SEDL / STP / STP464-EB / STP44712S

Temperature Criteria at Failure

Gustaferro, A H
Manager, Fire Research Section, Portland Cement Association Research and Development Laboratories, Skokie, Ill.

Pages: 17    Published: Jan 1970

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Abstract

ASTM Methods E 119 designate several temperature criteria as end points for fire tests. In tests of walls, floors, and roofs, the temperature rise of the unexposed surface is limited to 250 F average or 325 F at any one point. Steel temperatures are limited in tests of certain types of elements. This paper examines the background for these temperature limits by reviewing published data; new data are presented in some cases. The unexposed surface temperature criteria should be re-examined. Limiting steel temperatures are not valid for structural members in which the stresses are altered significantly by the effects of fire.