What ASTM is equivalent to BS 476 ?

Title: What ASTM is Equivalent to BS 476? A Comprehensive Comparison

Building materials and structures are essential elements of our daily lives, and their fire resistance plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of occupants and the surrounding areas. To assess the fire performance of these materials, various fire testing standards have been developed, including ASTM and BS 47While both standards aim to evaluate the fire resistance of materials and structures, there are significant differences in their testing procedures, acceptance criteria, and regulatory contexts. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between ASTM and BS 476, highlighting some of their similarities and differences.

What is ASTM and What is BS 476?

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and BS 476 (British Standards Institution) are two significant organizations that develop and publish fire testing standards for building materials and structures. ASTM is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes standards for materials, including fire testing, while BS 476 is a part of the British Standards Institution that outlines fire testing requirements for building materials and structures.

ASTM E119 and BS 476-7

ASTM E119 is a standardized test method for evaluating the fire resistance of building materials, which includes tests for fire spread, load-bearing capabilities, and surface. The test involves exposing a specimen to a fire, measuring the specimen's response to the fire, and evaluating its ability to maintain structural stability, integrity, and insulation.

BS 476-7, on the other hand, is a comprehensive set of fire tests for building materials and structures. It includes various parts that address different fire safety aspects, such as fire resistance, flammability, and smoke generation. BS 476-7 Part 20, in particular, is focused on the classification and method of test for external fire exposure to roofs.

Some Alignment between ASTM and BS 476

While ASTM and BS 476 are not directly equivalent, there have been some efforts to align certain test methods and criteria. For example, ASTM E84 is often compared to BS476-Both tests evaluate the spread of flame characteristics of building materials and provide information on the performance in fire situations.

Comparing ASTM and BS 476

Comparing ASTM and BS 476 requires considering their differences in terms of testing procedures, acceptance criteria, and regulatory contexts. Firstly, the temperature and fire curves used in testing differ between ASTM and BS 47ASTM E119 uses standardized time-temperature curves, such as the ISO 834 or ASTM E1529 curve, to represent realistic fire scenarios. In contrast, BS 476 Part 20 uses a predefined fire curve based on historical data from real fires in the UK.

Secondly, the testing procedures for evaluating the fire performance of materials differ between ASTM and BS 47ASTM E119 and BS 476-7 both require the use of standardized fire test equipment, such as fire test burners, smoke hoods, and thermal imaging cameras. However, the testing procedures for evaluating the fire performance of materials differ. For example, ASTM E119 requires the use of a 25-foot smoke column, while BS 476-7 Part 20 requires the use of a 2-foot smoke column.

Finally, the acceptance criteria for the fire performance of materials differ between ASTM and BS 47ASTM E119 and BS 476-7 both require the materials to maintain their fire resistance for a specified duration, such as 30 minutes. However, the acceptance criteria for the fire performance of materials differ. For example, ASTM E119 requires the materials to maintain their fire resistance to the end of the test, while BS 476-7 Part 20 requires the materials to maintain their fire resistance for a specified duration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while ASTM and BS 476 are both significant organizations that develop and publish fire testing standards for building materials and structures, there are significant differences between them. While some efforts have been made to align certain test methods and criteria, the temperature and fire curves used in testing, the testing procedures for evaluating the fire performance of materials, and the acceptance criteria for the fire performance of materials differ between ASTM and BS 47Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of each standard when evaluating the fire performance of building materials and structures.