsed time from flame impingement on

the wall between the two tests. Both tests were conducted with gypsum

board ceilings which contributed little fuel. However, while the walls in

both tests had a FSC of 60, the lauan plywood was treated with different

intumescent coatings. This indicates that while in the end the peak severity may be the same, some variation in the time for fire development can be

expected when using different types of intumescent coatings, even when a similar FSC is obtained.

The results of tests 5 and 6 indicate that there is no advantage in

increasing the thickness of prefinished lauan plywood from 4 to 6.4 mm

(5/32 to 1/4 in) in conjunction with a gypsum ceiling.

7 Flame spread calculated by George Williams - Leir (GWL) Method. This

method was adopted by ASTM in April 1976 and replaces the method previously used to determine flame spread [9],

29
The most significant change in fire development occurred in test 2 with

gypsum walls (FSC 24) and ceiling (FSC 11). This was the only combination

of materials, other than the calcium silicate board (test 8), in which

f lashover was not reached. This indicates that while the fire properities

of the ceiling material can affect the time to reach f lashover , the fire

properties of both the walls and the ceiling are significant if flashover

from an incidental fire in the bedroom is to be avoided.

In order to specify the range of FSC of combinations of wall and

ceiling materials which will not result in flashover from an upholstered

chair fire in the bedroom of a mobile home, a matrix was developed based on

the results of the full-scale tests (see figure 19). The region in the

matrix depicted by diagonal lines represents those combinations of wall and

ceiling materials which either resulted in flashover or are judged to have

the potential for flashover from exposure to an incidental fire. Judgements

are based primarily on the concepts that 1) materials having lower FSC will

contribute less to fire buildup, and 2) small differences in FSC, without

significant changes in the the thermo-physical properties of the materials

themselves will not significantly alter fire growth.

In figure 19, three categories or regions of performance are identified.

One region includes combinations of FSC in which flashover did not occur;

another region includes all of the combinations in which flashover did

occur; the remaining separates the other two and represents those combinations in which, due to lack of data, no determination was made. The size of

this region of uncertainty is dependent upon the number of combinations of

FSC actually tested.

Additional full-scale tests would provide information to determine the

potential hazard of a combination of materials having FSC ' s located in the

untested region of the matrix. Such tests would reduce the size of the

region of uncertainty within the matrix.

The times recorded in the matrix are the measured elapsed times from

flame impingement on the wall to flashover for those tests in which flash- over was observed. These values indicate that the elapsed time from flame

impingement on the wall to flashover generally increased with decreasing

FSC of the ceiling material. Therefore, the rate of fire buildup as well

as the maximum intensity were influenced by the surface flame spread characteristics of the interior finish materials, particularly those on the

ceiling

.

Flashover occurred in all of the tests conducted with the upholstered

chair fires with the exception of test 2, constructed with a wall material

of FSC 24 and a ceiling material of FSC 11, and test 8 with noncontributing

walls and ceiling (FSC zero)

.

The matrix in figure 19 can provide guidance in identifying the

potential for particular combinations of wall and ceiling materials to con- tribute sufficiently to a fire originating in an upholstered chair in the

master bedroom of a single-wide mobile home. In those tests in which environmental conditions approached or exceeded flashover, high levels of carbon

monoxide and temperature, the dominant causes of physical incapacitation,

occurred. Therefore, the matrix provides a useful tool in assessing the

impact of the FSC of the walls and ceiling on the potential hazard to occupants as well as on the potential property damage.

30
There are important limitations in interpreting the results in the

matrix. The degree of hazard for a given combination of wall and ceiling

materials may be expected to diminish with increased room size and decreased

size of the initial burning item. Therefore, application of the results in

the matrix apply only to the master bedroom in this case, to the specific

test parameters, and to an incidental fire with a severity similar to that

of the upholstered chair fire. A modified matrix may be more appropriate

for another combination of room size, type of initial burning item, etc.

However, use can be made of the fact that the region of demonstrated flashover potential will increase with increasing size of the initial burning item

and decreasing room size, while the region of no flashover potential will

increase with increasing room size and decreasing size of the initial burning item. The use of the matrix should be limited to "conventional materials". Materials with widely divergent thermo-physical and fire properties

including foam plastics and composites should be subjected to full-scale

tests prior to making judgements regarding fire growth.

Figure 18b provides an illustration of temperature development in the

bedroom after flame impingement on the wall for tests 1 and 2. In addition,

temperature rise from time of ignition is plotted for test 13. Two key

points are illustrated in this figure which confirm the limitations regarding the use of the matrix. First, for incidental fires of moderate intensity, the fire properties of the interior finish can dominate the resulting

extent of fire growth, fire spread, and the hazard to occupants. Second,

as the size of the exposure fire is increased, a point will be reached where

the significance of the interior finish materials may no longer dominate.

This is consistent with the material hazard matrix concept. If a matrix

were created involving a polyurethane mattress exposure fire similar to the

one tested in this series, the region of flashover potential would occupy

the entire matrix, indicating that flashover will occur regardless of the

interior finish.

8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Nine full-scale fire tests were conducted in the master bedroom of a typical single-wide mobile home. The primary experimental scenario was the

exposure of various combinations of wall and ceiling materials to an incidental fire from a burning 16 kg (35 lb) upholstered chair located in one corner of the room. For one test (test 13) , the scenario was altered to

examine the characteristics of fire growth and spread resulting from the ignition of a polyurethane foam mattress and bedding materials.

Test conditions were as follows: (a) all exterior windows and doors

were closed, but not sealed; (b) all doors along the corridor except the door

to the master bedroom (bedroom #1) were closed; (c) the mobile home was con- ditioned to 23 + 4°C (72 + 7°F) and 52 + 8% relative humidity.

The results indicate that a fire in an upholstered chair in the corner

of a bedroom of a typical single-wide mobile home will not by itself generate sufficient heat and flames to result in flashover, and a fully involved

room fire. The results of test 8, with essentially noncontributing walls and

ceiling (flame spread zero) indicate that a maximum upper room air temperature

of 372°C and a maximum incident heat flux of 0.2 W/cm 2 at the floor were

reached. These levels are considerably lower than the peak range of temperatures (634 - 734 °C) and incident heat flux (1.5 - 3.6 W/cm2

) which occurred

in those tests which flashed over

.

31
The results of the tests with each combination of wall and ceiling

material indicate that the rate of development and the resulting severity

of an incidental fire in the bedroom of a typical single-wide mobile home

are affected by the fire properties of the interior finish materials exposed

to the fire.

The horizontal spread of fire from the initial burning item to other

items of furniture is primarily the result of convective heat transfer. However, the amount of convected heat transferred is usually small for the

typical horizontal separations between furnishing items. Other combustible

items such as the bed were located within 0.6 m (2 ft) of the burning chair,

but involvement of these combustible furniture items only occurred when

radiant energy was transferred at a sufficient rate from the upper part of

the room. The minimum incident heat flux measured at the floor at the point

in time when this occurred was approximately 1.5 W/cm 2; the upper room temperature 25 mm (1 in) below the ceiling was 634°C.

Early fire development was mostly the result of the fuel contribution

from the chair. At the point at which the wall became involved the rate of

change of the measured variables in the bedroom increased abruptly. The

involvement of the upper walls and ceiling had the most influence on the

growth of the fire beyond this point. In these tests, when the upper walls

and ceiling contributed fuel at a high enough rate to raise the upper air

temperature to a minimum of 634°C (test 1), total room involvement occurred.

In tests 2 and 8, where the walls and ceiling did not become extensively

involved, the maximum temperature in the upper room did not approach the

level necessary to result in room flashover.

The results of test 13 indicate that flashover can occur in the room as

a result of the burning of a polyurethane foam mattress and bedding, with

essentially no contribution from the interior finish materials.

The following is a summary of the findings of the nine tests conducted

in the bedroom of a typical single-wide mobile home:

1. Initial fire buildup varied considerably among the eight tests

with the upholstered chairs due to the variation in spread of the

flames along the surface of the chairs. Flame impingement on the

wall surface varied from 3 min 10 sec in test 8 to 13 min 6 sec

in test 6.

2. Flashover, observed to have occurred as a result of radiative heat

transfer from the heated gas layer and the surfaces in the upper

part of the room to the combustibles in the lower part of the room,

occurred in those tests in which the upper air temperature reached

a minimum of 634°C. Lateral (horizontal) heat transfer and flame

propagation were not of sufficient levels to involve other com- bustibles prior to flashover.

3. The occurrence of flashover was accompanied by conditions that

exceeded limits established for occupant incapacitation in both

the bedroom and the living room.

4 . Limiting conditions of temperature were not reached in the rooms

along the corridor with the doors closed in any of the nine tests

up to the time that flashover occurred. However, the closed bedrooms should not be considered a sanctuary for occupants. These

tests were terminated at flashover, but a post-f lashover fire can

32
be expected to result in inter-room fire spread. Many of the

interior finish materials tested would not provide a barrier

of any significance against fire penetration under such severe conditions

.

5. In the eight tests with the upholstered chair, fire spread

beyond the chair occurred only when there was involvement of the

adjacent wall and ceiling materials. The fire buildup, including

the rate of fire growth and spread beyond the point of flame

impingement on the wall, the ultimate severity of the fire, and

the resulting effects on life safety depended on the fire

properties of the wall and ceiling materials.

6. The most rapid fire buildup to room flashover for the chair tests

occurred in test 1 with the 4 mm (5/32 in) thick prefinished

lauan plywood walls and 13 mm (1/2 in) thick wood fiberboard

ceiling materials. The elapsed time from flame impingement on the wall to flashover ranged from 80 seconds in test 1 to as long

as 195 seconds in test 3. The times increased with decreasing

ASTM E-84 flame spread ratings of the ceiling material.

7. With the exception of test 8 with calcium silicate board walls

and ceiling, the only chair test in which flashover did not

occur was test 2, with gypsum walls and ceiling. This test

(test 2) resulted in the least severe fire in terms of fire

growth and the resulting hazard to occupants. Temperature was

the only threshold for incipient incapacitation that was reached

in this test; this occurred at 2 min 45 sec after flame impingement on the wall which was the longest period of time provided

from flame impingement on the wall to a limiting temperature

level for the upholstered chair tests. The test data further

indicated that the temperature criterion was barely exceeded in

this test, and therefore represents at best a borderline case

for temperature criterion failure.

8. Increasing the thickness of the prefinished lauan plywood from

4.0 mm (5/32 in) to 6.4 mm (1/4 in) in conjunction with a gypsum

ceiling did not appreciably change the rate of fire growth or the attainment of flashover and limiting conditions.

9. Flashover and limiting conditions were reached in less than

4 minutes from the ignition of a polyurethane mattress and

bedding with no apparent involvement of the unpainted gypsum

board interior finish.

10.

The ASTM E-84 flame spread classification (FSC) rating provided

an indication of the potential fire hazard resulting from a chair

fire in the mobile home bedroom under the conditions established

and for the materials used in this test series.

The following general conclusions regarding the impact of the interior

finish materials can be drawn from the data discussed in this report.

1. Given an upholstered chair fire in the corner of the master

bedroom in a single-wide mobile home, in the absence of other

combustible furnishings near enough to be ignited by flame

contact, the attainment of flashover requires the involvement

of the interior finish materials. Flashover is likely to occur

if the FSC of the wall lining material is greater than 60 (by

ASTM E-84) regardless of the FSC of the ceiling material. However,

the time from flame impingement on the wall to flashover will

increase with decreasing FSC of the ceiling material.

33
2. Given a polyurethane mattress and bedding fire in the corner of

the master bedroom of a single-wide mobile home, flashover is

likely to occur regardless of the FSC of the interior finish

materials. However, it should be noted that bedding fire involving mattresses constructed of other materials such as cotton

batting or neoprene [48] may not pose as serious a hazard as the

mattress used in this series.

3. Limiting conditions adverse to life safety are reached in the

living room at the remote end of the mobile home from the bedroom

where the fire was started at approximately the same time that

flashover occurs in the bedroom. To the extent that flashover

does not occur, limiting conditions of carbon monoxide and oxygen

are reached in the living room only after an extended period of

time, or not at all.

4. A smoke level of 0.26 OD/m will generally be exceeded throughout

the mobile home during development of the chair fire, prior to

involvement of the interior finish materials. Therefore, while

the type of interior finish material will affect the total amount

of smoke generated, the interior finish will have minimum impact

on the time at which 0.26 OD/m optical density is reached.

This report provides experimental data on an individual segment of the

research conducted under the Mobile Home Fire Safety Project. A summary

report is planned in which data will be included along with the data collected in other segments of the project including full-scale fire testing

in the kitchen, living room and corridor areas of a single-wide mobile home.

9 . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Mr. B. Buell, Mr. T. Maher, Mr. B. Ramey

Mr. W. Stull and Mr. C. Veirtz for their aassistance in the experimental

work; Mr. S. Steel for his technical advice regarding instrumentation and

measurement modifications necessary to reliably collect the experimental

data under unique experimental conditions, and Mr. M. Womble for his assistance in preparation, instrumentation, scheduling and the conduct of the

experimental work.

Some of the materials for this test series were provided by Evans

Plywood Manufacturing Company and National Gypsum Company.

This work was sponsored principally by the Division of Energy, Building

Technology and Standards, Office of Policy Development and Research, U. S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

34
10. REFERENCES

[1] Fires and fire losses classified, 1975, Fire Journal, Vol. 70, No. 6 (Nov. 1976).

[2] Budnick, E. K. , Mobile home living room fire studies: The role of

interior finish, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 78-1530, (Sept. 1978).

[3] Budnick, E. K. , Fire spread along a mobile home corridor, Nat. Bur.

Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 76-1021, (July 1976).

[4] Bruce, H. D. , Experimental dwelling room fires, FPL Report No. 1941,

Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wise., (April 1959).

[5] Pryor, A. J. , Full scale fire tests of interior wall finishes. Fire

Journal, Vol. 63 No. 2 (Mar. 1969).

[6] Waterman, T. E. , Room f lashover-model studies. Fire Technology, Vol. 8,

No. 4 (Nov. 1972).

[7] Fire Protection Handbook, 14th Edition, National Fire Protection

Association, Boston, Mass., 6-45.

[8] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards, Federal Register, Vol. 40, No. 244,

(December 18, 1975), 58752-58792.

[9] Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials, ASTM E84-77, American Society for Testing and Materials,

Philadelphia, Pa. (1977).

[10] Standard for Mobile Homes, NFPA 501B-1972, ANSI A119. 1-1973, National

Fire Protection Association, Boston, Mass.

[11] Quintiere, J. , Growth of fire in building compartments. Fire Standards

and Safety, ASTM STP 614, American Society for Testing and Materials

(1977) , 131-167.

[12] Waterman, T. E. , Determination of fire conditions supporting room

flashover, Final Report IITRI Project Model, DASA 1886, Defense

Atomic Support Agency, Washington, D. C. (Sept. 1966).

[13] Fang, J. B. , Fire buildup in a room and the role of interior finish

materials, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Tech. Note 879, (June 1975).

[14] Croce, P. A. and Emmons, A. W. , The large-scale bedroom fire test,

July 11, 1973, FMRC Ser. No. 21011.4, Factory Mutual Research,

Norwood, Mass. (July 1974).

[15] Croce, P. A., A study of room fire development: The second full-scale

bedroom fire test of home fire project (July 24, 1974), Factory Mutual

Research, Norwood, Mass. (June 1975).

[16] Modak, A. T. , Ed., The third full-scale bedroom fire test of the home

fire project (July 30, 1975), Volume II-Analysis of Results FRMC Ser.

No. 21011.7, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, Mass.

(Nov. 1976)

.

[17] A critical review of full-scale fire testing. Final Report prepared for

the Products Research Committee, SRI Project No. PRC 4875, Stanford

Research Institute, Menlo Park, Calif., Final Report, (Dec. 1976).

35
[18] Fang, J. B. , Measurement of the behavior of incidental fires in a compartment, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 75-679, (Mar. 1975).

[19] Klein, David P. , Characteristics of incidental fires in the living

room of a mobile home, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 78-1522, (Sept.

1978) .

[20] Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, ASTM E162-76, American Society for Testing

and Materials, Philadelphia, Pa. (1977).

[21] Standard Test Method for Measuring the Smoke Generated by Solid

Materials, NFPA 258-1976, National Fire Protection Association,

Boston, Mass.

[22] Lawson, J. R. and Parker, W. J. , Development of an ease of ignition

test using flame impingement, Nat. Bur. Stand.. (U.S.), NBSIR, in

preparation

[23] Parker, W. J. and Long, M. E. , Development of a Heat Release Rate

Calorimeter at NBS , ASTM STP 502, American Society for Testing and

Materials, 135-151 (1972).

[24] Fire Safety Aspects of Polymeric Materials: Volume 3 - Smoke and

Toxicity, Report of Committee on Fire Safety Aspects of Polymeric

Materials, National Materials Advisory Board, National Academy of

Sciences, Washington, D. C. , Publ. NMAB 318-3, 1978, p. 6-7.

[25] Autian, J. , Toxicologic aspects of flammability and combustion of

polymeric materials. Journal of Fire and Flammability/Combustion

Toxicology, 239-268, (1970).

[26] Armstrong, G. W. , The life hazards of urethane foams in mattresses and

upholstered furniture, SWRI Project 03-3654, Prepared for the Urethane

Safety Group, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. , Southwest

Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas (1974).

[27] Braun, E., A fire hazard evaluation of the interior of WMATA Metrorail

cars, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 75-971, (1975).

[28] Hillenbrand, L. J. and Wray, J. A., A full-scale fire program to evaluate new furnishings and textile materials developed by the National

Aeronautics and Space Administration, for Office of Technology

Utilization, NASA Contract No. NASW-1948, Battelle Laboratories,

Columbus, Ohio (1973).

[29] Shorter, G. W. , McGuire, J. H. , Hutcheon, N. B. and Legget, R. F.,

The St. Lawrence Burns, NFPA Quarterly, Vol . 53, No. 4, 300-316,

(April 1960)

[30] Palmer, K. N. , Taylor, W. and Paul, K. T. , Fire Hazards of Plastics in

Furniture and Furnishings; Characteristics of Burning, Fire Research

Station (Jan. 1975) .

[31] Birky, M. M. and Manka , M. , The Use of Room and Corridor Tests in

Prediciting Fire Parameters, 1973 Polymer Conference Series - Fire

Prevention and Control. A Major Societal Problem, Univ. of Utah,

Salt Lake City, Utah (June 4-9, 1973).

[32] Rashbash, D. J. , Smoke and toxic products produced at fires, Trans.

J. Plastics Inst., Suppl., 55-61 (1967).

36
[33] Zikria, B. A., Inhalation injuries in fires. Symposium on an Appraisal

of Halogenated Fire Extinguishing Agents, National Academy of Sciences,

Washington, D. C. , 42-52 (April 1973).

[34] Zikria, B. A., Weston, G. C. , Chodoff, M. and Ferrer, J. M. , Smoke and

carbon monoxide poisoning in fire victims. Journal of Trauma, Vol. 12,

No. 8 641-645 (1972) .

[35] Zikria, B. A., Budd, D. C. , Flock, H. F. and Ferrer, J. M. , A clinical

view of smoke poisoning, Paper presented at the International

Symposium on Physiological and Toxicological Aspects of Combustion

Products, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D. C. , 36-46.

[36] Zikria, B. A., Budd, C. C. , Floch , H. F., et al , What is clinical

smoke poisoning?, Anals of Surgery, 181, 151-156 (February, 1975).

[37] Halpin, B. , Fisher, R. S. and Caplan, Y. H., Fire fatality study.

Paper presented at International Symposium on Toxicity and

Physiology of Combustion Products, Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

(March 22-26, 1976)

.

[38] Berl, W. G. and Halpin, B. M. , Fire-related fatalities: An analysis

of their demography, physical origins, and medical causes. Fire

Standards and Safety, ASTM Special Technical Publication 614,

A. F. Robertson, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials,

Philadelphia, Pa. 26-54 (1976).

[39] Claudy, W. D. , Respiratory Hazards of the Fire Service, National Fire

Protection Association, Boston, Mass. (1957)

.

[40] Thienes, C. H. and Haley, T. J. , Clinical Toxicology, 5th ed.

,

Lea Febiger, Philadelphia, Pa. (1972).

[41] Threshold limit values of airborne contaminants adopted by ACGIH for

1973, American Conference for Governmental Industrail Hygienists,

Cincinnati, Ohio (1973).

[42] Yuill, C. H. , The life hazards of bedding and upholstery fires.

Journal of Fire and Flammability, Vol. 1, 312-323 (Oct. 1970).

[43] Fire safety aspects of Polymeric Materials: Vol. 3, Smoke and

Toxicity, p. 17.

[44] Stewart, R. D. , et al, Experimental human exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide. Arch. Environ, Health, Vol. 26, 1-7

(Jan. 1973).

[45] Coburn, R. F. , Forster, R. E. and Cane, P. B., Considerations of the

physiological variables that determine the blood carboxyhemoglobin

concentrations in man, J. of Clinical Investigation, Vol. 44,

1899-1910 (1965).

[46] Alarie, Y. and Zullo, P., Predicting carboxyhemoglobin for different

patterns of carbon monoxide exposure, Industrial Health Foundation

Symposium on Carbon Monoxide, 18-46, Pittsburgh, Pa. (1974).

[47] Parker, J. F. , Jr. and West, V. R. , Bioastronautics Data Book, NASA

SP-3006, Chapter II, Scientific and Technical Information Office,

NASA (1973).

37
Nat.

[48] Babrauskas, V. , Combustion of mattresses exposed to flaming

ignition sources. Part 1. Full-scale tests and hazard analysis,

Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 77-1290, p. 28 (1977).

[49] Kimmerle, G. , Aspects and methodology for the evaluation of

toxicological parameters during fire exposure, J. of Fire and

Flammability/Combustion Toxicology, Vol. 1, 4-51 (Feb. 1974).

[50] Stewart, R. D. , The effect of carbon monoxide on man, J. of Fire and

Flammability/Combustion Toxicology, Vol. 1, 167-176 (1974).

[51] Zikria, B. A., Sturner, W. Q. , Astrajiam, N. K. , Fox, Jr., C. L. and

Ferrer, Jr., J. M. , Respiratory tract damage in burns: pathophysiology

and therapy, Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 150, Article

3, 618-626 (1968).

[52] Fire Protection Handbook, 13th Edition, National Fire Protection

Association, Boston, Mass., 4-36.

[53] Operation School Burning, National Fire Protection Association,

Boston, Mass. , 269 (1959)

.

[54] Moritz, A. R. , Henriques, Jr., F. C. , Dutra , F. R. and Weisiger, J. R.

,

Studies of thermal injury, Archieves of Pathology, 43, 466-488 (1947).

[55] Bond, H. , Ed., Fire casualties of the German attacks. Chapter 8, Fire

and the Air War, National Fire Protection Association, Boston, Mass.

(1946)

.

[56] Montgomery, R. R. , Reinhardt, C. F. , Terrill, J. B., Comments on fire

toxicity. Journal of Tire and Flammability/Combustion Toxicology, 2,

179-212 (1975).

[57] Wamsley, J. R. , MD, Applied Physiology in Selection of an Atmosphere

for Operational Missions, presented at the 14th Annual Institute of

Environmental Sciences Technical Metting, St. Lou s, Missouri

(April 29-May 1, 1968).

[58] Pryor, A. J. et al. Hazards of Smoke and Toxic Gases Produced in Urban

Fires, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas (Sept. 1969).

[59] Einhorn, I. N. , Physio-chemical study of smoke emission by aircraft

interior material, part 1, physiological and toxicological aspects of

smoke during fire exposure. Report No. FAA-RD-73-50 , I (July 1973).

[60] Sollman, T. , Systemic action of gases, A Manual of Pharmacology, 7th

Ed., W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, Pa., 1948.

[61] Kraines, S. H. , The correlation of oxygen deprivation with intelligence,

construction and blood pressure, American Journal of Psychiatry,

Vol. 93, No. 4 (January 1937).

[62] Henderson, Y. and Haggard, H. W. , Noxious Gases and the Principal of

Respiration Influencing Their Action, 2nd Revised Edition, Reinhold,

New York (1943)

.

[63] Pryor, A. J. and Yuill, C. H., Mass Fire Life Hazard, prepared for the

Office of Civil Defense, U.S. Army, Contract No. N228 (62749) 68665,

Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas (September 1966).

[64] Bukowski, R. W. , Critical Smoke Levels, unpublished draft, National

Bureau of Standards (1978) .

38
[65] Shern, J. H. Smoke Contribution Factor in the Fire Hazard Classification of Building Materials, ASTM STP-422 (1967).

[66] Anonymous, Fire Detection Systems in Dwellings, Quarterly of NFPA,

Vol. 65, No. 3, 201 (Jan. 1963).

[67] Malhotra, H. L. , Movement of smoke on escape routes, part 1 - instrumentation and effect of smoke on visibility, Joint Fire Research

Organization, Fire Research Note 651 (Jan. 1967).

[68] Anonymous, Operation School Burning, National Fire Protection Association, Boston, Mass. (1963).

[69] Anonymous, Operation School Burning, National Fire Protection

Association, Boston, Mass. (1959).

[70] Rasbash, D. J. , Sensitivity criteria for detectors used in protect

life, 75th International Seminar on Problems of Automatic Fire

Detection, I.E.N.T., Aachen, Germany held March 5-6, 1975.

[71] Jin, T. , Visibility Through Fire Smoke I, Fire Research Institute,

Japan (July 1969) .

[72] Jin, T. , Visibility Through Fire Smoke II, Report of Fire Research

Institute of Japan, 33 (1971).

[73] Jin, T. , Visibility Through Fire Smoke III, Bulletin of Japanese Assoc.

Fire Science and Eng., 22 (1972).

[74] Rasbash, D. J. , Smoke and toxic products at fires, Trans., J. Plastics

Inst., p. 55 (Jan. 1967).

[75] Wood, P. G. , The Behavior of People in Fires, JFRO, Borehomwood

,

England, Fire Research Note No. 953.

[76] Jin, T. , Visibility Through Fire Smoke (Part 5 Allowable Smoke Density

for Escape from Fire) . Report of Fire Research Institute of Japan,

No. 42 (1976).

[77] Jin, T. , Visibility through fire smoke, Main Reports on Production,

Movements and Control of Smoke in Buildings, 100-153, Japanese

Association of Fire Science and Engineering (1974)

.

[78] Gross, D. , Loftus, J. J. and Robertson, A. F., A Method for Measuring

Smoke from Burning Materials, ASTM STP-422 (1967).

[79] Bono, J. A. and Breed, B. K. , Study of smoke ratings developed in

standard fire tests in relation to visual observations. Underwriters'

Laboratories Bulletin of Research No. 56 (1965).

[80] Bukowski, R. W. , Field investigation of residential smoke detectors,

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 76-1126 (Appendix A) (November 1976).

[81] Harpe, S. , et al, Detector sensitivity and siting requirements for

dwellings, IITRI, Final Contractors' Report, NBS-GCR-77-82

.

[82] Heskestad, G. , Escape potentials from apartments protected by fire

detectors in high-rise buildings, FMRC Serial Number 21017.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Contract No. H-2034R

(June 1974 )

.

39
Figure 1. Photographs of Typical Single-Wide Mobile Homes

Used in Conducting Full-Scale Fire Tests

40
41

Figure

2.

Plan

View

of

Mobile

Home

Test

Unit
Figure 3. Photographs Showing Upholstered Chair Positioned

in Southeast Corner of Bedroom

42
!

in •pc

04£

a)

i-i 3W

10a) £

a>p3

•P

(0p

04aE

a> Eh

pH

<0 P -p 0 c 0 0) r—1 e

4-4 P U o ai <1) o > •d cu

r4 0 0)

X

4-1 £1 c w

10 0

0) •H 4-1 > £ s •p 0 0 o rt

XI in

m

G

(0 <N • O r-4 o

IN rH CU r-4 •H £ rH rH 10 «P O •a P > d s c 0 O

IN c (0 4-> P 0

ro (0 4-4 CJ

O »J .—i W CTl 04 TJ

•> (0 . P -P rH

TJ <N

w o 04 P 10

C

n TJ P P

40 i-4 r-4

C P - E 0 0) 0) 0 O in 04 O G

*» > O P ID .X 0) CO 00 0) P i—4 0) ^ 0 04 O

CO 00 r-4 -H 44 P -P • E T> i—1 i—4 (0 0 04 o in -p O'-

4-4 XS 04

O E in

G - 0 o > *—4 0 44 0) c

•H i—1 j—4 0 0 44 4-> O Dm-<4 -P

i—4 i—1

r4 a; XI

O >1

CN 04 4H > 0) 40 0) X!

X -P c P o o > & 4-4 0 *P TJ TJ 4-4 XI p E O Ifl c

(0

04 0) (0 40 3 rH -Q t) a o tr> P

-P 4-4

O iH in 40 04 •H

C

rH

(0 (0 T! TJ fa 0) • C -p 4-> -H rH O O 04 ai o r4 £ cnx: 10 rH M 0 0 4-4 -P c •H CT> N -H •—1 f-H 40 40 0 TJ in i—1 *r4 •r4 (14 -P u o •H 40 IN • 4T3 r4 c u •H

<0 <0 0 0 4-4 o O r-4 0 G

0) 04 r-4 »—4

•H jH >1 - •H 3 D

i—4 i—4

X c TJ - r-4 P O

aa 3 P P tr 0)

C IN r4O f“4 r4 -P 3 3 •H 0) 0) H tn in 40 o c 40 O (0 04 CO 0 0 fa o o 40 aj 0 -P r4 •H XI 0) o 0 3 3 »4M Cn in CNTJ •H C 4-4 P O EH 0 0 4-4 T! TJ 0 f0 O C -P O o P E

(0 in in

C

uU 40 40

N 04 P 0) £ <L) P G 0) C C in •r4 P •H t> O E £

04 04 fa 40 (0 in (0 c «. - 0) P O 04 E <r>

O

JC £ p

p

O

p o o o c O XI 4-4 0 IN EE

Eh Eh 4-1 Eh Eh .-4 4-4 •H

ua 04 fa 40 0) C-4 (N c fa -p e> a d) 1 1 04 1 1 P in i i 1 1 rH

TJ

X 1 3 04 04 •H

r-l 04 •r4 rH <N D>

x »—4 (N x; £ •X

Q XX

Eh Eh

Oa fa •H i-4 £ o e> 0 fa 0 fa 0 c CD O E E

ST

H 3^

U in fa

4-1O3

a) •H>c

(0

Cm

04P3C

•H

Pm

43
Figure

5a.

Test

Set-up

Utilizing

the

Figure

5b.

Test

Set-up

Utilizing

the

Bed

as

Upholstered

Chair

Ignitions

the

Ignition

Source

(Test

13) EE

u-> T> ro El 0 r—1

0) 'O

A

-p <U •P rtj 0 •ppm

in o A 0) (0

O o 0 0 -P O O ftJ r—1 ftj O p tp 0 IP rH 0 P p tn > p p p 0 POP p c tn 4H 0) A tn o 0 V (0 O O tn c P -p P C 0 P 6 H P 0'H

•P tn to in > <n

•P c oo s C

O -p

(0 nj . fd 0

-P PH

O

p td o c -P JS •P 0 T3 4-> tn .G p X C X C -P 3 P (0 C P -P -P p >—I o P *—i 5

•p tp <Ti ip -p

tn . ' P 0 j: c -P O O P o in H fd o fd P O -P H 0 C -P i—i K (0 >P E -P «p c II II 0 m •'T •H OS os

-P •P< XoA

-P

CN P ro •P

<ep

tn 0 u C c

•H

p t p fd 0 0 p p > c 0 tn 0 o p c u u

tn •p 1—1

<0p 0 o -p 0 -p A p 0 tn aPH <d p c_> S

ii II II II < CQ u Q

44

Figure

5.

Plan

View

of

Bedroom

Illustrating

the

Fuel

Load

Arrangement

for

the

Two

Test

Configurations
45

Figure

6.

Photograph

Illustrating

the

Weighing

Platform

and

Suspensi

System

for

Measuring

Weight

Loss

in

Bed

Test
(0 03Q) 3UniVU3dlAl31

46
ELAPSED

TIME

(SECONDS)

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

(jNO/m) xnid 1V3H

o

******

o o o o o

ID CO Csj — O

47

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

ELAPSED

TIME

(SECONDS)
48

Figure

9.

Time

Histories

for

Rate

of

Burning

(20-second

intervals)

of

Upholstered

Chairs

and

Mattress

(Bedroom

Series)
o

("IOA A8 !N30d3d) N0llVdlN30N00

a)>o

g

in

C —

O M H <U P

<t) PP

<U •P w

c

0) g

o o

c o

O P U T)

<u

CD CQ •Hx g o o

c o

O P S TJ

Q) C CQ O

X> 4-1 P O

<a U P

(U •p p

c c

a> <d o u

p

<D c

C4 -P

o

<up

3

tn •H

fc,

49
ELAPSED

TIME

(SECONDS)

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

100

(10A A8 AN30d3d) N0LLVHLN30N00

("IOA AS iN30H3d) NOIlVdlN3DNOO

fa

S

<D

Id3

O' •H

fa

50
p

d> +Jc

a) ucuoo

i-H b

CU>oe

in w * 0) C -H O >-l •H 0) -P C/i d) H 6

Qj 0

d) 0 Q P

TD C dJ d) CQ

tr>-—•

>ix e o oo P u C "O

d) d) u m p

d) M-l PU O

CM

<uP3

•Hb

51
ELAPSED

TIME

(SECONDS)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

500

i

1

—

—i

1

1

1

1

1

1

t—

—

i

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

500

(o 03Q) 3uni.va3dW3i

(D 030) 3aniVU3dW31

o O o o o O O O o O

LO o ID o ID O ID O ID m no CM (M *1 —«

52

Figure

13.

Temperature

1.3

m

Above

Floor

in

Center

of

Living

Room

(Bedroom

Series)
ELAPSED

TIME

(SECONDS)

100

200

3

00

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

ClQA A8 !N30d3d) N0llVdlN30N00

53

Figure

14.

Percent

Carbon

Monoxide

Concentration

1.5

m

Above

Floor

in

Center

of

Living

Room

(Bedroom

Series)
ELAPSED

TIME

(SECONDS)

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

100

(10A A0 lN30a3d).N0U31d3Q o 1/5 o

CM o4 ID o4 O o4 LD

O' O O oO

cn

coo ^o (/) CO Qzoo

LU

uo !±J O (/) o Ql

LxJ oo

CO zo

Elg

E-I zwozoo oo

CMoo

ID

CM o

CM

ID LD

O

(10A A8 iN30U3d) ,NOI13"!d3a

<N o

<#>

<#> <Xi O

CNzoH

E-I W

04Ua

<#>

O

<U 4JC

a) uc

1-4 o0

111 >o5£ ~

co in a> • *H

i—I 1-1

(1) * C/l O E

rH o P o

a) i4 iH T3

04 <U

a)

m

a

—c E

a) o

cn

O >ia XO cnc

id>

•H 4-> C

a>oM

0) <4-1 04 0

a>o3

Cn

fa
55

Figure

16.

Elapsed

Time

From

Flame

Impingement

on

the

Bedroom

Wall

to

Limiting

Conditions

of

Temperature,

Carbon

Monoxide,

and

Oxygen

in

the

Living

Room

(Bedroom

Series)
FLASHOVER

ft

FLASHOVER

u o CO 3E P

a) pg ai a> |

-I 0)

G Cm 0) •P *p E P dio o C h w H fc >P E

•H (U

O

at E o u -p p

Eh X) S a) com *—! <1) —

a) to CQ Qj *P

(3 *—

g *P Id e w s

in •

rsi oi> GO

-PG

a>E

<u

p e 3 O P O

(0 P p a o>

<u Q) c am -p E a

0) P g E OH

J3

r-'

0)p3

O’ •H

Eh

ID.) 3HniVH3dWI31

p

a) pG (U < « | 5 rH (0 G Cm 4) z •H *H o E P

O’ 0 di h- G P C/3 z P (P „

UJS

•h ai c

LU <u e o U -P P o Eh -O z » 0) CL ova s P 11^- — ai oi CO Cw~i

UJ id ip s

<£

g fp id e w s —

LU in • c

CM 0) o s >

ai

p o PEC QC 3 0 0) u. POE . . id p ai O P *0 O’ UJ a> a> c

C/J Q.CQ -P '—

E a. UJ <D p E §

Eh

O

M

i—a id UJ r~ CO rH a.— Q) 

Li UJ 3

Cr> •H

Eh

56
o.) 3amvd3dW3i

0,) 3UniVU3dlAI3JL

57

Figure

18a.

Temperature

25

mm

Below

Ceiling

in

Center

Figure

18b.

Temperature

25

mm

Below

Ceiling

in

Center

of

Bedroom

vs.

Elapsed

Time

From

Flame

of

Bedroom

vs.

Elapsed

Time

From

Flame

Impingement

on

Wall

(Bedroom

Series)

Impingement

on

Wall

(Bedroom

Series)
TIMES ARE FROM FLAME IMPINGEMENT ON WALL TO FLASHOVER

H REGION DEMONSTRATING NO POTENTIAL FOR FLASHOVER

FI UNTESTED REGION

REGION DEMONSTRATING FLASHOVER POTENTIAL

Figure 19. Material Hazard Matrix Based on ASTM E-84

FSC for an Upholstered Chair Exposure Fire

(Bedroom Series)

58
0)

M ao 0 (0 u t* >. o> w5 ><

a) at w

a) jc

0) CD oc ej J=

JJ 6C « «H

0) PC

S£ * ' &W vO

e- 3 w sr

*H P U & X> QJ O *H CO fa c

Si

a> 0 0 J2 o QUO) H flj W

fa 4J £ 1

’VO *o

Xi o U US

•H »0

a) 0

fa »

55

cd 5n«h

jqa

T3 rH

td *h

<ym

M Q. a < u CD co a u<

o.

h

CO o <U

Q) *0 Jd

•H £ 6 O

59

Table

1.

Physical

and

Fire

Properties

of

Interior

Finish

Materials
GO

G

X

O

X >-J X 3 G o Q GG

c/: o

PQ CJ 2 GOOSG

a) xG

*H

GM

CN 03 ^ O X X ^ XG € ^ g

0)G

X

U

COG

*H

O

GX

X

4-4 £ G p X co a- a X 60 uX G X a) 4J x

CO ^ X c c X G

0)

mx ^ 3X g x E G

G

a)

g

x

x

coG

X

O 5-°

4-1 E G 3 X CO a a

j* 60

cj X

G

X

G

X

X

4-4 VOX G ^ G

in

x

w

p l ugG

G

x

x

coG

x o G x G 3 X CO a a X 60 aX G X g x x

CO X

GG

X

G ^ G

in

x

w

pX f xG

CJG

03g

X

X

CO

G

•H

O

GX

X

4-4 E G G ^ 60

CJ X

G

X

G

x

X

co

x

g \ G

in

x

w

px

g

XG

<ri ogG

G

X

X

WG

X

O

G

X

X

4-4 E G G X CO a a ^ 60 a

•H

G

X

G

x

X

CO

4-t

XX

G ^ G

in

x

w

p

GOosgGXCOGX

GX

CN

G ^ O X X ^ XG 0 X

G6 OCNI 2 Q GG

CO o

CQ CJ

2S

GX

CO

CL

60 GGX

CN

cn

G ^ O m o 3 * X GG G 4-1 G G X G

CO

X

4-1

p

GG

X

G

a

xGX

a

g

XX

X

GX

/—s

X

G 4-i

<r

g ^ o x o Go

cj

AJ

C

G

O

G

X

VX

CO

G

G

U

4-4

XG * o) G O O CO O G a GX S

CO

XX 3 U 2 G tH X S xG X G U G G *H 4-4 G X G *H U G X

L4 cl ^ 4-j a. c G c •- G to G C U X G 4-4 u G G O u a

Guao g ^ o x o §sXGGXCOGuaxa

CN

CO *T3 ^ O wm o£ d ^ 60 G C X G X G U G AJ 3 G G 4J X G U

CO ^ G X 4-4 4-1 C 3 X 4-4 c

4-4 P G G G E U G I a u 60 G p X X X XXC X eGU

<rG

WG ^ o x o G CJ e x . 3 X ^ X CL x p a a x g

GX

G

G

G

O

X

X CO S C d d xox a G x o xX

CJ X CN X ^X Xv-^ *T3 ego X B OX CN CO ^ X E x p ^ X (0 g a g > ^ B O 60

60

Table

2.

Description

of

Interior

Finish

Materials

Used

in

Each

Full-Scale

Test
U cn C c

CJ *H o O o o o o c o u rH • • c •H co in CO CO CO CO CM rH 0 0) i—i

r—1

rH <H

u

u

<y3u CO w rH x-s in »n o m vO o <r

O o •H rH »>e o cd w On CM ON 00 00 00 CM T s rH rH rH co Lj 8-i u 8-i u 8-i u

•H o 0> •H •H •H *H •H •H *H X) U u a cd cd cd cd cd cd cd cd Q) *H 3 >s JS X J= X X X X X CQ c 0 H u U u u u u CJ o

Sf

C/3 U

W •o c •H <r

O 00 o m <T vO <r <r o P m vO m vO in in <r <r

°H 9K •Hcou

a> tu co CM vO in o vO rH CM

u o r>. vO 00 in o 3

•H AJ

cd

0) 8-i 4J <U C a M § u co CM o CO rH in rH H o CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM rH

>1 u

CO •H co •H »•« ON CM o rH 00 r- 00 P »n vO vO vD in CO <r U 3

•H BB •ocou

0) Ud in <r <r 00 00 <r o ov CM

H 8j 0 r*. in r- 00 r^. in o 3

•H •U

8-i cd

<u 8-i U a) X a u B

0) o sr CO CO vO

m CO r^. vO rH

H o CM CM CM CM rH CM CM CM rH

4J

CO

O

<u z r—1

CM CO in vO 00 CO

H rH

61

Table

3.

Test

Conditions

for

Full-scale

Mobile

Home

Fire

Tests

(Bedroom

Series)
INSTRUMENTATION AND LOCATION

Average air temperature 25 mm below ceiling in bedroom No 1 TC-2 Bedroom 1, south wall, 211 cm above floor

TC-3 Bedroom 1, south wall, 188 cm above floor

TC-4 Bedroom 1, south wall, 132 cm above floor

TC-5 Bedroom 1, east wall, 211 cm above floor

TC-6 Bedroom 1, east wall, 188 cm above floor TC-7 Bedroom 1, east wall, 132 cm above floor

TC-8 Bedroom 1, north wall, 211 cm above floor

TC-9 Bedroom 1, north wall, 188 cm above floor

TC-10 Bedroom 1, north wall, 132 cm above floor

TC-11 Bedroom 1, west wall, 211 cm above floor

TC-12 Bedroom 1, west wall, 188 cm above floor

TC-13 Bedroom 1, west wall, 132 cm above floor

TC-14 Bedroom 1, center of room, 211 cm above floor

TC-15 Bedroom 1, center of room, 188 cm above floor

TC-16 Bedroom 1, center of room, 132 cm above floor

TC-17 Bedroom 1, center of room, 91 cm above floor

TC-18 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 1, 211 cm above floor

TC-19 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 1, 188 cm above floor

TC-20 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 1, 132 cm above floor

TC-21 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 1, 91 cm above floor

TC-2 2 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 2, 211 cm above floor

TC-2 3 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 2, 188 cm above floor

TC-24 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 2, 132 cm above floor

TC-25 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 2, 91 cm above floor

TC-26 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 3, 211 cm above floor

TC-2 7 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 3, 188 cm above floor

TC-2 8 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 3, 132 cm above floor

TC-2 9 Corridor, entr. to bdrm 3, 91 cm above floor

TC-30 Bathroom, center of room, 211 cm above floor

TC-31 Bathroom, center of room, 188 cm above floor

TC-32 Bathroom, center of room, 132 cm above floor

TC-3 3 Bathroom, center of room, 91 cm above floor

TC-34 Bedroom 2, center of room, 211 cm above floor

TC-35 Bedroom 2, center of room, 188 cm above floor

TC-36 Bedroom 2, center of room, 132 cm above floor

TC-3 7 Bedroom 2, center of room 91 cm above floor

TC-3 8 Bedroom 3, center of room, 211 cm above floor

TC-39 Bedroom 3, center of room, 188 cm above floor

TC-40 Bedroom 3, center of room, 132 cm above floor

TC-41 Bedroom 3, center of room, 91 cm above floor

TC-42 Kitchen, center of room, 211 cm above floor

TC-43 Kitchen, center of room, 188 cm above floor

TC-44 Kitchen, center of room, 132 cm above floor

TC-45 Kitchen, center of room, 91 cm above floor

TC-46 Living room, center of room, 211 cm above floor

TC-4 7 Living room, center of room, 188 cm above floor

TC-4 8 Living room, center of room, 132 cm above floor

TC-49 Living room, center of room, 91 cm above floor

RAD-1 Heat flux - center of bdrm 1, floor level

RAD2

Heat flux - corridor at entrance to bdrm 1 - floor level

RAD3

Heat flux - corridor at entrance to bdrm 3 - floor level

HSM-13 Horizontal smoke meter - 0.9 m above floor in corridor

HSM-14 Horizontal smoke meter - 1.5 m above floor in corridor

HSM-18 Horizontal smoke meter - 0.9 m above floor in living room

HSM-19 Horizontal smoke meter - 1.5 m above floor in living room

C0

2 -21 Center of bedroom 1, 1.5 m above floor

CO-20 Center of bedroom 1, 1.5 m above floor

0

2 -22 Center of bedroom 1, 1.5 m above floor

CO- 2 3 Center of living room, 1.5 m above floor

0-24 Center of living room, 1.5 m above floor

Load cell

Table 4. Mobile Home Full-Scale Bedroom Series Instrumentation Locations

62
sI§H>M

*4S§g

CQ

55M£X

vO

cnO

cn

CM

(1 8 £

&0

eso

•a

<M

<N C<

S'?

00

<tuH

CvlI «M ou0CM1 ou

CM

CMI CM O<uHW

0) H

0©

ON I <r i

o>

rv, ovOm

cnm

vo

mi- on

CM

On

vOm

Os© CM

A|

d

vOd

CM

in

Od

<r

O cn cn

OQoo

00

ON

CM VO

Mf

Mi- en

cn

m

vO

CMcn

on CM cn oo

C

mt o

00

on <r

<r cm cn

<r

in

iH

m o

ON cn

ON o i • ii cn

vocnin I vOcn

cn

cn e cn i vO

Mfcn

r*.

CM

O cn vo N vo

cn

in

vo o

in

vo

CM

CM

mto

ON

vOoCM

ON

Mf

CMoo A A

u

U o o c ^ 2

<u Cd r—1 u

JO «d

ctf H 0)

(1) rH U J9 C cd

<U •H M rH

<U 0) IM M

QJ

C 2 iJ

63

Table

5.

Measured

Values

of

Test

Variables

at

Flashover

(Bedroom

Series).
/'“'•v !ZHa

X

vO o UO o o o o o o

CO vO ON CO vO CA 00 av r^» O O uO Ov CM vO CO rH <r

* 0k 0k #» A •s *» *

CO <r CM Ov o av OV co <r

CM CO CM rH uo uo

CM a

s o

u cu

V

o

o

Pi CO CM O © o o o CM 00 o

55 1—

1

d CM CM CM CM CM d rH M>

At At Al A| A | M

CM CM o o 'Cf CM rH o> CM m

CM UO uo o CM rH rH On CM O tH rH rH »—

1

<

00

UO oo CM 00 rH UO 00 CA

CJ <fr O 00 CM VO OV U0

CJ o 1—

1

T—

1

rH r—1 H

-21 CO o m CO ov U0 vO rH & CM vO vO n- U0 CO

CO

1—

I

iH rH rH iH rH

O

CM O CM CO o U0 UO CO

1 • • e • • • O

CJ <r O oo vO U0 o co

-22 CM o 00 vO CM rH o

CM ^5 uo CO o uo vO av UO o i—1 CM 1—1 CM o A s < o

o

PiQw

CQ

1—

1

Q

2

cm o CM vO UO > av co CM <y £

CO O CO rH <r CO o CM

»—

1

CJ O vO vO 00 CO O CM

TC

CO O uo 00 o in CO

o vO CO vO vO CO

jgj

CO °l al

-'‘B 00 y r—

1

00 CO y uo CM vO r—

1

CM CM CM <r oo H

CO o «—1 CM CO uO vO r*^ 00 CO

0) 5=5 H

-cr

<D .o

n) H

OJO

c

<D

!-J <D

(00) •Hu

0) toa

o

o

h

•a

at aa

CD

a> »H

£>

td H

>

CDVH

CO§H

cd >

•a

0)M

a

•M

•a

<U 0u

vOVH

•8H

<u B ocS J3

^

64

Unreliable

data
00dH

<3- -1 00 •H On 1 w u

(1) rH *H rH J »H rH rH rH iH rH 00 o C/5 N

X to

H NO o o CN o o in

H

H

O CNJ nO nO CN 00 NO

c/3

d Csj < wd d o —S o H o •HUD QJ

03

m o O

O in

O

m o in

d <D > d H Jj

d

in o CN o rH rH in o rH

*H (1) *H

m in 00 CO nO ON

m NO E *H W s rH CN C O J3 0) o H

T3U

a «

1 (fl o a) U (J 03 o o o O o O o o o C (fl 0) •H Q Ctf d o o o CN o co <r

Ch •Hm 0N CN nO rH r*.

m

b rH CN

J-t CDS o h a CJ •H 4J Q) u c cn 03 o in r">

O

m in o td rl >\ m Oi <r CN o ry' > M W d • • X ®H Ou •H m CN NO ON NO

AJ C/5 s r

—1 O< *4-1

's-/' o M

QJ

u > 01 o 03

m o o CO CO o in

-C pi <r

m in ryj <r

03

C • • < d •H m O m ON CO

rH E i—i

rH

Chd *h

u o rH (U

•rH

d 03 o o o o o mm

m AJ 3

•H

d

rH CN o CN o co co <r

C uh •H

m nm

O o <1- 00 CO

oo o e rH rH M 'w'

CJ T3 0) Q) u 03 o O o 00 o m

O o Cfl d) H a e i d

rH •vf co o m

O

m o ! aj -H 3 •H CN •n co 00 r>. CN NO CN rH H M s W

^-s

4J £ d m

a)

w CJ

a) i §

53h

QJ

03m o m in in in

m o

Ctf 00 rH CN rH CN com

O <r rH

rH

C 03 c

(K •H S •H <r nO ON 00 co r- CO

cx E rH

Im on

*4-4 /-^ O CJ /-N M CJ d w a) o 03

m o in

m o m o *H M

AJ »H

d

rH CO in CN o o in rH i •H d •H CN 1—1 O rH o d 4= E

00 CJ M

•«—'

/—\ O CJ AJ & 0) o C 03 rH CN nO ON ON in in <*

<u

d

AJ rH

d

rH iH CN rH rH rH

m CO i a) < •H rH *H rH »—1 i—1

rH o o o E

AJ

0) rH CN CO

m NO f"- 00 CO

a; H

65

Table

7.

Tabulation

of

Key

Events

Observed

in

the

Full-Scale

Tests

(Bedroom

Series)
NBS

Heat

Release

Rate

Calorimeter

2

W/cm^

Exposure c

•H

r—u

CO £2

15/6 1/0 6/0 3/0

18/0 12/0 6/6 0/0

_\i

Ease

of

Ignition

Fuel

Contribution

Time

(sec)

Wall/Ceiling

I*"* rH

8 8 8 <r 8 *0)

i"*- g ooldcniO'CC 8 1 vo cn r". m v£ cn

rH rH rH

00

1 W CJ> m

m

<

Wall/Ceiline 206/119 24/11 60/11 60/11

127/11 182/11 60/81 0/0 15/15

u

to iH

<0U B

•H

AJ P

D. O

O 1

HSM

19

4.2 1.6

>6.0 >6.0 >6.0 >6.0 >6.0 1.8

>6.0

i

•HX

cc

>>

*->

C

<U o

<3- r—1 Xir. K

3.8 1.6

>6.0 >6.0 >6.0 >6.0 >6.0 1.2

>6.0

Elapsed

Time

from

Flame

Impingement

on

Wall

to: B

- o 3 o

op Si

•HP

min:

sec

2:15 NR 3:10 1:45 2:25 3:05 1:55

21:40 4:00

0

c o

•H o

C* (N o w

c

>

•—1 *H

min

:

sec

1:35 NR 3:05 1:55 1:50 2:35 2:05 NR 3:45

100°C

at

TC

48

min:

sec 1

1:20 2:45 2:40 1:25 1:55 2:30 1:45

9:40\£ 3:35

Flashover

rain

:

sec

1:20 NR^

3:15 2:05 1:58 2:48 1:55 NR 3:45

Elapsed

Time

to

Flame

Impingement

on

Wall

min

:

sec

4:25 6:10 4:25 9:35 8:55

13:05 7:45 3:10

Elapsed

Time

to

0.26

OD/m

Optical

Density

At:

HSM

19

min

:

sec

4:00 4:40 4:50 5:50 6:20 7:50 8:30 4:00 2:15

HSM

14

min:

sec

3:30 4:50 4:00 4:50 5:40 5:50 7:30 4:15 2:00

Test •HtNcn^j-mvon-comiH «j

a

> <r

UJ D

66

Table

8.

Tabulation

of

Selected

Measurements

(Bedroom

Series)
APPENDIX A

Chronological Tabulation of Test Observations

Appendix A: Chronological Tabulation of Test Observations

MHBED #1

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 7-31-75

Time: 10:30 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature - 24°C (75°F)

Relative Humidity - 54%

Barametric Pressure - 760 mm (29.9 in) Hg

Wind - 8 mph (W-SW)

Generally clear, sunny

Interior Conditions

- Temperature - 23 °C (73 °F)

Relative Humidity - 54%

Interior Finish Material

Walls: 4 mm (5/32 in) thick lauan plywood, moisture content 9.5%

Ceiling: 13 mm (1/2 in) thick wood fiberboard, moisture content 8.5%

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb)

newsprint, adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) polyurethane foam

upholstered chair

OBSERVATIONS

Time

(min : sec)

0:00

0:01

0:45

1:00

1:11

1:20

1:30

1:35

2:15

2:25

2 :45

3:00

3:15

3:20

4:25

4 :40

5:00

5:10

5:15

5:45

5:50

5:50

5:55

7:40

Ignition of newsprint

Sustained burning of newsprint

Flame height - 0.3 m (1 ft) above waste container

Flame height - 0.46 m (1-1/2 ft) waste container ignited

Single station smoke detector #1 alarmed

Single station smoke detector #2 alarmed

Waste container melting and dripping onto floor

Flame height - 0.6 m (2 ft) above floor, exposure of chair

Side of chair ignited

Flame reduced to 0 . 3 m (1 ft) in height

75% of waste container destroyed

Increased involvement of chair

Flames emitted from arm and back of chair

Excessive smoke production

Intermittent flame impingement on wall

30% to 40% involvement of chair - flames are not lengthening

excessively

Stratification of smoke 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 to 4 ft) down from

ceiling

Ignition of wall behind waste can and chair

Flame front flashed to ceiling level

Flashover

Failure of bedroom windows - flames extended 0.9 - 1.2 m

(3 to 4 ft ) horizontally from window openings

Operation of sprinkler system

Termination of visual observations

Last data record

A1
Post Test Observations

1) High level of irritants in combustion by-products

2) Heavy smoke accumulation

3) Walls in bedroom sustained burning from ceiling down to 0.3 m (1 ft)

from floor

4) Ceiling in bedroom charred throughout

5) Walls charred in corridor 0.6 - 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft) down from ceiling;

2.4 m (8 ft) into the corridor

6) Pyrolysis of vinyl flooring in bedroom

7) Wall behind chair in corner did not sustain char below level

of the chair

8) Failure of both bedroom windows

MHBED #2

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 8-12-75

Time: 10:30 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature 23°C (74 °F)

Relative Humidity - 79%

Barametric Pressure 763 mm (30.02 in) Hg

Wind - 7-10 mph (N)

Clear, humid

Interior Conditions

Temperature 22 °C (72°F)

Relative Humidity - 60%

Interior Finish Material

Walls: 8 mm (5/16 in) thick printed paper gypsum board; moisture

content 12.5%

Ceiling: 8 mm (5/16 in) thick textured gypsum board; moisture

content 15%

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb)

newsprint, adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) polyurethane foam

upholstered chair

OBSERVATIONS

Time

(min : sec)

0:00

0:30

0:45

1:12

1:30

2:00

2:20

3:00

4:00

4:25

5:50

6:00

Ignition of newsprint

Flame height 0.6 m (2 ft) from floor

Reduction in flaming mode

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Ignition of fabric cover on chair

Right arm and back of chair involved

Smoke being emitted from burning chair

Burning limited to chair

Waste container melting and dripping

Slight increase in heat at observation window

Flame height lengthening to 0.9 m (3 ft)

Intermittent flame impingement on wall

A2
6:30

6:45

7:00

7:20

7:25

7:30

8:00

8:30

8:50

10:00

15:00

Clear visibility from floor to ceiling

Intermittent flame height at 1.2 m (4 ft) above

Cushion on chair ignited - smoke generation

Ignition of wall; intermittent flame height at 1.5 - 1.8 m

(5 to 6 ft) above floor

Extensive burning of chair

Low visibility

Significant increase in heat at window

Flame height at ceiling - chair fully involved

Visibility negligible

No significant observations - temperatures are dropping

Termination of observations/last data record

Post Test Observations

1) Paper burned on the two wall panels comprising the corner; no indication of any further contribution from walls or ceiling

2) Floor covering unaffect

3) Slight charring of curtains

4) No contribution from any furnishings except the test chair

5) Minimum heat transmission to exterior

6) 75% of chair burned

MHBED #3

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 8-19-75

Time: 9:30 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature - 23 °C (74 °F)

Relative Humidity - 62%

Barametric Pressure 765 mm (30.11 in) Hg

Wind 5-8 mph (S-SW)

Clear

Interior Conditions

- Temperature - 20 °C (66 °F)

Relative Humidity - 58%

Interior Finish Materials

Walls: 6.4 mm (1/4 in) thick lauan plywood, intumescent treated by

manufacturing process, moisture content 9%

Ceiling: 8 mm (5/16 in) thick textured surface gypsum board,

moisture content 13%

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb)

newsprint, adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) polyurethane foam

upholstered chair

A3
Time

(min : sec)

OBSERVATIONS

0:00

0:15

0:50

0:55

1:15

1:20

1:26

1:43

1:50

2:40

3:00

3:40

3:45

4:10

4:15

4:25

4:30

4:50

5:00

5:30

5:40

5:50

6:00

6:30

6:35

7:15

7:20

7 : 30

7:40

7:45

8:20

9:00

Ignition of newsprint

Sustained burning of newsprint

Flame height - 0.6 m (2 ft) above floor

Ignition of synthetic fabric chair cover

Waste container melting and dripping onto floor

Flame height - 0.76 m (2-1/2 ft) above floor

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Flame height - 0.9m (3 ft) above floor

Increased involvement of chair

Noticeable production of irritants

Rate of burning of chair increasing

Flame height - 1.2 m (4 ft) above floor

Right arm and back of chair involved

Slight increase in heat at observation window

Synthetic chair cover fabric melting and dripping onto floor

Flame impingement on wall

Stratification of smoke 0.5 m (1.5 ft) below ceiling

Walls adjacent to chair are charring/intumescing

Ignition of wall; no further contribution from waste container

Excessive dripping of fabric covering chair

Significant increase in heat at observation window

Extensive smoke production

20-25% involvement of chair

Flame impinging on ceiling

Excessive smoke production minimum visibility

Flame spread across ceiling to corridor entrance

Smoke extremely acrid

Failure of bedroom windows

Flashover observed

Operation of sprinkler system

Termination of observations

Last data record

Post Test Observations

1) High level of irritants in combustion by-products

2) Excessive smoke accumulation

3) Walls charred/burned from ceiling to floor in bedroom

4) Failure of ceiling along joints

5) Walls charred 0.6 - 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft) down from ceiling throughout

corridor

6) Pyrolysis of vinyl flooring in bedroom

7) 90% of cover fabric of chair destroyed; right arm, back, and cushion

of chair consumed

8) Extensive burning behind partitions

A4
MHBED #4

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 9-11-75

Time: 11:00 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature 26 °C (78 °F)

Relative Humidity 67%

Barametric Pressure 762 mm (30.01 in) Hg

Wind 10 mph (S)

Clear, humid

Interior Conditions

Temperature - 23°C (74 °F)

Relative Humidity 60%

Interior Finish Materials

Walls: 6.4 mm (1/4 in) thick lauan plywood, treated with intumescent

fire retardant treatment, moisture content 8.5%

Ceiling: 8 mm (5/16 in) thick textured surface gypsum board, moisture

content 13%

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb)

newsprint, adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) chair constructed

of cotton and polyurethane foam

OBSERVATIONS

Time

(min : sec)

0:00

0:45

1:19

1:27

1:35

2:00

3:00

3:50

4:10

4:20

4:45

5:15

5:35

6:15

6:35

6:45

7:00

7:45

8:45

9:00

9:30

9:35

10:00

10:10

Ignition of newsprint

Flame height 0.6 m (2 ft) above floor

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Ignition of chair - right arm

Waste can melting and dripping

Involvement of right arm and seat cushion of chair

Reduction in flaming mode

Slight increase in heat at observation window

Flames moving up back of chair

Smoke concentration in upper part of room Intermittent impingement of flames on wall

Increased smoke accumulation in upper part of room, but

no noticeable stratification

Increase in heat at observation window

Flame height 1.2 m (4 ft) above floor

Increased involvement of chair, slight increase in rate

of fire growth

No further contribution from waste container or newsprint

Visibility reduced at the ceiling level; neutral plane

appears to be 1.5 m (5 ft) above floor

Slight decrease in rate of burning

Rate of burning of chair increasing - polyurethane cushion

is affecting burn rate

Extensive smoke accumulation at ceiling level

Fire still confined to chair

Flame impingement on wall

Rate of fire growth increasing - radiation level

increasing

Flame height approaching ceiling level

A5
10:20

10:20

10:25

11:00

11:15

11:18

11:40

12:27

13:00

14:00

Full involvement of chair

Ignition of wall

High radiation at window

Windows in burn room failed

Corridor involved

Extensive burning of gases throughout room Flashover

Actuation of sprinkler system

Termination of observations

Last data record

Post Test Observations

1) Walls intumesced and burned from ceiling to floor

2) Failure of walls, burning extended into stud cavities and ceiling

space

3) Flashover involved walls, ceiling, furnishings and 50% of the vinyl

flooring

4) Burning of corridor walls 0.3 - 0.6 m (1 to 2 ft) down from ceiling

5) Burning above ceiling in corridor

MHBED #5

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 9-30-75

Time: 11:00 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature 15 °C (58 °F)

Relative Humidity 60%

Barametric Pressure 737 mm (29.01 in) Hg

Wind negligible

Sunny, clear

Interior Conditions

Temperature - 24°C (75°F)

Relative Humidity - 55%

Interior Finish Material

Walls: 6.4 mm (1/4 in) thick lauan plywood; moisture content 8.6%

Ceiling: 8 mm (5/16 in) thick textured surface gypsum board; moisture

content 13%

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb) newprint,

adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) chair constructed of polyurethane

foam cotton

OBSERVATIONS

Time

(min : sec)

0:00 Ignition of newsprint

0:33 Test terminated due to clock malfunction

0:00 Ignition of newsprint

0:45 Flame height 0.6 m (2 ft) above the floor

1:05 Ignition of chair

A6
1:19

1:28

2:30

3:20

4:00

4:24

5:35

6:13

6:27

7:08

7:15

7:30

7:54

8:10

8:18

8:25

8:55

9:23

9:30

9:44

10:00

10:25

10:53

11:03

11:10

11:15

12:40

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Chair burning on the side adjacent to the waste can

The polyethylene waste can melting and dripping

Flame height C.76 m (2-1/2 ft) above the floor - very little

smoke development

The arm of the chair adjacent to the waste can involved;

flame spread to the back of the chair

Flame front regressing

Noticeable smoke stratification occurring above the

1.2 m (4 ft) level

Noticeable increase in smoke obscuration

The waste can totally consumed

Flame propagating up the back of the chair

The polyurethane chair cushion ignited

The flame front progressed to the front of the chair

Noticeable heat increase observed at the observation window

Involvement of chair increasing rapidly

Visibility above the 1.2 m (4 ft) level negligible

Flame impinging on the wall

Constant flame impingement on wall

Flame 1.8 m (6 ft) above floor

Rapid heat build-up at observation window

Stratification continued with dense, dark smoke in

the upper half of the room

Ignition of wall

Flame propogation across the ceiling

Flashover occurred - bed ignited

Vinyl floor covering ignited

Manual sprinkler system was activated

Termination of test observations

Last data record

MHBED #6

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 10-15-75

Time: 11:30 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

- Temperature - 23°C (74 °F)

Relative Humidity - 51%

Barametric Pressure - 760 mm (29.90 in) Hg

Wind 5 mph (SW)

Clear

Interior Conditions

Temperature - 21°C (70°F)

Relative Humidity - 54%

Interior Finish Materials

- Walls: 4 mm (5/32 in) thick printed paper surface lauan plywood;

moisture content 8%

- Ceiling: 8 mm (5/16 in) thick textured surface gypsum board; moisture

content 13%

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb)

newsprint, adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) chair constructed of

polyurethane foam cotton

A7
Time

(min : sec)

OBSERVATIONS

0:00

1:00

1:10

1:15

1:25

2:10

2:40

4:00

4:20

4:30

5:50

6:20

7 : 00

7:05

8:00

8:45

9:30

10:40

11:30

12:45

13:05

14:00

14:35

14:50

15:05

15:25

15:45

15:50

15:53

16:00

16:05

16:10

16:20

Ignition of newprint

Ignition of side of chair

Flame height 0.6 m (2 ft) above floor

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Flame height approximately 0.9 m (3 ft) above floor

Waste container beginning to melt and drip onto floor

Flame height receding

Flame Spread laterally towards back of chair

60-70% of waste container destroyed

Increased involvement of right side of chair

Smoke stratification to approximately 1.2 m (4 ft)

above floor

Flame height nearly constant

Noticeable increase in heat level at observation window

Material in waste container no longer contributing to fire

Approximately 30% of front of chair burning

Visibility above 1.2 m (4 ft) from floor negligible

Increase in heat at observation window

Visibility above 0.3 m (1 ft) from floor negligible

High amount of smoke generation

Sustained burning of chair cushion

Flame impingement on wall

Noticeable increase in rate of fire growth

Ignition of wall adjacent to chair

Flame impingement at ceiling

Lateral flame spread across ceiling

Ignition of curtains

Vinyl asbestos floor burning

Bed ignited

Flashover

Failure of windows

Actuation of sprinkler system

Termination of test observations

Last data record

Post Test Observations

1) Fire growth characterized by excessive generation of grey/black

smoke; high quantity of irritants

2) Evidence of slight charring in the corridor

3) 80% of vinyl flooring charred

4) Walls charred from floor to ceiling throughout test compartment

5) Burn-through of wall panel behind chair

6) No evidence of extensive burn-through of walls

MHBED #7

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 11-5-75

Time: 2:45 p.m.

Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature - 27°C (80°F)

Relative Humidity - 38%

A8
Barametric Pressure - 767 mm (30.18 in) Hg

Wind - 10 mph (S-SW)

Clear and warm

Interior Conditions

- Temperature - 25°C (76°F)

Relative Humidity - 46%

Interior Finish Materials

Walls: 6.4 mm (1/4 in) thick lauan plywood, intumescent treated

by manufacturing process, moisture coontent 7.4%

Ceiling: Backside of 13 mm (1/2 in) thick fiberboard, moisture

content 7%

Ignition Source - polyethlyene waste container with 225 gm (1/2 lb)

newsprint, adjacent to 16 kg (35 lb) chair constructed of

polyurethane foam and cotton

OBSERVATIONS

Time

(min : sec)

0:00

0:30

0:45

0:55

0:55

1:10

1:30

2:30

2:45

4:00

4:15

4 : 30

5:20

6:00

7:20

7:45

8:35

8:55

9:10

9:30

9:40

9:45

9:50

9:55

11:00

Ignition of newsprint

Flame height at level of arm of chair

Initial melting of waste container

Ignition of arm of chair

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Flame height 0.3 m (1 ft) above chair

Fire confined to right side of chair

Fuel contribution from waste container reduced

Flame height 0.76 m (2-1/2 ft) above floor

Melting and dripping of waste container - 80% destroyed

Burn-through of fabric cover on chair

Noticeable increase in fire growth

Flame height 0.9 - 1.1 m (3 - 3-1/2 ft) above floor, fire

has spread to back of chair

Cushion ignited

Increase in heat flux at observation window

Flame impingement on wall; dense smoke accumulation in

upper part of room

Ignition of wall adjacent to chair

Flame impingement at ceiling

Lateral flame spread behind chair

Propagation across ceiling

Flashover

Actuation of sprinkler system

Flame spread down corridor

Termination of test observations

Last data record

Post Test Observations

1) Fire growth characterized by excessive smoke generation

2) A significant pressure increase was detected around the windows

just prior to flashover (the windows were closed), all windows

failed

3) The right arm of the chair was burned through; 30% of the urethane

cushion was destroyed

4) Failure of the ceiling assembly resulted in propagation of the fire

above the ceiling into adjacent compartments

5) The surfaces of the interior finish materials were burned down to

the floor level

6) The panel adjacent to chair was burned through as well as the wall

A9
panels along the ceiling in the corridor

7) 80-90% of the vinyl asbestos flooring was charred

8) Surface flame spread 10-12 feet down the corridor

MHBED #8

TEST CONDITIONS

Date: 8-17-77

Time: 9:35 AM

Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature - 26 °C (79 °F)

Relative Humidity - 77%

Barametric Pressure - 758 mm (29.86 in) Hg

Wind - 12 mph (SW)

Overcast

Interior Conditions

Temperature - 27 °C (81 °F)

Relative Humidity - 44%

Interior Finish Material

Walls: 13 mm (1/2 in.) thick marinite XL (moisture content 12%) over

13 mm (1/2 in) thick gypsum board (moisture content 23%)

Ceiling: Same as walls

Ignition Source - polyethylene waste container with 225 gms of newsprint

positioned adjacent to right arm of 16 kg (35 lb)

polyurethane foam upholstered chair; corner configuration

OBSERVATIONS

Ignition of newsprint

Fabric along right arm of chair beginning to char

Single station smoke detector alarmed

Initial burn- through of fabric covering chair; surface area

of chair involved is approximately .09 m

2 (1 ft2)

Polyethylene waste container beginning to melt and drip

Flame progress along right arm of chair

Some burning (slight) observed on the corner of the seat

cushion

Flame progress continued toward back of chair

Flame height approximately 1.2 m (4 ft)

Flame impingement on wall

Waste container burned down; melted polyethylene continued

to contribute fuel

Area of burn-through of right arm of chair has increased in

size

Fire intensity increased; burn-through of the right arm has

provided some venting

Fire still localized to right side of chair; flames continue

to impinge on wall

Flames began to move towards front of chair; area of burning

on cushion increased slightly

Flames have progressed behind back of chair; some involvement

of the polyurethane foam in the cushion was observed

Time

(min : sec)

0:00

0:25

0:34

1:10

1:15

1:40

2:19

2:50

3:00

3:10

3:45

4:20

5:00

6:10

8:00

9:00

A10
9:25

9:40

10:20

11:00

11:15

11:25

12:00

12:30

13:15

14:30

15:20

18:00

23:40

25:00

27:30

Flames were approximately 0 . 9 mm (3 ft) in height from

burning cushion

Flame spread across cushion and back of chair

Flame height greater than 1.2 m (4 ft); some burning

observed under chair

Most of the exposed surface area of the cushion and right

arm of chair involved

Flame impingement on ceiling

Fire spread along right arm of chair

Visibility reduced considerably

Continued flame impingement on ceiling

Flames no longer impinging on ceiling; continued rigorous

burning of cushion

Burn-through of right arm and back of chair; flame height

reduced to approximately 1.2m (4 ft) in height

Intensity of fire reduced

Chair fire burning down; visibility negligible; instrumentation indicated reduction in temperature levels in bedroom

Fire appeared confined to underside of chair

Termination of observations

Chair fire extinguished

Final data record

MHBED #13

TEST CODITIONS

Date: 10-13-77

Time: 9:30 a.m. Exterior Weather Conditions

Temperature - 11 °C (52°F)

Relative Humidity - 48%

Barametric Pressure 767 mm (30.18 in) Hg

Wind - 12 mph (N)

Partly cloudy

Interior Conditions

Temperature - 11°C (52°F)

Relative Humidity - 44%

Interior Finish Material

Walls: 13 mm (1/2 in) thick unpainted gypsum board with taped

and spackled joints; moisture content 11%

Ceiling: Same as walls

Ignition Source - 24.5 kg (54 lb) bed, consisting of 102 mm (4 in)

thick polyurethane foam mattress over a coil box

spring. Bed included typical bedding accessories:

sheets, pillows; and was ignited by remote ignition

of 280 gm of newsprint placed on the pillows and sheet

(ordinary newspaper folded once) . Bed positioned in

southeast corner of room. OBSERVATIONS

Time

(min : sec)

0:00 Ignition of newsprint

0:30 One pillow has ignited; flame spreading across surface

of pillow and newsprint

All
1:00

1:45

1:50

2:15

2:30

3:00

3:15

3:30

3 : 4 0

3:43

3:45

4:00

4:10

4:20

4:30

5:15

5 : 4 0 6:10

6:15

Pooling of liquid from melting polyester

Flames are contained to the pillows; some black colored

smoke being emitted

Mattress involved; flames 1.5 m (5 ft) above floor

Flames have spread across the entire exposed surface

of both pillows; dense black colored smoke has accumulated

at the ceiling.

Intermittent flame height has reached 1.8 m (6 ft) above floor

Constant flame impingement on ceiling; some lateral flame

spread across ceiling

Flame spread across ceiling more extensive

Ignition of crumbled newspaper located at foot of bed

Top surface of bed fully involved - radiant ignition of

the lower part of the bed occurred

Ignition of the two pieces of crumbled newspaper located

on the floor in front of the bed

Flashover

Burning of combustion gases down to the level of the

observation window, approximately 0.6 m (2 ft) above floor

Windows in bedroom cracked; observation windows have become

distorted

Visibility negligible with the exception of the flames

from the burning bed

Visibility zero Apparent reduction in fire intensity, bed still burning

Actuation of sprinkler system

Last data record

Termination of test observations

Post Test Observations

1) Walls and ceiling charred throughout room

2) Mattress consumed, most of coil box spring consumed

3) Crumbled newspaper located on floor in doorway showed no indication

of char.

4) Some damage to wall and ceiling surface just outside room in corridor,

no indication that damage extended significantly down the corridor

A12
APPENDIX B

Plotted Test Data Illustrating Key Changes in

Measured Conditions

c

(TC

14)

DECREES

C

(TC

14)

SECONDS

fll. Gas Temperature and Incident Heat Flux Measured in Center of Bedroom

SECONDS

SECONDS

B2. Gas Temperature and Incident Heat. Flux Measured in Center of Bedroom

B1

WATTS

PER

SO

CM

(RAD

1)

WATTS

PER

SO

CM

(RAD

1)
DEGREES

C

(TC

14)

DEGREES

C

(TC

14)

SECONDS

0 100 ZOO 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 10005-0

4.0

3-0

2.0

1.0

0.0

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 SECONDS

B3. Gas Temperature and Incident Heat Flux Measured in Center of Bedroom

SECONDS

0 100 ZOO 300 400 300 600 700 @00 900 1000 1000 -

-

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

ZOO

100

0

0 100 200 300 400 §00 §M 700 @00 900 1000 SECONDS

B4. Gas Temperature and Incident Heat Flux Measured In Center of Bedroom

B2

WATTS

PER

SO

CM

(RAD

1)

WATTS

PER

SO

CM

(RAD

1)
DECREES C

(TC

14)

DECREES C

(TC

14)

SECONDS

SECONDS

WATTS

PER

SO

CM

(RAD

1)

WATTS

PER

SQ

CM

(RAD

1)
DEGftfES

C

(TC

14 )

DEGREES

C

(TC

14 )

SECONDS

SECONDS

B8. Gas Temperature and Incident Heat Flux Measured in Center of Bedroom

B4

WATTS

PER

SO

CM

(RAD

1)

WATTS

PER

SQ

CM

(RAD )1
PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO,)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

DEGREES

C

(TC

14)

SECONDS

B9. Gas Temperature and Incident Heat Flux Measured in Center of Bedroom

SECONDS

0 100 200 300 <00 500 600 700 800 900 1000

B10. CO and CO

2 (% concentration) and O

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Bedroom

B5

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)

WATTS

PER

SQ

CM

(RAD

1)
PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO,)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO,)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

lS -0

SECONDS

100 200 300 400 500 600

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 T

700 BOO 900

i 1 1 1 r

100010-0

20.0 - 8.0

15-0 6-0

10.0 -

CO 20. CO, 21. 0, 22 - BED ROOM - TEST 2 O CO 20 A CO, 21 + 0, 22 4.0

5-0 -

0.0

100 200 300 400 SOO 600 SECONDS

700 BOO 900

Bll. CO and CO,, (% concentration) and 0

^ (% depletion) Measured in Center of“Bedroom

2.0

1000

SECONDS

B6

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)
PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO.)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0.)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(COJ

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

SECONDS

B13. CO and CO^ (% concentration) and O

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Bedroom

SECONDS

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 000 900 1000

B14. CO and CO^ (% concentration) and 0

^ (% depletion) Measured in Center of Bedroom

B7

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)
PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(COJ

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(COJ

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

SECONOS

B15. CO and C0

2 (% concentration) and 0^ (% depletion) Measured in Center of Bedroom

SECONDS

0 IOO 200 300 <00 500 600 TOO 800 900 1000

B16. CO and C0

2 (% concentration) and 0„ (% depletion) Measured in Center of Bedroom

B8

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)
25-0

SECONDS

500 BOO 900 100C

10-0

- 20.0 - B.O

o.wo

5150 h

IXUl

o.

8 10.0

CO 20. OD, 21. 0, 22 - BED ROOM

© CO 20 A CO, 21 + 0, 22

TEST 8

- 6-0

- 4.0

5'2

5-0

g

0.0 <p Ol

-.2.0

-©-T®—<> BOO 900

0.0

1000

B17 . CO and COj (% concentration) and Oj (% depletion) Measured in Center of Bedroom

SECONDS

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

B9

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)

PERCENT

CONCENTRATION

(CO)
TOC-RATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN-PPM'

-*)

TOC-RATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN^PPM

1-")

75000 r

60000 -

(5000 -

SOOOO

15000

75000 r

60000

15000 -

0 L

SECONDS

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

SECONDS

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 000 900 1000

SECONDS i 03f

. B20. CO (% concentration), Time-Rated CO Accumulation (ppm * min),

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

BIO

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0*)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0*)
me-HATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN-PPM**

-)

1ME-8ATE0

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN-PPM

1-*)

15000 r

60000 -

45000 -

30000 -

15000 -

0 too 200 300 400 $0® 500 100 ®00 900 2 000 SECONDS

15000

SOOOO

15000

IOOOO

15000

B21 . CO (% concentration), Time-Rated CO Accumulation (ppm

1,036

min),

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

SECONDS

B22. CO (% concentration), Time-Rated CO Accumulation (ppm1,036

min).

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

Bll

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(Oj)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0*)
TIME-RATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN-PPM*"")

TlbC-RATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MW»PPM'“)

TSOOO r

60000 -

30000 -

16000 -

SECONDS

and O

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

tsooo r

60000

16000 -

SECONDS

0 100 200 900 400 500 600 TOO 600 900 1000

B24. CO (% concentration), Time-Rated CO Accumulation (ppm^"*^ min),

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

B12

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0,)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(OJ
TIME-RATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN-PPM’

-*)

TIME-RATED

CO

ACCUMULATION

(MIN-PPM'*

)

7SOOO r

60000 -

45000 -

30000 -

15000 -

SECONDS

0 too 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

B25. CO (% concentration), Time-Rated CO Accumulation (ppm1,036 min),

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured In Center of Living Room

7sooo r

15000

SECONDS

B26. CO (% concentration), Time-Rated CO Accumulation (ppm

1 min),

and 0

2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

B13

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0»)

PERCENT

DEPLETION

(0»)
tsooo r

60000 - r

S 45000 -

*90000 -

,15000 -

SECOKIS

and ©2 (% depletion) Measured in Center of Living Room

SECONDS

0 100 200 30® 400 S00 600 700 800 S00 1000

B28. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

B14

0D/M

PERCENT

DEPLETION

<0»)
SECONDS

B29. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

SECONDS

B30. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

B15

OD/M

OD/M
SECONDS

131. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

SECONDS

0 JiO 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

832. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

B16
SECONDS

B33. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

SECONDS

B34. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room B17

00/M

QD/M
SECONDS

B35. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

SECONDS

B36. Smoke Density (OD/m) Measured in the Center of the Corridor

and in the Living Room

B18

OD/M

OD/M
APPENDIX C

Range and Limits of Error for Instrumentation

APPENDIX

C.

RANGE

AND

LIMITS

OF

ERROR

FOR

INSTRUMENTATION

u

oBw

440

©

4-1 1

&M

© Oo N«n

t n

+ ! +1

o

60

«d

4)Uw

3 4> « 0)

00G

•H

60c

t4

a, 60 60 60 "0 •a

4J a c G (0 at 3 3 <0 0) <u © h n u u

44 4-1 4-1 <4-4 44 44 © o o o o O

iW S'? 6-e N S'? © N. m. ©i. iH) H.

1—

1

+ 1 + 1 + 1 +1 + !

r> *H CM CM CM CM

»*» B B e 6 O 0 o o u OH X • e © 38 o CM O o o u sHI CM CM CM cn m 1 i © CM a ® • • O O m CM CM CM CM

m

u

fll o

3

-omG

m

uH

X

3

rl

lb N n

r-. pH m CT\ CM ffv. u in V© cn (0 m r>» O CM M

N O CM cn <U cn cn =%= 4J

ai md

4—

*

«H X

o cn CM CM <r a> CM CM i CM <M M

CD 1 8 CM 1! || 9 ctf o O o CM CM 6 O o o U O O C/i

cio G

-HT3

ta

<uu

6-? o

?l

I o

Cl

Load

Cell

-225

to

+225

kg

+0.1%

of

reading
NBS-114A (REV. 7-73)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSXR 78-1531

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Mobile Home Bedroom Fire Studies:

The Role of Interior Finish

2. Gov’t Accession

No.

3. Recipient’s Accession No.

5. Publication Date September 1978

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(S) , E. K. Budnick, David P. Klein and Robert J. O'Laughlin

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Project/Task/Work Unit No. 7526389

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Complete Address (Street, City, States ZIP

)

, Division of Energy, Building Technology and Standards

Office of Policy Development and Research

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Washington, D.C. 20410

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

Interim Report

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

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

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.) k Series of nine full-SCale fire tests Was conducted

in the master bedroom of a typically constructed single-wide mobile home to (1) evaluate

the effect of a variety of combinations of wall and ceiling materials on fire growth

and spread and the production of smoke and toxic gases when exposed to an incidental

fire, and (2) determine the relationship between the surface flame spread properties

of the interior finish material as determined by the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test and behavior

of the materials under actual full-scale conditions.

The primary fire scenario selected was the exposure of the interior finish materials to an incidental fire from a burning upholstered chair in a corner in the master

bedroom. Performance of the various combinations of wall and ceiling materials was evaluated on the basis of (1) whether and at what time flashover was reached, and

(2) changes in the environment outside the bedroom which adversely affect life safety.

Measurements included gas temperatures, irradiance, concentrations of carbon monoxide

and carbon dioxide, oxygen depletion, and smoke densities.

Supplemental testing indicated that while the fire properties of the interior

finish materials played a dominant role in spreading an incidental fire from a chair,

the impact of the interior finish materials was less evident when the exposure fire was from the burning of a polyurethane mattress, which provided an exposure fire of greater

intensity. When a bed was used instead of the chair as the initial burning item,

flashover occurred in the room from involvement of the mattress and bedding materials,

with no apparent contribution from the low flame spread interior finish.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first tetter of the first key word unless a proper name; separated by semicolons) ASTM E—84 Tunnel Test; fire growth; fire tests; flame spread;

flashover; incidental fire; interior finish; life safety; mattress; mobile home;

radiant heat flux; room fires; upholstered chairs.

18. AVAILABILITY Unlimited

( For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

[31] Order From Sup. of Doc., U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402, SD Cat. No. C 1 3

HT! Order F rom National Technical Information Service (NTIS)

Springfield, Virginia 22151

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

UNCL ASSIF1ED

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

21. NO. OF PAGES

108

22. Price

$6.50

USCOMM-DC 2 9042- P